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Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon Herald
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The Marion Lady Swamp Foxes invaded the Latta Lady Vikings’ basketball court on Monday, February 15, and left town with a 64-51 win in varsity basketball action.
Latta controlled the tip-off and quickly Makayla Legette hit a 3-point shot. However, Latta’s shooting was off from that point.
Marion’s Tonaja Lester sank 2 free throws followed by a 2-point basket with 3:40 remaining in the first period of play.
The Latta Vikings’ shots were off but Marion’s were not. Kimmie Barnes hit a 3-point basket followed by Marion’s Destiny Allen who laid one in for 2 points. With 3:09 remaining, Marion was up 9-3. Even a lay-up for the Vikings would not fall through the net. Marion scored another 2-point basket and was now up 11-3 with 2:25 remaining in the first quarter. Marion’s Tonaja Lester sank a free throw followed by a 2-point basket. As the buzzer sounded to end the first quarter of play, Marion’s Destiny Allen sank another 2-point basket to give Marion an 18-3 lead. Yes, Latta’s shooting was extremely cold.
Each team committed only 2 fouls in the first quarter.
Neither team connected for any points in the second quarter until 6:42 remaining when Marion’s Tonaja Lester hit a long 3. The Vikings finally got a shot to fall on a shot of Adaya Gordon on an offensive rebound. Gordon sank another 2-point basket with 3:21 remaining in the first half to cut into Marion’s lead. Latta was now down by 16 points.
Marion’s #11 placed 2 points on the scoreboard. Latta’s Moya McDuffie connected for a 3-point basket followed by Makayla Legette with a 3-point basket of her own. Legette quickly connected for a 2-point basket after stealing the ball. On that 2-point basket, Legette was fouled and also sank a free throw. Marion’s #21 answered with a 2-point basket. Legette sank another 3-point basket followed by Moya McDuffie with a lay-up for 2 points.
With only 49.4 seconds remaining in the first half, Latta had cut Marion’s lead to 6 points, 27-21.
Marion’s #1 connected for 1 of 2 free throws to give Marion a 28-21 lead at halftime.
The Marion Lady Swamp Foxes committed 5 fouls in the second quarter, and the Latta Lady Vikings committed 4 fouls.
The Latta cheerleaders entertained the spectators at halftime.
Marion began the second half with a quick lay-up by Ka’nyiah Davis followed by a basket by Mariah Moody that was nullified due to a charging call. Marion’s Kimmie Barnes sank a 2-point basket and was fouled while shooting and also sank the free throw to give Marion a 32-21 lead with 6:37 remaining in the third quarter.
Marion’s Ka’nyiah Davis was fouled and made 1 of 2 free throws. Marion’s Destiny Allen was fouled and sank both free throws.
Latta scored on a free throw by Ambrosia Berry followed by a free throw by Moya McDuffie. Marion’s Yazmine Howard picked up 2 points on a lay-up followed by a 2-point basket by Destiny Allen for Marion.
Latta’s Kardae McFadden hit pay dirt for 2 points after pulling down a rebound with 2:29 remaining in the third period. Marion now led 42-25.
Latta’s Makayla Legette connected for a 3-point basket. The Lady Vikings placed 2 points on the scoreboard when Kardae McFadden blocked Marion’s #2’s shot. Makayla Legette scored another quick 2-point basket. Ambrosia Berry pulled down a rebound and sank a 2-point basket beneath the goal.
After 3 quarters of play, Latta had cut Marion’s lead to 8 points, 42-34.
Latta committed 7 fouls in the third period, and Marion committed 5 fouls.
The fourth period began with a foul committed against Latta’s Moya McDuffie who sank both free throws. Marions’ Brya Timmons was fouled and connected on 1 of 2 free throws. Marion’s Ka’nyiah Davis was sent to the charity line and sank a free throw followed by a 2-point basket by Kimmie Brown. Latta responded with a 3-point basket by Shawniza Bethea. With 5:57 remaining in the game, Marion was up 46-39. Latta began to whittle away at the lead with a 3-point basket by Kardae McFadden. Marion’s Kimmie Brown sank a free throw followed by a 2-point basket by Latta. The Lady Vikings’ Shawniza Bethea connected for a 3-point basket to knot the score at 47 with 4:57 remaining. It appeared there was hope at the end of the tunnel. However, that hope ended as Marion’s Tonaja Lester hit a 2-point basket followed by a free throw by Marion’s Ka’nyiah Davis. Marion’s Mariah Moody sank a 3-point basket, and Marion once again was in the lead, this time by 6 points, 53-47. Marion’s Mariah Moody sank a 2-point basket to give Marion a 10-point lead, 57-47. The momentum had swung in Marion’s favor.
Latta was not able to recover and dropped the decision 64-51. Marion’s Destiny Allen and Tonaja Lester each sank five 2-point baskets, one 3-point basket and 2 free throws to place 15 points on the scoreboard for Marion. Kimmie Barnes added 14 points to the score on three 2-point baskets, one 3-point basket and 5 free throws. Na’nyiah Davis had two 2-point baskets, a 3-point basket, and 4 free throws for 11 points. Mariah Moody connected for 7 points on two 2-point baskets and a 3-point basket. Brya Timmons sank 2 free throws.
Latta’s MaKayla Legette had a game-high 20 points on four 2-point baskets, three 3-point baskets, and 3 free throws. Moya McDuffie added a 2-point basket, two 3-point baskets, and 3 free throws for 11 points while Shawniza Bethea had a 2-point basket and two 3-point baskets for 8 points. Kardae McFadden had a 3-point basket and a 2-point basket while Adaya Gordon sank two 2-point baskets. Ambrosia Berry had a 2-point basket and a free throw for 3 points.
Marion is coached by Head Coach Crasten Davis and his staff.
Latta is coached by Head Coach Sandra Gomillion and her staff.
