Marshfield 55, North Marion 54: Five Takeaways
For schools like Marshfield they often have to travel a long ways from their Coos Bay home to play against good non-conference competition, so it probably wasn’t a surprise they were seemingly sleepwalking for most of the game against North…
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Continue ReadingFor schools like Marshfield they often have to travel a long ways from their Coos Bay home to play against good non-conference competition, so it probably wasn’t a surprise they were seemingly sleepwalking for most of the game against North Marion on Wednesday afternoon. But early in the fourth the Pirates woke up, making a 13-0 run to tie the game and then coming away with a win when senior post Corey Stover converted a putback at the buzzer for the 55-54 victory.
The final score was the only time the Pirates led in the second half. Stover led Marshfield with 22 points and 17 rebounds and senior guard Grant Woolsey added 10. Junior wing Sergio Jimenez led North Marion with 27 points as the Huskies were seemingly in control most of the contest until the very end.
“We persevered a sloppy basketball game where we weren’t able to hit shots, but we did what it took to win,” said Marshfield head coach Doug Miles. “Those are character building wins so we’re happy about it.”
Marshfield is Still Figuring It Out
The Pirates – who entered the season as a legitimate contender in 4A – are still building chemistry and getting their basketball legs under them as four of the five starters are coming off of football where Marshfield made a run to the 4A semifinals. Also adding to things is the fact that senior point guard Jordy Miles is still healing from a hand injury. But head coach Miles feels good about how the team has progressed as they head into league play as their current 7-3 record also reflects a #3 ranking in the RPI.
Stover a Hoops Force
Corey Stover will be playing football in college having signed with Oregon State. But on the basketball floor he proved to be quite dominant as well. At 6-foot-7 he has good size and strength, but also has good speed and athleticism for his frame. Stover was pretty much unstoppable down low as he shot 9-for-11 from the field and grabbed pretty much every available rebound within his grasp. True, his line drive free throws could use some polish but his ability to score down low and board will be key to how far Marshall goes in 4A this season.
Webster Working in Different Ways
Senior Grant Webster was the main guy on the Pirates who played high-level AAU basketball this past summer, suiting up for Hoop Salem. But the versatile 6-foot-7 senior didn’t seem to have things going for him offensively against North Marion so he focused on doing things such as passing – he tallied at least four assists – and defense where he rejected at least two shots. Webster can post up but seems more comfortable facing the basket where he has the ability to hit from mid-range on out. He’s hearing from a number of NAIA/D3/JC programs and we will have an updated posted on him soon.
Jimenez a Hidden Gem
We came into the game not knowing much about North Marion but quickly noticed Sergio Jimenez. True, the 6-foot-2 junior was shooting the most for the Huskies but it was the way he carried himself with confidence that made an impression. He’s a three-sport athlete with a very solid build but he has decent quickness and ball-handling skills that allow him to step away from the post and create off the dribble. Jimenez also showed the ability to find ways to get free to get off his shots and had very nice touch and rotation on his shot. We didn’t get a chance to catch up with him to see what sport he is looking to play at the college level but he may have opportunities should he pursue hoops.
Huskies a Tough Bunch
North Marion fought hard all game long and even after Marshfield made their 13-0 run to tie the game midway through the fourth, they didn’t completely fold. The Huskies continued to keep the Pirates away until the very end. Junior forward Beau Wilson was dominant on the boards with 14 rebounds, fighting Webster and Stover until the very end despite giving up a few inches at 6-foot-4. Senior captain Griffin Henry showed a good touch from the outside in contributing ten points as well. Despite the loss which dropped the Huskies to 6-6, coach Tully Wagner’s squad remains #7 in the RPI, mainly because they have played one of the toughest schedules in 4A (Woodburn twice, Stayton, Valley Catholic, Banks, three games at the Surf N’ Slam Tournament in California, and now Marshfield).