On November 1st of last year, the Pendleton Heights Arabians routed the Marion Giants by a score of 100-36.
364 days later, the Giants found redemption.
Marion received strong performances from both Rashaya Kyle and Jazmyn Turner as the Giants defeated the Arabians 59-52 to give head coach Lawrence Jordan his first win as the Marion Lady Giants’ head coach.
Last year, the Giants did not achieve their first victory until the fifth game of the season.
This year, Marion is one for one.
“It feels [great,]” Jordan said after the win. “The girls have been working hard, and it’s good for them to have some success and to see the things they are working on come to fruition.”
Both Kyle and Turner finished with double-doubles. Kyle, who imposed her will on both the offensive and defensive glass, corralled 21 rebounds to go along with 14 points. Turner, who was also impressive on both ends of the floor, finished with 14 points and 16 boards.
Guard Ellie Vermilion, another player that Jordan believes will be a key factor in the Giants’ success this season, chipped in nine points in the victory.
“All three of those girls – when I took over in May – were there for all the summer workouts, so what we are seeing is the work we put in during the summer starting to show [results],” Jordan said.
Heading into halftime, the Giants trailed by three, but an 18-8 scoring advantage in the third quarter, including a 12-0 run to start the second half, gave Marion a 32-23 lead that they would not relinquish.
The Arabians cut the lead to as little as six in the fourth quarter, but the Giants made their free throws down the stretch to secure the victory.
It’s only one game, but it’s a game that Jordan will always remember.
And he hopes that it will carry them throughout the season.
“It’s special to me,” Jordan said. “It is a privilege, an honor, and a blessing to be coaching the Marion Lady Giants. This town is laced with talent, and what I want to is interject some discipline, some organization, and some structure. We are going to reach for the stars.”
