Patriots tame Tigers in blowout win at home

Marion off to hot start in early going in new season

Marion School District The Marion Patriots dazzled many across the state in Monday night’s 79-8 benefit game victory over Little Rock Hall.

Tuesday night at Fidelity Bank Arena, Marion earned some believers in Mississippi.

Marion improved to 1-0 with its 63-23 victory over

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visiting Hernando, Mississippi. The Patriots forced 28 Tiger turnovers, turning many into high-percentage shots in transition.

Marion surrendered just two Hernando field goals after halftime.

Junior guard Ryan Forrest logged a team-high 22 points for Marion, while junior Jayden Forrest hit for 16 points and seven assists. Senior center Omarion Jefferson tallied eight points and four rebounds, while freshman Terrion Burgess made his varsity debut with eight points and four boards.

“Our guys can really guard people, they can really get up in you,” said Marion coach David Clark. “We had a problem tonight being patient as they tried to run their offense. We made some mistakes, but it’s all stuff we can fix going forward.”

In addition to Hernando’s turnover troubles, Marion harassed the Tigers into an eight of 26 shooting performance from the floor.

Marion took the lead for good when Jayden Forrest scored his first points on a floater for a 6-4 lead with 5:04 left in the first quarter. Jayden Forrest logged a steal and scored on a layup for a 10-4 Marion advantage later in the first quarter.

Leading 12-9 in the first frame, Burgess sparked a 7-0 Marion lead to cap the opening stanza with a layup, and the Patriots led 19-9 after eight minutes.

Ahead 21-12 early in the second quarter, Marion upped the defensive pressure, forced nine turnovers, and scored 13 consecutive points to push their lead to 34-12. The Pats led 39-16 at halftime.

Ryan Forrest’s first of three dunks against Hernando gave Marion its first 30point lead (46-16) with three minutes left in the third quarter. The Pats led 51-19 after three.

“We played a little bit more sound tonight, which is good because the competition was a little better than last night,” said Clark. “We gave up a couple of threes that I didn’t think we should, but they made a play there. When we need to turn it up, we can turn it up.”

Marion is back in action on Saturday, November 20 at the Hoopin’ For Hoodies tournament in Little Rock.

Marion’s opponent has not yet been announced.