Marion withstands West Memphis effort

MARION — Marion held off West Memphis for a 57-52 victory in 5A-East boys play Friday night to sweep the season series.

A three-point play with 20 seconds left by Drew Kyzar sealed the victory for Marion (12-1, 7-1 5A-East).

West Memphis (8-9, 5-3) outrebounded Marion 22-21 and committed two less turnovers than the Patriots (15-13). But after not shooting a free throw in the first half, Marion hit 13 of 17 in the second half, including its final five attempts.

Both teams shot well in the first half as Marion went 14 for 23 (60.9%), while the Blue Devils hit 10 of 18 shots (55.6%).

West Memphis led 24-17 with 5:35 to play in the second quarter, but the Blue Devils turned it over on their next three possessions and Marion came away with five points on a mid-range jumper from Dontonio More and a three-pointer from Jayden Forrest. The game was tied 30-30 at the half.

West Memphis never led in the second half, but pulled even twice, the last time coming with 5:20 remaining when Kameron Barnes made it 3232 with a layup.

Marion stretched its lead to 46-38 with 5:34 to play when Tim McDonald, who along with Moore, led the winners with 12 points, converted a three-point play.

Barnes’ layup with 40 seconds to play brought West Memphis within 54-51. But after two missed Marion shots, Kyzar made the three-point play.

Kyzar provided 10 points for Marion, while Forrest and Jaqualyn Daniel each added eight.

West Memphis got gamehigh totals of 21 points and 5 assists from point guard Jordan Mitchell, while Barnes, his brother Kaleb and Calvin Butler each added eight points.