Mt. Vernon and Connersville were two teams led by outstanding senior guards who were just looking for a bit of consistency heading into the season's homestretch.
The Marauders got it in a 46-44 victory.
The two senior guards didn't disappoint -- MV's Quinn Williams scored 18 points on 8-of-14 shooting and led two key Marauder runs that helped open up leads of 19-10 and 28-20. Connersville's Zach Miller scored 19 points and hit back-to-back 3-pointers that cut an eight-point Marauder lead to 38-36 late.
And then it was time for the young players to shine. Freshman C.J. Coleman and sophomore Anthony Burnett hit 8-of-10 from the line in the final 1:25 to fend off Connersville's comeback -- although two more desperation 3s gave the Spartans a chance to win it with a triple at the buzzer that hit the rim and bounded off.
The Marauders did it with free throws -- they were 10-of-14 in the final quarter -- possession (six turnovers) and defense/rebounding. They held Connersville to 40% shooting (15-40), while shooting just under 50% themselves (15-31). Stephen Turner had a big game on the glass, and Coleman (nine points) and Burnett (10 points) were key complementary scorers, especially given they combined for nine in the fourth quarter.
MV has played three straight one-possession games. The Marauders (4-9/1-3) dive back into HHC play Saturday at Delta. Tip is 7:45 p.m.
Elsewhere ... all of the eyes in the HHC were on tonight's contest between Greenfield-Central and Pendleton Heights. The Cougars came in with the HHC lead and a win would put them in great shape heading into the final couple of conference games. Meanwhile, the Arabians needed a win to stay in the conference race.
PH got the win, but it was in a tight game. The Arabians won 59-50, forging a virtual three-way tie in the HHC race. PH is now 5-1 in conference play, while G-C (5-8) and Rushville are both 4-1. The Cougars and Rushville play each other late in the season. G-C also has a huge game against Delta next week.
But first, the Cougars have to face an 11-3 Eastern Hancock team that was idle tonight. The Royals will host G-C at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Chris and Andrew will bring the game to you at 7:10. Of course, you always can LISTEN LIVE HERE!
New Palestine evened its mark back at .500 and got its first conference win tonight, knocking off Yorktown 68-53. The Dragons' (7-7) next game will be Feb. 4 at Shelbyville, which will be our Game of the Week broadcast next week.
Make sure you keep joining us for more high school basketball and sports action on Hancock County Sports.com!
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