UNIONTOWN — A pivotal second quarter saw Uniontown High’s boys seize control against arch rival Marmaton Valley Friday.
The Eagles led just 13-11 before assuming full control of their contest with a 20-4 run that spanned the second period in a 56-41 win in the season opener for both squads.
“We just didn’t play well at all,” Marmaton Valley head coach Denny Lasley said. “We tried to force things on offense and wound up making bad passes.”
Lasley estimated that three-quarters of his team’s field goals came on one-on-one plays or rebounds, and only a handful came from running a set offense.
“Hats off to Uniontown,” Lasley said. “They played tough.”
Lasley said he was pleased with several newcomers to varsity action, such as Ryan Smith, Gage Stewart and Jimmy Frye, each of whom contributed valuable minutes.
Brenton Esslinger led a balanced scoring attack for Uniontown with 15 points, followed by Zach Travis with 12 and Ryan Ramsey with 11.
“We did some good things tonight,”said Eagle head coach Nathan Hinrichs. “We are still a young team that has a long ways to go.”
Dalton Houk scored 14 to lead Marmaton Valley, while Zach Louk added 12. Cole Becker pulled down seven rebounds, while Landon Hammond had eight points, three steals and three assists.
Uniontown travels to Humboldt on Tuesday for a preseason tournament contest against the host Cubs. Marmaton Valley hosts its own preseason tournament and will take on Oswego Tuesday.
Marmaton Valley (11-4-13-13—41): Smith 0-0-1-0, Lewis 0-2-5-2, Louk 5-2-0-12, Houk 6-2-3-14, Hammond 3-2-4-8, Becker 0-2-5-2, Frye 0-1-1-1, Stewart 1-0-0-2. TOTALS: 15-11-19-41.
Uniontown (13-20-14-9—56) (FG/3pt): Ramsey 1/2-3-2-11, Travis 2/2-2-3-12, Wiley 3-0-4-6, Hall 0-0-3-0, Kuns 2-1-3-5, Robinson 2-0-2-4, Esslinger 5/1-2-2-15. TOTALS: 15/6-8-19-56.
Eagle boys handle Wildcats
