By darrenkinnard

Knights’ Tale–Big run lifts Triad past Mt. Vernon into sectional final

Posted: March 5, 2025
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Photos by Byron Hetzler

MARION — For most of three quarters, Mt. Vernon and Triad were locked in a defensive showdown, but that all changed late in the third quarter.

Trailing 21-20, the Knights went on an 18-0 run over the end of the third and start of the fourth quarters.

Triad led 13-9 after one quarter, but Mt. Vernon pitched a shutout in the second quarter. The Rams were only able to muster four points, so it was tied 13-13 at the half. The Knights scored the final five points of the third to lead 25-21, then scored the first 13 in the fourth to break open a close game.

That run paved the way for a 43-27 win and a date Friday night in the championship game of the Marion 3A Sectional against either Centralia or East St. Louis.

Triad improves to 28-6 on the season, while Mt. Vernon finishes 18-11.

Mt. Vernon vs Triad

Mount Vernon's Lucas Shelby Jr. (5) goes to the basket as Triad’s Nolan Keller (13) defends during the 3A sectional on March 4 in Marion.
Mount Vernon's Cale Mauer (24) and Triad’s Ethan Stewart (2) battle for ball during the 3A sectional on March 4 in Marion.
Triad’s Nolan Keller (13) grabs a rebound between Mount Vernon's Dave Barnes (30) and Jake Pugh (12) during the 3A sectional on March 4 in Marion.
Triad’s Drew Winslow (1) goes to the basket past Mount Vernon's Cale Maurer (24) during the 3A sectional on March 4 in Marion.
Mount Vernon's Lucas Shelby Jr. (5) drives on Triad’s Lucas Thompson (32) during the 3A sectional on March 4 in Marion.
Mount Vernon head coach Tim Holloway talks to his team during a timeout at the 3A sectional against Triad on March 4 in Marion.
Triad head coach Jeff Guidry and his players begin to celebrate as time winds down during their 3A sectional win against Mount Vernon on March 4 in Marion.