ST. PAUL — Momentary lapses proved costly for Marmaton Valley High’s boys Tuesday.
“There were times defensively when we would make them work the ball around 30 or 40 seconds before they could get a shot,” Wildcat coach Tim Stinnett said. “Then we’d forget to box out, and they’d score anyway.”
Those lapses allowed host St. Paul High to pull away late in a 70-55 win.
The loss drops Marmaton Valley to 1-7 on the season.
“I saw some good things tonight,” Stinnett said. “At times we looked pretty good offensively. St. Paul is pretty good. They’re long and they can play.”
The Indians led 22-11 after one quarter and 37-27 at halftime.
Marmaton Valley pulled to within 47-41 midway through the third quarter before St. Paul closed the period with an 8-0 run to open a 55-51 cushion.
Carlos Gonzales led the Wildcats with 14 points, five assists and four steals. Cole Becker followed with 12 points, six assists and four steals. Nathan Smart had eight points and four rebounds. Ryan Smith scored six points, as did Brady Newman. Levi Ramsey scored four points, Chance Stevenson scored three and Michael Genn had two.
The Wildcats resume play next week at the Southeast Lancer Classic. Marmaton Valley plays host Southeast of Cherokee at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.
St. Paul pulls away from Wildcat boys
