Sports editor
Julia Zeiner scored 21 points and Lindsay Hett scored 15 Friday to lead four Warriors in double figures during Marion High School’s 68-39 non-league victory against the Council Grove Braves.
“They came out and were ready to play, and they didn’t take their foot off the gas until we called them off,” said MHS head coach Randy Savage.
The former Cottonwood Valley League mates hooked up on the court at Marion’s USD 408 Sports and Aquatics Center for the first time since 2004.
It was the best game statistically for MHS (3-1, 7-6) since a 71-26 victory Dec. 12 against Eureka in the second round of the Marion Classic.
The Warriors knocked down 25-of-51 shots for the game including 11-of-21 in the second half.
Zeiner had her 21 on 9-of-14 shooting, while Hett’s seven makes in eight attempts at the free-throw line, despite having a knot on her head for much of the game after a collision, helped MHS to an 18-of-23 mark from the charity stripe. Kayley Heerey was 6-of-7 from the line for a total of 12 points.
The Warriors out-rebounded Council Grove 32-23.
“We did a nice job of boxing out, and a good job going to the line,” Savage said.
MHS led by five after the first quarter, and 37-20 at the half, thanks to 15 points from the junior Zeiner.
Kristen Steinborn also was in double figures with 10 points. It was the most points in a game this season for Steinborn since she scored 15 in the Eureka victory.
“Kristen got out on the front of things and ran, and that’s what we need to do,” Savage said. “We need to have every one try and keep up with us.”
Whitney Gordon was halfway to a double-double as well, with 10 rebounds and six points. She leads the team with an average of 6.6 rebounds per game.
On the defensive side, the Warriors caused 31 turnovers and had 26 steals — a game-high six from Bridget Lundy.
“We’ve got to pressure the ball all the time,” Savage said. “It’s difficult for any point guard when someone is harassing you all the time.”
The coach was pleased with his team’s performance, and while he said there always are things to work on, this game provided the team a much-needed spark.
The Warriors have just six games left this season before playing host to a 3A sub-state tournament. However, the first game of the tournament is at the site of the home team, so every victory from here on out is crucial.
“If we play like that (the rest of the way) I’ll be comfortable that when the game is over we gave it our best shot,” Savage said.
At 3-1 in the league, the Warriors trail only Collegiate, Hesston, and Haven in MCAA standings.