Fenton topples Elgin in opener
Though its roster features just two seniors, the Fenton boys basketball team does have an experienced group back.
The host Bison played like veterans Monday, overcoming an early double-digit deficit to post a 59-47 victory over Elgin in an opening game of the 31st Chuck Mitchell Thanksgiving Tournament.
"We have a lot of guys back with experience," Fenton coach Chaz Taft said, "but we also have a lot of young guys back. We are just trying to get it going and that starts on the defensive end. We tried to keep the energy high and get a lot of deflections.
"The guys were pulling for each other and making plays on both ends."
Trailing 23-12 midway through the second quarter thanks to a trio of 3-pointers by the Maroons' Trey Yarber, Fenton ended the half on an 8-2 run to trail 30-27.
The Bison carried that momentum into the third, taking their first lead of the contest on a three-point play by Detwan Yoakum. Diamon King and Marcus Rule had 4 points apiece in the period and shared team-high honors with 16 points apiece. King also contributed 14 rebounds.
"At the beginning of the game, we let them get some shots off," King said. "But at halftime, we talked about the team that came out with the most energy in the third and fourth quarter would be the team that came out on top. Everyone was working hard and everyone played a part."
Leading by 5 heading into the final quarter, Fenton would not let Elgin get closer than 4 points the rest of the way as Rule knocked down four free throws. He finished 10 of 12 from the free-throw line.
Andre Reed also hit a 3-pointer in the fourth and checked into double figures with 10.
Yarber finished with a game-high 18 points for the Maroons, and Cameron Muller chipped in with 8.
"We came out ready to play," said Elgin coach David Hess, coaching his first game for the Maroons. "I was proud of that. In the second half I think we shot 6 of 23 with 3 assists and 8 turnovers. We started to settle against their zone and not attack it as much.
"But give credit to them, they were tough and organized. We don't have much varsity experience back. We will take the positives from the first half and try to build on that."