MMS splits with GRMS in opener

The Marianna Middle School Bullpups boys basketball team opened their season with a split at Grand Ridge Monday as they took on the Indians.

The Indians “A” team defeated Marianna 39-33, not the outcome proud new dad, Coach Hunter Nolen was looking for to start the season.

The Bullpups “B” team defeated the Indians 45-29.

In “A” team action, the teams were knotted at eight through the first quarter of play before Grand Ridge outscored the Bullpups 11-4 to take a 19-12 lead into the locker room at the half.

Taking the court in the third quarter, Marianna rebounded to post 11 points while holding the Indians to nine for a 27-23 deficit going into the final period.

Grand Ridge was able to rack up 12 points with the Bullpups managing 10 to take the 39-33 loss.

Leading the Indians in scoring was Darius Williams with 18 points, followed by Dustin Pittman with 11 points.

Marianna was led in scoring the Alonze Bailey and Anthony Massaline with eight points each.

In “B” team action, the Bullpups led the entire game with a 6-2 lead after one quarter of play.

In the second quarter, Marianna exploded for 17 points while holding the Indians to eight points to take a 23-10 lead into halftime.

Grand Ridge battled back in the third quarter, putting up 13 points while holding Marianna to 11 but the final quarter was all Marianna Bullpups.

Leading the Bullpups in scoring was Shaquarius Baker with 14 points, followed by Qua Hall and Calvin Peterson both with eight points each.

In double digits for Grand Ridge was Blake Johnson with 16 points.

Grand Ridge will host Graceville on today at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Marianna was scheduled to travel to Chipley Wednesday before returning home on Thursday to take on cross county rival Cottondale.

Results of the Chipley game were not available at press time.