Staff writer
The Marion High School boys basketball team defeated Peabody-Burns, 37-27, Tuesday in the first round of the Marion Classic Tournament in Marion.
Sophomore point guard Jordan Hett poured in 19 points for the Warriors on 6-for-13 shooting.
Hett scored from all over the floor. He dribbled into the middle of the lane and pulled up for 15-foot jump shots. He camped in the corners or at the top of the key to nail 3-pointers that would barely skim the rim. He also had no problem driving, often getting to the line. He shot 4-for-4 from the charity stripe.
Hett’s performance was emblematic of an improved offensive effort from the Warriors. Marion was active on the fast break, taking any one of the Peabody’s 24 turnovers or the 16 steals created the distance of the court for a layup.
The Warriors effort on the glass equaled Peabody with 27 rebounds. Keeping Peabody from gaining second chance opportunities, allowed Marion to sustain a 10-point lead throughout the game. Senior Dane Purkeypile grabbed 7 boards and fellow senior Jordan Versch was just behind him with 6.
Purkeypile and Jacob Harper added a dimension to the Warriors offense by driving into the lane or along the baseline and then kicking the ball to open jump shooters.
The Warriors shot 31 percent from the field for the game but shot 40 percent in the first half.
Other scores
Girls
Eureka — 53
Belle Plaine — 32
Boys
Eureka — 45
Belle Plaine — 54