Warriors drop two games during homecoming week
Sports reporter
Two losses this past week extended Marion High School boys' basketball team's losing streak to three games and gave the Warriors a 5-12 overall record.
At 3-5 in the Mid-Central Activities Association, the last three games on the schedule become must-wins.
"There is just no rest in this league," head coach Rex Ostmeyer said. "We have to play well every night to give us a chance to win."
Against Hesston Feb. 7 the Warriors did play well for the first three quarters, leading 26-20.
The Swathers then took over, outscoring MHS 26-14 in the quarter, taking the game, 46-40.
"It was a combination of us relaxing on defense and them getting some early confidence in the fourth quarter," Ostmeyer said. "I'm not sure if we even got a defensive stop in the fourth quarter."
Jason Hett led Marion with a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds.
Calvin Jeffrey helped out on the offensive end with 10 points and three assists.
The Lyons Lions came to town Friday for homecoming, sporting a 13-2 record.
Ostmeyer knew the Lions would come out firing.
"They've got five guys that can score," he said. "That makes it extremely difficult to play them."
One of those five was MCAA leading scorer Blaine Clark, who erupted for 29 points and helped Lyons claim the victory, 68-49. Kevin Sechrist and Cameron Simms each added 14 points.
MHS hung with the Lions early as the game was tied at eight.
But an 8-3 Lyons run gave them a lead they would never relinquish. By halftime the lead was extended to 39-22.
A three-pointer by Jeffrey late in the third quarter capped off a 9-2 run, and cut the lead to 52-36.
But Lyons scored the final bucket of the third quarter, and outscored MHS 14-13 in the final frame to take the victory.
Lyons proved once again their offense is one of the best in the MCAA.
"That's why they are top-five in the state and should contend for a state championship," Ostmeyer said.
Jason Hett recorded his second double-double in a row with 14 points and 12 rebounds, and Travis Hett chipped in with 13 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
Ostmeyer knows teams around the league don't know what to expect from Marion, but he hopes their opponents this week see the team the Warriors were early on in league play.
"Everybody tells me how dangerous we are and how we can beat people," he said. "I'd rather beat people than everyone be scared of us."
The Warriors traveled Tuesday to Halstead and play host Friday to Haven.
Junior varsity
MHS junior varsity team is on a two-game win streak after defeating Lyons Friday 55-40, and Herington Saturday, 86-20.
Justin Heidebrecht scored 24 points against Herington, Chase Carlson had 20, and Luke Gordon added 13.
