The TMP-Marian Monarchs boys and girls advanced to the first round of the Mid-Continent League tournament on Saturday with a pair of wins in the feather bracket round at Phillipsburg.
BOYS: TMP 52, Smith Center 49
For the second time in as many games to TMP boys were forced to rally from an early deficit as they outlast Smith Center 52-49.
TMP (4-6, 3-2 MCL)had an early 3-2 lead on a Will Eck first quarter three pointer but Smith Center answered with a 4-0 run and led 7-3. And that would be the theme of the night as the two teams traded the lead back-and-forth all night.
In the first half Smith Center led at the end of the first quarter 9-8.
The Monarchs briefly regained the lead early in the second quarter at 13-11 on a Caden Dinkel three pointer but Smith Center outscored TMP 9-6 to end the first half for a 20-19 Redmen lead at the break.
Smith Center (2-6, 1-2 MCL) was able to extend their lead into the third quarter, outscoring TMP 13-5 to begin the third quarter.
But down nine TMP was able to find it’s range from deep and stormed back to take the lead early in the first quarter.
The Monarchs put together a 15-2 run to end the third quarter and open the fourth giving the Monarchs the 39-35 lead.
Ty Schmeider, caught fire scoring 11 points during the stretch.
But Smith Center wouldn’t go anywhere with just over five minutes to play in the game they outscored TMP 10-3 for a 45-42 lead.
Schmeider connected on back-to-back threes putting TMP up 48-45 only to see Smith Center score four straight for a 49-48 lead.
Down two, TMP’s Ian Nehls connected on two free throws and Carson Liles added two more and then the defense clamped down from a 52-49 victory.
Schmeidler, two nights after scored a career-high 23 points, added 20 points Saturday in the win over Smith Center.
TMP will take on the top seed Norton Bluejays in the first round of the MCL tournament Tuesday.
Smith Center plays Oakley Thursday on consolation action.
GIRLS: TMP 55, Russell 44
The Lady Monarchs came into the MCL Tournament looking for their first win since December 12th. They built an early double-digit lead and then hold on for the win and they snapped their four game losing streak, defeating the Broncos 55-44.
The Monarchs (4-6, 2-2 MCL) started the game hot as they come out leading 10-0 in the first couple of minutes in the game. Russell found their footing and was able to try and keep pace with TMP, at the end of the first TMP led 17-10.
In the second quarter the Monarchs put more pressure on Russell getting their largest lead of the game at 14 at halftime. TMP led Rusell 30-16.
During the halftime Russell (1-7, 0-2 MCL) made changes and made the game interesting. The Broncos offense exploded in the third quarter scoring twenty points, the most in any quarter. The Monarchs did turn the ball over and only scored 12. TMP led Russell 42-36.
In the final quarter the Broncos kept pace with the Monarchs until the waning minutes when the Monarchs were able to get to the line.
TMP had a career day from Junior Shyanne Yost, as she scored 12 points. Her former career high was eight points.
Junior Brooke Koenigsman also helped the Monarchs get the win. Koenigsman scored 14 points in the second half to finish with 19 an her fifth double-figure game of the season.
The TMP Lady Monarchs will be back in action Monday in Hoxie to take on the MCL’s best. Tip off from Hoxie is set for 6 pm.