The No. 23 McLennan Highlanders gouged the Grayson Vikings 83-57 tonight for a conference road victory.
Gelonni Ervin's bucket began the scoring for Grayson to give the Vikings the early lead. McLennan responded with an 11-0 run including six points from Joseph Mayberry III and four from Amare Banks to build an 11-point lead with 14:49 to play in the first half, 13-2. Grayson's 5-0 run cut the lead to six but the Highlanders pulled away again, leading by 11 at 20-9. Once again, the Vikings fought back, pulling within five at 22-17 with 9:15 on the clock. Back-to-back baskets by the Highlanders' Joe Burgess quickly extended the lead back to nine. Grayson got as close as six points late in the half but McLennan extended the cushion back to 12 at intermission, 42-30.
The Highlanders controlled the second half. Grayson cut lead to 10 a couple times early on but it would be McLennan with the momentum on its side. The Highlanders led 48-38 with 17:10 remaining in the game. A 9-1 run over the next six minutes made it an 18-point game, 57-39, essentially putting the game out of the reach for the Vikings.
Aiden Law led the way with 16 points and Joseph Mayberry III added 14. Amare Banks and Timi Ibikunle scored 11 points each, and Avion Jackson scored 10.
McLennan: Aiden Law 5 1-2 16; Joseph Mayberry III 6 2-2 14; Kardae Turner 2 0-0 5; Amare Banks 5 0-0 11; Katayvon Jefferies 1 2-2 4; Austin Omondi 0 0-0 0; Avion Jackson 3 3-4 10; Timi Ibikunle 4 3-4 11; Habeeb Yusuf 1 0-0 2; Howard Gaskins Jr. 1 0-0 2; Joe Burgess 4 0-3 8; Maximilian Blank 0 0-0 0; Totals: 32 11-17 83.
Grayson: Julian Greer 4 5-8 14; Jordan Williams 2 3-3 8; Gelonni Ervin 2 0-3 4; Farvens Ulysse 2 0-0 4; Caleb Alcineus 5 1-2 14; Justin Oriakhi 4 3-4 13; Totals: 19 12-20 57.
Halftime score: McLennan 42, Grayson 30; 3-pointers: McLennan 8 (Law 5, Turner 1, Banks 1, Jackson 1), Grayson 7 (Alcineus 3, Pena 2, Williams 1, Greer 1); Total fouls: McLennan 16, Grayson 13; Fouled out: Ervin (Grayson); Record: McLennan 18-1 (3-0).
