Pats fall short against Devils

Marion hoops looking to regain winning form in 2020 By Tyler Bennett

Marion School District Conference season did not begin the way the Patriots would have hoped, dropping both games on Friday night in front of a capacity crowd at Patriot Arena. While the night did not end the way either Marion team wanted, they gained valuable experience that could help the Pats as the season progresses.

The night started with the Lady Patriots (7-9 overall, 0-1 conference) losing a tough back-and-forth game with the Lady Blue Devils (12-3, 1-0).

The Lady Devils led by eight at the half, but Marion’s transition game in the second half gave them the lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Seniors Joi Montgomery and Keiana Delaney, junior Jala Henderson, and sophomores Jessica Robins and Daedrianna Cail all made an impact on fast break opportunities. The transition offense was Marion’s best counter to the three-pointers and paint attack of the Lady Devils.

The two teams traded possession of the lead in the final three minutes of the game.

Lady Devil senior Tiera Bradley made a go-ahead layup with six seconds left but the Lady Pats could not answer. The 50-48 win was the Lady Devils’ second straight win at Patriot Arena.

Up next was the boys’ game between the Patriots (4-9, 0-1) and the Blue Devils (11-3,1-0).

Marion did a good job holding Auburn commit Chris Moore to a modest nine points after scoring seven in the first quarter, but the game was decided by the Devils’ size advantage and their ability to shoot the long-ball.

Marion did not shoot many threes in the game, but made three of their attempts.

However, the Devils made five threes, all at momentum-killing times. They were led by senior Immanual Hoard with 15 points including two three-pointers.

One concern for the Patriots moving forward is the question of secondary scoring options. Senior Detrick Reeves was the only Patriot in double-figures with twenty-three points. He also scored all ten of Marion’s fourth quarter points.

The closest to Reeves in the scorebook was junior Darrius Waterford with seven points, followed by senior Makyi Boyce with six.

The 52-43 loss ended Marion’s two-game winning streak over the Blue Devils.