Last season, the Marshall Redhawks had a tough time closing out close games, finishing with a 9-14 record. But Coach Anthony Miller was determined to change that this year, and his team gave him plenty to be excited about in their season opener.
In a thrilling game against Lakeview, Marshall pulled off a dramatic comeback in the final minute, winning 53-49. The victory gave the Redhawks their first win of the season, a great start after struggling in close games last year.
Coach Miller was happy with his team’s grit. “It’s always nice to start the year with a win. This shows we have more resiliency this year. We made some big plays when it mattered most, like getting stops and making free throws,” he said.
The game was close at halftime, with Lakeview leading 28-25. But the Spartans came out strong in the second half, going on a 13-4 run to take a 41-29 lead. Marshall didn’t back down, though. They answered with a 9-0 run, cutting the lead to just 41-38 with 1:30 left in the third quarter.
Coach Miller gathered his team during a timeout and reminded them to stay calm. “We just had to regroup, get some stops, and do the little things to get back in the game,” he said.
Lakeview still led by three points, 43-40, going into the fourth quarter. But the Spartans lost their star player, Lebron Campbell, after he fouled out with 5:16 left. Lakeview’s other key players, Bradyn McGill and Tay’Vion Newton, also fouled out in the final minutes, giving Marshall the chance to take control.
With just 51 seconds left, Austin Burns made a free throw to put Marshall up 50-49. The Redhawks held on to the lead and finished the game strong, never trailing again.
Lakeview’s Coach Steve Wichmann said, “We had some foul trouble and didn’t adjust well to the officiating. But we had a chance to win at the end, so I’m pleased with that.”
Austin Miller led Marshall with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Burns added 12 points and six rebounds. Lincoln Fuller also contributed with 11 points and three steals.
Lakeview, last year’s district and division champions, started the season 0-1. Despite the loss, Coach Wichmann was proud of his team’s effort. “We had a shot to win the game, and that’s all you can ask for in the first game of the year,” he said.
Other Scores:
- Harper Creek 56, St. Joseph 44: Harper Creek won their season opener with Spencer Denney leading the way with 12 points.
- Williamston 59, Pennfield 55 (OT): Williamston won in overtime after hitting a clutch shot with one second left in regulation. Pennfield’s Johnathan Lake had 18 points and 13 rebounds.
- Jackson 55, Battle Creek Central 48: Jackson outscored Battle Creek Central 19-6 in the third quarter to secure the win. Josh Pittman led BCC with 17 points.
- Bronson 66, St. Philip 59: Bronson won their opener with Kamron Bracket scoring 30 points. St. Philip’s Jackson Dzwik had 21 points.
- Galesburg-Augusta 69, Comstock 41: Galesburg-Augusta pulled away in the second half with Jeremiah Mann scoring 26 points.
- Coldwater 47, Sturgis 39: Coldwater defeated Sturgis with Ayden Dirschell leading the way with 15 points.
- Paw Paw 53, Gull Lake 37: Paw Paw won with a strong performance from Gavin Markucki, who had 18 points.
- Calhoun Christian 52, Heritage Christian 41: Calhoun Christian won their opener with Stephen Andren scoring 15 points and adding six assists.
- Colon 39, Jackson Christian 34: Dominick Mock led Colon with 22 points in a close win.
- Athens 44, Battle Creek Academy 20: Athens bounced back after a winless season, with Jackson Crummel scoring 14 points.