MORAN Head coach Gavin Cole is fully aware his Marmaton Valley High basketball team is a work in progress. The Wildcats rounded up their pre-season tournament with a cruising 61-16 defeat against West Elk on Friday evening.
Despite four blowout losses to start the season, Cole emphasized his Wildcats are not discouraged, and remain keen on seeking to improve.
With a young team like we have, you have to focus on being positive and look to improve on the little things each day, Cole said. We have to improve at one thing at a time, because obviously we are not where we want to be. But if we can concentrate on one little and a time and start building ourselves for the future, then that as all I can ask for.
The lopsided score does no justice to the grit displayed by the Wildcats early. After three turnovers to start the game, the Wildcats constructed an 8-0 run to level the score. West Elks Devin Loudermill beat the buzzer from deep to send the Patriots ahead 15-9 heading into the second.
Marmaton Valley had no answer for West Elk in the second. A 17-0 Patriot run put the Wildcats in a 38-11 hole at the break.
Rylan McVey was the sole bright spot for the Wildcats in the first half. The sophomore point guard scored eight of his team-high 10 points in the first half. Cole admits Fridays performance was McVeys best through the first four games.
Last Friday he got a technical foul and I sat him the rest of the game, Cole said. Tonight I thought his attitude was a lot better. He made a couple good moves. Although he didnt finish them all, I thought they were promising. He has to work on his finishing and defense, but I thought tonight was his best game.
The Wildcats mustered five second half points, and the Patriots continues to score. A running clock was implemented in the third quarter, and the Patriots finished off Marmaton Valley 61-16.
Although the varsity may have a hard time finding the winning formula this season, Cole has pride in the JVs win. Cole is allowing his younger varsity players like McVey to gain confidence by performing against competition more suited to their level.
BOX SCORE
Marmaton Valley (9-2-3-2 16) (pts): Drake 1, McVey 10, Adams 3, Scharff 2.
West Elk (15-23-18-5 61) (pts): Harks 6, Jackson 4, Loudermilk 17, Kenyon 5, Black 4, Young 12, Wilson 4, Walker 11.
