MMS boys squeak by Hillsboro in overtime
Marion Middle School Wildcats played a heart-stopping game at home Monday night against Hillsboro.
Marion dominated the first half, with seven unanswered points in the first five minutes of play. They were up 19-11 at the half.
"Marion built a solid lead early in the second half behind solid defense and a good running game," said Coach Kelly Robson.
Hillsboro began to use their size advantage and pulled even late in the third quarter. The lead see-sawed back and forth in the fourth quarter before Marion tied the game with a free throw in the final minute. At the end of regulation play, the score was tied 32-all.
Marion took the lead in the six-minute overtime period with a lay-up and free throw by Travis Hett, sending Hillsboro home with a score of 37-34.
Jason Hett was leading scorer with 19 points. Kyle Hett had eight.
B-team
The B-team battled from behind most of the evening despite 16 points by Austin Hager.
Marion was behind at the half and came within two points after the third quarter, 18-20.
The Wildcats scored four points in the fourth quarter but Hillsboro kept the ball and ended with a four-point lead over the Wildcats, 24-28.
C-team
The Wildcats were tied 2-all at the end of the first quarter and pulled out to a nine-point lead in the second quarter.
A scoreless third quarter allowed the Hillsboro boys a chance to catch up and the game ended with Hillsboro winning, 16-23.
Matt Kirkpatrick was high scorer with six points. Clay Riggs and John Barr each had four.
Wichita Independent
Marion opened the second half of the season Jan. 9 at Wichita Independent.
The Wildcats got off to a slow start against Independent's 1-3-1 zone, but held Wichita to a scoreless second quarter, going to the locker room 19-11 at the half.
"The Wildcats eventually got their running game going and completely dominated the second half," said Coach Kelly Robson.
The game ended with the Wildcats on top of a 45-19 score. Jason Hett was leading scorer with 17 points and Travis Hett had 16.
The Wildcats have an 8-1 record.
B-team
The Marion B-team ended the first quarter behind by two, 6-8. Despite Austin Hager's 15 points, the Wildcats couldn't get around Independent and the game ended with a score of 26-44. Independent dominated the game with eight three-pointers.
The Wildcats hold on to a 5-4 record.
C-team
Marion Wildcats came out close in the first quarter, but cold shooting and turnovers cost them the game, 13-29.
John Barr scored six points and Matt Kirkpatrick had three. The C-team has a 2-4 record.
