Eagles Handle Pilots, 65-43
The Magnolia Blue Eagles raced out to a commanding 17-0 run in the first period, held a 41-8 advantage over the River Pilots at the break and never looked back in a 65-43 victory Jan. 14 inside the MHS HammerDome.
The Blue Eagles’ Spencer Campbell tallied 21 first-half points and the Magnolia bench would net 19 markers in the second half to pace the victory. All but one player who dressed for Magnolia scored as the Eagles called off the dogs early.
“We got in a hole early and it was too much,” said Pilot Head Coach Mark Romick. The Pilots would outscore the Blue Eagles in the second half, 35-24, but it was a little too late.
Campbell paced the Blue Eagle offense with 25 points, including three first-half bonus bombs, while adding four steals in the first half. Teammate Zach Wilhoite netted nine markers, hauled in nine boards and rejected four Pilot shots in limited action. Preston Boswell followed with eight points, including a pair of baskets from beyond the arc, while making three steals, grabbing three boards and dishing out six assists in an all-around nice game.
In addition, Mitch Winters added four points, five rebounds, two blocks and made two steals. Dylan Shimp and Kyle Ritz each netted four markers, while Derek Blain and Tyler Anderson each sank a threeball. Chase Miller and Dylan Jackson each knocked in a deuce, while Wesley Morgan sank a free throw.
For the Pilots, Parker Caretti and Jarrett Armann each netted nine markers, while Eric Dierkes tacked on eight points, including a triple. Joey Flannery contributed four points, while Jared Ramsier tickled the twine from beyond the arc.
In addition, Cole Isaly, Brandon Smith, Aaron Yost, Jordan Doty and Mason Ladyga each netted two points.