
Meigs Marauders suffer first loss of the season
By: Quinn Elfers
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VINCENT, Ohio (WOUB) – On Friday, Meigs traveled to Warren High School in what would be its toughest matchup this season. The Marauders entered this matchup 13-0 with a distinct size advantage but were outmatched by Warren’s defense and hustle as the Warriors would seize the day, 70-54.
Grit and grind defined the opening quarter of the contest. Both teams struggled out of the gate with scoring as neither team couldn’t establish consistent shooting. This was due to suffocating defense from both squads resulting in creativity to find buckets. Reed Brinager hit a crafty pump fake hesitation to get an easy layup early in the quarter to contribute to Meigs’ charge. This would help the Marauders take a four-point lead at the end of the first quarter, 10-6.
The game continued to come down to the wire throughout the second quarter. Senior Warrior Julian Stadelman began to put together successful possessions for Warren, while sophomore Owen Tracy took a step out of his normal role as facilitator and became the top scorer for Meigs, scoring 11 points in the first half alone. Both teams would enter the locker room separated by only one point, with the Marauders lead shrinking to 22-21.
Tides would shift in favor of Warren right as the second half kicked off with two Warrior threes early in the third quarter, which would be the precursor to their victory.
Stadleman and fellow senior Chase Lupardus led Warren’s offense throughout its surge. Lupardus especially turned it on in the second half as after scoring six points in the first half, he came out and scored 12 in the third quarter. His scoring outburst was aided by offensive rebounds and numerous second-chance points which Meigs couldn’t combat.
Hope continued to dwindle for the Marauders as nothing would fall for the squad no matter who was shooting. Not to mention, nagging turnovers didn’t help Meigs’ cause as Warren would continue to bring its dominant offense to the fourth quarter. The dynamic duo of Stadleman and Lupardus capped off their night with 24 and 23 points respectively.
As the clock hit zero at Warren, the Marauders found themselves on the losing end for the first time this season. This loss marks the second straight season where Meigs went on a 13-game losing streak, only to lose the 14th game.