The Malone Tigers by every stat, every game leading up to Saturday night’s matchup against Vernon had Malone favored to be the district champs. But as the saying goes, on any given day, it can happen. Coach Steve Welch has forgotten about more basketball than most have knowledge of today. He knows what it takes to win and more so what it takes to bring a team back from a loss. The 43-35 loss will serve only as momentum for a win against Port St. Joe when they take the court.
The Tigers took the first quarter 15-13 behind the shooting of Jarrod Southwell leading the way with four points. Vernon’s defense tightened up and held Malone to just eight points while the YellowJackets posted 11 points. At the half, it was Vernon in leading 24-20. Ocasio Murff posted all five of the Tigers’ points in the second period.
Malone put up eight points in the third quarter while Vernon only managed six points. Curtis Miley had a bucket and a three pointer to lead Malone. The fourth quarter was all Vernon, 7-5 to secure the Vernon win.
Malone was led in scoring by four Tigers with six points. They were Annario Ware, Curtis Miley, Kaleb Wilson and Jarrod Southwell.
The Tigers will travel Port St. Joe tonight (Thursday) to take on the Sharks with a 7 p.m. tipoff.
