MMS boys lose to Centre
Marion Middle School kicked off its boys' basketball season Monday at Centre, dropping the A-team and B-team contests, but picking up a win in the C-team tilt.
Centre's offense bolted out of the starting gates in the A-team contest, with the Cougars canning their first five shots from the floor.
Full-court pressure by the Cougars, and Wildcat turnovers, kept Marion from establishing any offensive flow until late in the game.
MMS head coach Kelly Robson indicated first-game jitters played a part in the Wildcats' shooting woes.
Les Riggs was the top scorer for the Wildcats with 8, and Jordan Versch contributed 3 points.
Marion started well in the B-team contest, building a 10-4 lead by the end of the first quarter.
The Cougars chipped away at the Wildcat lead, as Marion struggled to make good passes against full-court pressure. Center took a 14-10 lead into the locker room at halftime.
After being held scoreless in the second quarter, Marion returned the favor in the third, holding the Cougars scoreless as the Wildcats reclaimed the lead, 17-14.
The Cougars reasserted themselves defensively in the final quarter, holding the Wildcats to 2 points. Centre forged ahead to win the game, 22-19.
Robson cited David Helmer and Scott Jones for their rebounding efforts against the taller Cougars. Scott Jones led Wildcat scorers with 7 points, followed by Adam Molleker with 4.
In a C-team game shortened to two quarters, it was Marion's turn to get off to a fast start, staking itself to a 6-0 lead, on the way to an 8-4 victory.
Derek Stuchlik and Michael Kirkpatrick did a good job with ball-handling duties for the Wildcats, according to Robson.
The Wildcats will be in action again Thursday, when they host Ellinwood at Marion Elementary School gymnasium at 4:30 p.m.
