By darrenkinnard

Centralia holds off Marion for regional title

Posted: February 24, 2024
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Marion 3A Regional Championship

Marion’s Reece Anthony (4) brings the ball upcourt against Centralia during the first quarter of the 3A regional final on Friday in Marion. Centralia held on to win 42-35.
Marion’s Phoenix Hatchett (41) shoots over Centralia’s Dustyn Collins (44) during the first quarter of the 3A regional final on Friday in Marion. Centralia held on to win 42-35.
Marion’s Kaden Rogowski (24) finds his way blocked by CEntralia’s Devin Meier (12) during the first quarter of the 3A regional final on Friday in Marion. Centralia held on to win 42-35.
Marion’s Phoenix Hatchett (41) scrambles for a loose ball with Centralia’s Devin Meier (12) and Logan Meier (11) during the first quarter of the 3A regional final on Friday in Marion. Centralia held on to win 42-35.
Marion’s Race Hickey (33) blocks the shot by Centralia’s Daryle Jones (54) during the first quarter of the 3A regional final on Friday in Marion. Centralia held on to win 42-35.
Marion’s Cam Curry (34) takes the ball to the basket as Centralia’s Dustyn Collins (44) and Logan Meier (11) defend during the second quarter of the 3A regional final on Friday in Marion. Centralia held on to win 42-35.
Marion’s Cam Curry (34) steals the ball from Centralia’s Daryle Jones (54) during the second quarter of the 3A regional final on Friday in Marion. Centralia held on to win 42-35.
Marion’s Phoenix Hatchett (41) attempts to get a shot off while pressured by Centralia’s Dustyn Collins (44) during the third quarter of the 3A regional final on Friday in Marion. Centralia held on to win 42-35.
Centralia’s Logan Meier (11) drives on Marion’s Ethan Simmons (22) during the fourth quarter of the 3A regional final on Friday in Marion. Centralia held on to win 42-35.
Centralia players celebrate with the regional championship trophy after defeating Marion 42-35 in the 3A regional final on Friday in Marion.

Byron Hetzler/River Radio Sports Central

Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central

MARION — Points were at a premium at Cuss Wilson Gymnasium in the championship game of the Marion 3A Regional Friday night. Centralia held off the host Wildcats 42-35 in the defensive scrum to take home the title.

The Orphans led 10-4 after one quarter and maintained that six point lead at halftime as it was 21-15 at the break. That lead was five (29-24) heading to the fourth. Marion cut it to 39-35 in the final minute, but the Orphans scored the game’s final three points to secure the win.

The Wildcats did not help themselves in the low scoring affair, finishing 7-18 from the free throw line.

Logan Meier led the Orphans with 16 points, while Phoenix Hatchett led the Wildcats with 14.

Centralia improves to 30-2 and will now head to the Triad Sectional where the Orphans will face Highland in the first semifinal Tuesday night at 7:00. Mt. Vernon will take on East St. Louis in the second semifinal Wednesday at 7:00.

The Wildcats finish the season 21-12.

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