COLDWATER – In a game of streaks by both teams it was a key third quarter streak by Marion Local that propelled the Flyers to a 49-34 victory over host Coldwater in a Friday evening MAC clash.
Trailing 20-17 at the halftime break the Cavaliers pulled even at 20-20 and ahead 21-21 in the first minute of the third stanza on a pair of Myles Blasingame free throws that capped off a personal four point run for the senior.
Despite themselves being held scoreless for the final 3:14 of the first half and the first 3:46 of the second, the Flyers tied up the score at 21-21 on a charity toss from Alex Eyink and just moments later found themselves in possession of a lead they would retain the rest of the contest on a two pointer from Eyink.
Eyink wasn’t done putting his stamp on the contest by a mile as he helped the blue and gold up their lead to double digits in the fourth stanza by knocking down a three on his way to 10 markers en route to a career high 23 point performance.
Marion Local kicked off the game on a quick 11-4 run behind five points from Peyton Otte and a pair of three point goals by Eyink and teammate Brady Ronnebaum while holding the Cavs scoreless for nearly a four minute span for a 14-8 lead at the quarter break.
In the second period the Cavaliers pulled themselves to within three points at 20-17 behind balanced scoring from four players and the lack of scoring from the Flyers to end the half.
While the teams traded streaks and scoring in the contest, the Cavaliers were unable to connect from beyond the arc as they finished just 1 of 12 and only connected on a shot from Ethan Post with 3:49 remaining and the game’s outcome largely already decided.
Coldwater, entering the game at 3-1 on the season found themselves unable to slow down the fast paced Flyer at times and were forced to watch as offensive miscues were turned into points or free throw attempts by their opponent.
Marion Local finished the game 10 of 14 from the free throw line and ended the final eight minutes hitting 6 of 8 with four different players finding themselves with chances.
With the win the Flyers improve to 2-4 on the year and 1-1 in Midwest Athletic Conference play while the Cavs fall to 4-2 overall and 1-1 in league play.
The Flyers are off to Lima on Saturday night to battle Shawnee in a non-league tilt while Coldwater will gas up the busses for a trip to Ayersville before themselves heading to Lappin Gymnasium on Tuesday evening.
Scoring:
Marion Local (49):
Alex Eyink 23
Brady Ronnebaum 8
Tate Hess 2
Charlie Huelsman 6
Peyton Otte 5
Alex Knapke 3
Ben Knapke 2
3PT: 7/16 (Eyink 3, Ronnebaum 2, Otte, A. Knapke)
FT: 10/14
TO: 13
Coldwater (34):
Carson Muhlenkamp 3
Zack McKibben 4
Myles Blasingame 12
Tyler Schwieterman 8
Ethan Post 7
3PT: 1/12 (Post)
FT: 9/14
TO: 12
JV: 53-40 Coldwater