Wildcats drop two last week, fall to 18-9 on the season

The Marion Wildcats dropped a pair last week to their Jackson County rivals.

On Tuesday, the Cats fell to Murphysboro, 48-39 at Murphysboro.

Although they made a fourth-quarter run, thanks to Venson Newsom's eight points in that period, the Cats could not overcome the first-quarter 6-point deficit.

Key defense played a role in the loss as the Red Devils held Marion's All-Stater Jackson Connor to only nine points.

The Wildcats returned home Friday evening, hosting the Carbondale Terriers.

The Terriers jumped out to a 15-point lead in the first period, enough to ensure a 57-51 win over the Cats.

Connor led all scorers with 28. Teammate Rayzhaun Bardo added 11, all of but two of those coming in the second half.

Marion, now 18-9 on the season, will host the Gateway Legacy Christian Lions tonight.