Staff writer
With wins over Halstead and Remington on Dec. 1 and 3 in Marion, all three Wildcat squads bring their records to at least 5-2.
Defense was the key factor in every victory. Marion Middle School boys head coach Kelly Robson said the pressure defense of both the A and B teams directly led to wins.
The A team defeated Remington, 40-16, with a balanced scoring effort — Caleb Williams, James Jones, and Trever Kinnersley each had seven points. The Wildcats were equally strong against Halstead, winning 47-34 with the help of a 20-point effort by Kinnersley.
Robson said that the team’s effort against Halstead was its best of the season.
“Marion blew open a close game with dominating performance in the second quarter,” he said. “The defense was intense and showed great hustle. The offense was patient and took advantage of the strengths of the team.”
The A team is now 5-2 on the season.
Marion’s B and C teams were even more dominant, earning victories in both matchups. Both teams are 6-1 on the season.
The B team Wildcats defeated Remington, 36-12. Robson said that the team’s full-court pressure eventually allowed them to dominate the scoreboard.
The B team defeated Halstead 45-28.
“Marion’s height advantage was just too much for the visitors,” Robson said. “This team continues to grow in their skills. Their passing is improving quickly and they are gradually beginning to understand more about the entire game.”
Bret Voth scored double digits in both games — 11 against Remington and 14 against Halstead.
The C team won a lopsided contest against Remington, 37-8, but barely eked out a win against Halstead, 32-30, in overtime.
Grif Case was the buzzer-beating hero for the Wildcats against Halstead, hitting a 3-pointer as time expired in overtime to seal a Wildcat victory.