Bishop Donahue got off to a quick start against the Magnolia Blue Eagles, while controlling the boards and went on to claim a 87-73 victory Feb. 17 inside the MHS HammerDome.

The Bishops Jared Yates dialed in on a pair of long distance shots to open the game and converted three more in the second period to help Donahue build a 46-34 lead at the break.

However, the Blue Eagles did a quick turn-around to open the third period with a 7-0 run to cut the deficit to five points at 46-41 before foul trouble put the Eagles big man Zach Wilhoite on the bench midway into the third frame, and Donahue took advantage and started to pad their lead once more.

Bishop would build its advantage to a whopping 23 points in the fourth period, before the Eagles made it respectable late in the game.

The Bishops big man Chaice Truex paced five double-digit scorers with a game-high 24 points, while adding 13 rebounds. Jesse Padlow finished the game with 17 points, including 11-13 at the stripe, while sharp shooter Yates knocked another 17 markers, including five bonus bombs. Teammate Taylor Staughn added 15 and Bryce Jones, 11.

The Blue Eagles had three players combine to score all but 11 points in the game, with Mitch Winters leading the way with a career-high 22 points and a team-high nine boards. Spencer Campbell and Preston Boswell each meshed 20 markers, including three baskets from beyond the arc.

Kyle Ritz came off the bench to net eight markers, while Wilhoite was held to four points and Eric Smith a free throw. The Blue Eagles did however out-score their guests by two baskets, but only converted 17-27 free throws, while Bishop knocked home 31-43 charity tosses.

“We went to our big lineup in Winters, Ritz and Wilhoite, and we talked about assuming every shot will be missed and getting a body on someone, but it was a lack of effort,” said Magnolia Head Coach Dave Tallman. “Our post defense got even weaker when Wilhoite for in foul trouble and we fell apart again and playing with a little pride early in the third. It seemed like we had so many shots go down and then back out, but we need to put more emphasis on defense and just have a better effort.

“Honestly the only thing positive I can say about my team is that we are 7-0 when we play teams in their gym. We have lost a couple tough games on neutral courts and I really can’t explain why we have lost four at home. But, we have a few more big games this week, so we really need to find some answers before it is too late.”

It doesn’t get any easier for the Eagles as they will travel to Charleston to tangle with Buffalo tonight, before seeking revenge for two home losses against Paden City Friday and again against Bishop Donahue Saturday afternoon.

MHS?Freshmen

Finish Season

The Magnolia Blue Eagle boys’ freshman team finished their basketball season with a win and a loss. They beat Linsly 47-35, while dropping 55-61 to the Bellaire Big Reds.

In the victory over Linsly, Tyler Williamson netted a game-high 28 points, while Nick Priem tacked on 14 markers. In addition, Jake Fruner contributed three points, while Peau Halahingano knocked in a deuce.

Williamson also paced the Eagles in the loss to Big Reds with a team-high 22 points, while Priem netted 14 markers. Cameron Archer scored nine points, while Fruner netted six and Halahingano four points.

“We finished 6-4 on the season, but we had several games that were cancelled because of the weather,” said MHS Freshmen Head Coach Larry West.