Playing in the Sectional 7 semifinal on Friday evening, the Marion Giants put together another excellent performance, advancing to the championship game with a 63-47 triumph over NCC rival Logansport.
“Tonight, every one of our kids who came off our bench and everyone who played gave 100 percent and played well,” Marion Assistant Coach Herb McPherson said. “It was a good team win. We had great attitudes and great enthusiasm.”
After a close first quarter in which both JK Thomas and Rasheed Jones were forced to sit on the bench due to foul trouble, the Giants used strong defense in the second quarter to help create separation. Marion forced nine turnovers in the quarter and outscored the Berries 21-10 to take a 38-24 lead at halftime.
Logansport was able to cut the Giants’ lead down to six in the third, but Jermaine Woods scored nine straight points to help Marion regain their double-digit advantage. Woods finished the contest with 13 points and 16 rebounds. Marion’s lead was not threatened again.
“I can’t say enough about Jermaine Woods,” McPherson said. “He just played an outstanding game, dominating inside.”
With the win, Marion will face Harrison in the Sectional 7 championship.
“The mindset of our kids is very positive,” McPherson said. “We have faced a lot of adversity, and the kids have hung together well. They are great kids, every one of them, and they are very excited for the opportunity to play for a sectional championship. Win or lose, they are going to lay it all out on the floor.”
