Coach Dave Tallman’s Blue Eagles boys basketball team opened the season on Tuesday evening December 9, 2025, at John Marshall and were beaten by the hot shooting Monarchs 80-51. Magnolia goes to (0-1) on the season despite a standout performance by sharpshooter Kingston Christen who was game high scorer with 30 points.

John Marshall started the game jumping out to an 18-2 lead and led after the first quarter 22-8. The Monarchs would increase their lead out to 42-20 at halftime and would cruise to the win. Jackson Helms had 25 points, Preston Watkins netted 17, Landen Snyder chipped in with 15 markers, and Saunders Page scored 15, all in the fourth quarter to lead the (1-0) Monarchs.

Magnolia’s Christen had the hot hand for the Blue Eagles hitting 12 shots from the floor, including four from long range, and going 2-2 from the free throw line. He also added three steals and eight rebounds. Noah Hood, a 6-7 sophomore, would connect on a trio of 3-point baskets and add 2-4 free throws to finish with 11 points, while also pulling down 10 rebounds. Senior forward Brayden Byers hit for three points, while Finn Loy went 3-4 from the free throw line for three points. Jackson Fortney and Parker Werkau added two points each to round out Magnolia’s scoring.

Magnolia hit 18 field goals, including seven from beyond the arc, and made 8-12 free throws. John Marshall ended with 34 field goals, including 12 3’s, and made 6-10 from the charity stripe.