Destin Marlins capture win over St. Mary’s

Nolan Berry and Kobe Babin combined for 24 points to lead the Destin Marlins in a 47-26 win over visiting St. Mary’s of Fort Walton Beach in boys middle school basketball action Monday evening.

Berry knocked down 14 points, while Babin worked the inside shot for 10. Jackson Standford scored eight and Gage Peaden hit for five. Scoring two points each for the Marlins were Harrison Brice, Matt Pierce, Zach Lichorwic, Daven Finkle and Holden Hanshman.

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St. Mary’s got on the board first with a free throw and Destin’s Babin answered with a shot off the glass. St. Mary’s  Gannon Casey sank a shot and then Berry drained a 3-pointer for a 5-3 lead. St. Mary’s tied the game on a layup. Seconds later Destin was on the line with Berry hitting the second of two tries to take the lead. From that point on, the Marlins took control of the game. By the end of the first quarter, Destin stretched its lead to 10-5 with Babin making an inside shot and then Standford turned a steal into two quick points.

At the start of the second quarter, Destin cashed in on a couple of turnovers for quick baskets and a 16-5 advantage. St. Mary’s picked up a free throw, then Berry made a steal for a quick layup followed by a shot off the board by Lichorwic. In the last three minutes, Babin put up six points, four from the free throw line, while St. Mary’s hit for five points. Destin led 26-11 at the break.

In the third period, Berry and Pierce hit back-to-back baskets, before St. Mary’s reeled off seven consecutive points. Standford scored in the final seconds for a 32-18 finish.

After giving up two baskets to St. Mary’s at the start of the fourth, Destin went on an 11-point scoring spree with Berry, Peaden, Standford and Finkle contributing. In the last two minutes, each team scored two baskets with Destin coming out on top 47-26.

Tops for St. Mary’s was Casey with nine points. Brandon Malan hit for eight and Harrison Madison scored four.

For the game, Destin was six of 17 from the free-throw line, while St. Mary’s made five of 20.

Up next for Destin is a 6:30 p.m. game Thursday at Meigs Middle School in Shalimar.