By John Raffel
Correspondent
MARION – Marion’s girls basketball team defeated Mason County Eastern on Feb. 16 with a 52-30 verdict.
“Our energy wasn’t there at the start of the game but we were still leading until a buzzer beating three at the end of the first put MCE ahead 9-8,” Marion coach Brian Miller said. “We were a step slow both physically and mentally at the beginning but things began to click in the second period. Paced by 3-pointers from Maddy Bell, Maddy Sutten and Jacelyn Moggo and some strong rebounding from Bonnie Kiger, the Eagles scored 17 points in the quarter to lead 25-16 at the half.
“At the beginning of the second half we committed some senseless fouls that really slowed our momentum and the pace of the game. With the defense out of sorts, the offense lost its rhythm as well as different athletes were shuffled in and out of the game. The Eagles outscored the Cardinals 7-6 in the quarter to take a 32-22 lead into the final stanza.”
In the fourth, Maddy Bell heated up with 11 points.
“We started attacking the basket the way we should and the opportunities opened up,” Miller said. “Mia Krause was able to get into the scoring column for the first time with a couple of baskets on offensive rebounds which really lifted our energy level. The Eagles were able to post 20 points in the quarter.
“We had three girls with four fouls and Maddy Sutten eventually fouled out so Mia and Austin Sandelius played some extended important minutes. Austin’s defense keeps getting better and we don’t lose anything from a defensive perspective when she gets in there. Those two girls have shown tremendous improvement throughout the season.”
Scoring for Marion: Bell 23, Moggo 13, Jolly 5, Sutten 5, Krause 4, and Kiger 2.