MORAN — Gavin Cole challenged his Marmaton Valley High girls squad to reward themselves Monday for a season of hard work, that up to now, had borne little fruit.
The Wildcats did just that, roaring out of the gates to a 17-2 lead over outmanned Altoona-Midway in a 46-25 victory.
The win is the third of the season for Marmaton Valley.
“The girls have never stopped trying,” Cole said. “I’m especially happy for our seniors.”
The Wildcats were effective at finding good shots throughout, and it usually didn’t matter who did the shooting.
All five starters scored in the first quarter, nobody more than four, as the Wildcats pushed ahead by 15.
The Jets responded in the second quarter, behind the play of guard Ashley Caylor, whose dribble penetration offered up the visitors’ best scoring chances.
The score stood at 25-12 at the break before the Wildcats’ Kaitlyn Ensminger took over in the second half. Ensminger scored eight of Marmaton Valley’s 13 points in the period as they extended their lead to 38-18.
Ensminger and Kyla Drake shared scoring honors with 12 apiece. Ensminger also had seven rebounds. Emily Meiwes followed with nine points, and Misty Storrer eight points and 12 rebounds.
“Misty really played well for us, and Kyla did a good job of pushing the ball down the floor,” Cole said. “I’m happy to see our freshmen are getting better as the season progresses.”
Caylor led Altoona-Midway with seven points.
Marmaton Valley wraps up the regular season Thursday at home against West Franklin.
The Wildcats likely will begin Class 1A, Division I substate playoffs action next week at Southern Coffey County. Substate pairings will be announced Wednesday.
Altoona-Midway (2-10-6-7—25)
Marmaton Valley (17-8-13-8—46)
Altoona-Midway (FG/3pt-FT-F-TP): Caylor 5-0-1-10, Good 3-0-3-6, Mitchell 0-0-2-0, Gesiot 1-0-1-2, Graham 2/1-0-2-7, Dixon 0-0-1-0. TOTALS: 11/1-0-10-25.
Marmaton Valley (FG-FT-F-TP): Ensminger 6-0-1-12, Pinkerton 1-1-1-3, Stevenson 0-0-1-0, Storrer 3-2-2-8, Drake 5-2-2-12, Meiwes 4-1-1-9, Lutz 1-0-0-2. TOTALS: 20-6-8-46
MV girls soar past Jets
