Longhorn boys rout Gators

LINDEN—The Marengo Academy Longhorns boys’ basketball team ran the visiting Gators of Clarke Prep School out of the gym Monday by a score of 57-35.

The sneakers squeaked early and often for MA as they ran the floor with great effort and execution all game long. The first race to the basket was won by Caleb Broadhead when he slashed behind everyone on the opening tip for the easy lay-in. Hayden Huckabee followed suit with a nice running leaner before finding Broadhead once more in transition to the hoop. A couple of possessions later kept with the same theme, allowing MA to jump on top early by way of a 15-0 run to start the non-league matchup.

The unselfishness the Longhorns displayed offensively was matched by the intensity they embodied on defense. Their 1-3-1 half-court scheme saw continuous ball pressure up top and a sneaky runner on the baseline, allowing quick traps in the corner along with extra help inside the paint.

Clarke Prep looked to put together a run of their own to start the second period as they trailed the Longhorns 24-7 after one. MA’s abundant amount of athlethiscm was too much for the Gators though as Marengo continued to do as it pleased. A 12-0 run to start the period paved the way for a cushy halftime lead of 36-10.

The second half show featured the same plot with no twists. Marengo stayed revved and balanced with a handful of characters on their way to outscoring their opponent 13-8 in the third before cruising down the home stretch of a fourth period that saw a continuous clock.

“We’re progressing;” coach Larry Huckabee said following his team’s victory. “We ran the court well. We rebounded well and we played hard.”

Huckabee is no stranger to success, nor are the kids he coaches. He led the MA junior varsity team to 34 consecutive victories and back-to-back state championships in 2012 and 2013. Those teams are now the Marengo Academy varsity team, and that has the Marengo faithful rightfully excited about the future.

Hayden Huckabee had a game high 24 points for the Longhorns.

Broadhead, Shade Pritchett and Cason Cook combined for 18 with 6 points each.

Cook led the team in rebounding with eight followed by Carson Huckabee and Hayden Huckabee who both finished with 7 boards.

Four MA players forced three or more turnovers and nine Longhorns caused at least one, putting the total at 20 for the game.