Marlington battles EBC powers in challenging week

Based on last week’s slate of games, it was evident the scheduling gods did not smile upon Marlington. Two games were on the docket, and both came against last season’s Eastern Buckeye Conference co-champions, Alliance and Carrollton.

While neither team currently sits atop the conference standings — that distinction belongs to West Branch — the Aviators’ and Warriors’ combined 19-5 record underscores the level of competition.

First up was Alliance, which visited Marlington on Jan. 13. The Aviators relied on a dominant second quarter to roll to a 75-38 victory, keeping pressure on West Branch in the EBC race.

After taking a 23-15 lead at the end of the first quarter, Alliance blanked the Dukes 27-0 in the second period, carrying a commanding 50-15 advantage into halftime.

Carter Frank scored 19 points, including four 3-pointers, to lead Marlington. Cameron Evanich added seven points, while Bryson Jones pulled down seven rebounds. Parker Woods paced Alliance (10-2, 4-1) with 25 points, and Taije Nicholson chipped in 11.

Three days later, the Dukes traveled to Carrollton for another EBC showdown. The margin was closer — and Marlington fared better in the second quarter — but the outcome was the same as the Warriors earned a 71-57 win.

Marlington again found itself in an early hole as Carrollton jumped out to a 24-17 first-quarter lead. That seven-point edge held until after halftime, when the Warriors outscored the Dukes 20-11 in the third quarter to extend the lead to 56-41.

In the loss, Evanich posted a strong double-double, leading Marlington (3-9, 1-4) with 19 points, 15 rebounds and four assists. Cole Jones added 16 points and five rebounds. Jayven Johnson led Carrollton (9-3, 3-2) with 14 points, while Marcus Brooks recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Bowling

The Dukes hosted Canton Central Catholic on Jan. 15 at AMF Hall of Fame Lanes, producing mixed results. The boys cruised to a 2,165-1,824 victory, while the Lady Dukes fell to the Crusaders, 1,639-1,443.

For the boys, Owen Wright rolled a steady 384 series (194-190), while Connor Cole followed closely with a 375 series (208-167). After the individual games, Marlington held a comfortable 283-pin lead and maintained the momentum by winning the first two Baker games, 180-127 and 168-137.

On the girls’ side, Mia Vigliotti led the Lady Dukes with Marlington’s top game (170) and series (283). Lizzie Blasiman added a 272 series (135-137). Marlington trailed by 161 pins after the two-game series. The teams tied 122 in the first Baker game, and the Lady Dukes dropped the second.

Girls basketball

Much like the boys, the Lady Dukes faced a stiff test when they hosted defending EBC champion West Branch on Jan. 14. Marlington nearly pulled off a major upset, holding a lead early in the fourth quarter before the Warriors rallied for a 45-41 victory.

The Dukes set the tone early, racing to a 7-0 lead. West Branch regrouped and took a 19-11 advantage into halftime. Marlington responded after the break, outscoring the Warriors 15-8 in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 27-26.

About 90 seconds into the final period, the Dukes grabbed a 34-32 lead but were outscored 13-6 the rest of the way. With the loss, Marlington slipped to 5-8 overall and 3-4 in the EBC, while West Branch improved to 13-1 and remained unbeaten in conference play at 7-0.