MORAN — Brayden Lawson scored 24 points and Jaedon Granere 14 as Marmaton Valley High opened its preseason tournament in style Tuesday.
The duo helped the Wildcats pull away in the second half to defeat visiting Northeast-Arma, 50-44, to open the round-robin tournament.
Tyler Lord chipped in with seven points and Dylan Drake five as Marmaton Valley burst out of the gates quickly, then responded after halftime after Northeast rallied to take the lead.
Marmaton Valley led 17-9 after one quarter and 27-20 at halftime.
The Vikings stayed close, pulling within five after three quarters, 36-31, after three.
Struggles at the line prevented Marmaton Valley from an even more decisive victory.
The Wildcats converted 5 of 13 free throws in the fourth quarter and went 16 of 32 for the game.
Brendan Alters scored 18 to pace the Vikings.
The Wildcats (1-1) are back in action Thursday to take on Madison in the second round of the tournament, which wraps up Friday with a contest against Oswego.
Northeast (9-11-11-13—44): (FG FT F TP): Gaynor 3 3 2 9, Young 2 0 5 4, Sparks 0 1 4 1, Alters 9 0 4 18, Clemons 0 0 3 0, Troth 2 2 4 6, Smith 0 0 1 0, Goodwin 3 0 4 6. Totals: 19 6 27 44.
MV (17-10-9-14—50): Drake 2 1 2 5, Granere 7 0 5 14, Smith 0 0 4 0, Lord 2 3 3 7, Lawson 6 12 3 24. Totals: 17 16 17 50.
