MA junior high team finishes second at state tourney

Marengo Academy junior high boys basketball team went in as the No. 2 seed at the 1A state tournament held at Cornerstone Christian Schools on Jan. 18.

The Horns first game was against Meadowview Christian. They took the victory with at score of 42-18. Landon Houlditch had 11 points, followed by Austen Day & Frankie Martin with 8 each, Robert Gibbs with 6, Cody Cobb with 4, Daniel McCray with 3 and Luke McCray with 2. Gibbs led in rebounds while Houlditch led in steals. Gibbs, Martin, Cobb and Mason Alt had 1 assist each.

In game two, the Longhorns tipped off against Sparta Academy. The young Horns worked as a team trying to make the championship game. Each team worked hard, but the Horns took the victory with a score of 25-16. Leading the Horns was Landon Houlditch with 16 points, Robert Gibbs with 6, Frankie Martin with 2 and Austen Day with 1. Houlditch led in rebounds and steals, while Gibbs led in blocks. Daniel McCray had 2 assist.

With game three of the day, the junior high Longhorns were set to face Edgewood Academy. Unfortunately the Longhorns were never able to take the lead. Final score was 50-32. Robert Gibbs had 15 points, Landon Houlditch with 9, Daniel McCray and Alex Owens with 3 and Austen Day with 2. Houlditch led in rebounds and steals. Frankie Martin had 1 assist.

With two wins and one loss for the day, the Junior Longhorns were the 1A AISA State Runner-Up. Members of the team are Landon Houlditch, Robert Gibbs, Austen Day, Daniel McCray, Luke McCray, Mason Alt, Frankie Martin, Cody Cobb, Alex Owens and Cole Vick. The Horns are coached by Larry Huckabee and Chasity Broadhead.