By darrenkinnard

Centralia, Marion advance to Friday’s 3A Regional final

Posted: February 22, 2024
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Marion 3A Regional semifinals

Carbondale’s DeCarl Payne (3) goes to the basket in the first quarter against Centralia during the 3A regional semifinal on Wednesday in Marion.
Action from the 3A regional semifinal between Carbondale and Centralia on Wednesday in Marion. Centralia went on to win 50-35.
Carbondale’s Tenell Greene (11) shoots over Centralia’s Jaxson Hancock (21) during the first quarter of the 3A regional semifinal on Wednesday in Marion.
Carbondale’s Jaxon Marlow-Evans (1) is pressured by Centralia’s Cruz Harlan (4) during the second quarter of the 3A regional semifinal on Wednesday in Marion.
Action from the 3A regional semifinal between Carbondale and Centralia on Wednesday in Marion. Centralia went on to win 50-35.
Action from the 3A regional semifinal between Carbondale and Centralia on Wednesday in Marion. Centralia went on to win 50-35.
Carbondale’s Mikey Greene (33) has his shot blocked by Centralia’s Dustyn Collins (44) during the third quarter of the 3A regional semifinal on Wednesday in Marion. Centralia went on to win 50-35.
Action from the 3A regional semifinal between Carbondale and Centralia on Wednesday in Marion. Centralia went on to win 50-35.
Marion’s Race Hickey (33) and Herrin’s Jonathan Harrison (22) battle for the tip at the start of the 3A regional semifinal on Wednesday in Marion. Marion came back to win 41-35.
Action from the 3A regional semifinal between Marion and Herrin on Wednesday in Marion. Marion came back to win 41-35.
Action from the 3A regional semifinal between Marion and Herrin on Wednesday in Marion. Marion came back to win 41-35.
20240221-3A-Herrin-Marion-04: Action from the 3A regional semifinal between Marion and Herrin on Wednesday in Marion. Marion came back to win 41-35.
Action from the 3A regional semifinal between Marion and Herrin on Wednesday in Marion. Marion came back to win 41-35.
20240221-3A-Herrin-Marion-07: Action from the 3A regional semifinal between Marion and Herrin on Wednesday in Marion. Marion came back to win 41-35.
Action from the 3A regional semifinal between Marion and Herrin on Wednesday in Marion. Marion came back to win 41-35.
20240221-3A-Herrin-Marion-08: Action from the 3A regional semifinal between Marion and Herrin on Wednesday in Marion. Marion came back to win 41-35.

Byron Hetzler/River Radio Sports Central

Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central

MARION — Top-seeded Centralia and host Marion, the 5th seed, each won their semifinals Wednesday night at Cuss Wilson Gymnasium to claim their spots in the Marion 3A Regional championship game Friday night.

The Orphans led 6th-seeded Carbondale 24-16 at the half, then outscored the Terriers 16-9 in the third quarter to build a 40-25 lead after three and cruised to the 15-point win.

Centralia had a balanced attack led by freshman Michael Organ’s nine points of the bench. The Orphans had seven players score between 6-9 points. Decarl Payne led Carbondale with 14.

Centralia improves to 29-2 on the season, while Carbondale finishes 12-19.

In the nightcap, the host Wildcats overcame a slow start and used a big fourth quarter to subdue Herrin 41-35. The Tigers jumped out to an 8-0 lead and still led 19-14 at the half. Marion cut it to 25-22 after three quarters, then outscored Herrin 19-10 in the fourth for the win.

Phoenix Hatchett led the Wildcats with 13 points with Kaden Rogowski chipping in 10. Grady Cox led the Tigers with 14.

Marion improves to 21-11, while Herrin finishes 21-9.

The Orphans and Wildcats will tangle at 7:00 Friday night for a regional championship and a spot in the Triad Sectional.

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