Tigers Defeat TN Valley Prep 114-91
Marion, AL. – The MMI Tigers saw eight players score in double digits and overcame a slow start yesterday evening to claim their first win of the season, defeating Tennessee Valley Prep 114-91.
TN Valley started the game with back-to-back three-pointers and built an 18-8 lead five minutes into the game before a three-pointer by Dashley Estime and two free throws by Julian Whitfield cut the deficit to three (15-18). After two missed free throws by the Tigers, Estime drained another three-pointer to tie the lead at 18 points apiece at the 12:47 mark. Both teams exchanged baskets for the next three possessions and after the Tigers' defense caused a jump ball, Jamarion Ezell scored to give MMI their first lead of the game, 22-20.
Marion extended the lead to double digits, 38-27, with a little over six minutes before halftime when Julius Morris drove to the basket for a layup. After a TN Valley timeout, Johnathon Crawford connected on two free throws; Marion led 40-27. The next four minutes saw both teams put together mini runs, but the home team held a 51-39 lead at halftime.
TN Valley started the second half cutting the Tiger's lead back to single digits before a layup by Jaylen Carrington and a three pointer by Jahmar Brown extended the lead back to thirteen, 60-47. Marion's lead grew to 21 at the 12:08 mark, 74-53, when Julius Morris hit a deep jumper from the left wing. MMI held a comfortable lead throughout the remainder of the game, cruising to the season's first victory.
Jahmar Brown and Tyrone Wright led MMI with 15 points each; Wright grabbed a team high eight rebounds. Julius Morris, Dashley Estime, and Johnathon Crawford added 12 points apiece. Rounding out the double digits scorers was Jamarion Ezell who added 11 points and five assists, Jaylen Carrington with 10 points and five assists, and Julius Morris. Morris also scored 10 points with seven rebounds and five assists.
Others scoring for the Tigers were Aidan Driggers (8 points, 7 rebounds), Tyreese Stoutermire (6 points), and Jaylen Vaughn (3 points).
MMI will host Redline Prep tonight with a 7:00 tip-off scheduled.