Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
MARION — In a matchup of teams with high expectations for the season, the Marion Lady Wildcats followed up an impressive season-opening win at Althoff with a 61-57 win over Mt. Carmel in the team’s home opener at Cuss Wilson Gymnasium.
The Lady Aces return four starters, including 6’4″ all-state center Maycee Randall from last year’s team that finished 31-5 and third place in 2A.
Led by 24 from Jakiya Peterman and 12 from Ny’Aajha Curry Marion was able to hold off a late Mt. Carmel rally for the win. The Lady Wildcats built a 55-43 lead with a 4:15 to play, but the Lady Aces used a 12-2 run over the next 2:45 to pull within 57-55 with 90 seconds to play.
Trailing 59-57 with less than a minute to play, Mt. Carmel had multiple shots to tie the game but were unable to connect. Peterman then hit two free throws to seal it.
The Lady Wildcats improve to 2-0 and will travel to Sikeston Tuesday. The Lady Aces fell to 0-2. They will return home Monday night to welcome 2-0 Teutopolis.
