Meigs knocks out Destin

Markus Maloy fired up the net for 19 points to lead Meigs Wildcats in a 49-26 win over the Destin Marlins in the first round of the Okaloosa County Middle School Athletic Conference Basketball Tournament Monday evening in Shalimar.

Maloy nailed four 3-pointers with 16 of his 19 points coming in the first quarter.

The Wildcats dominated on both ends of the court in the first half scoring time after time and denying the Marlins on their end.

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In the first quarter, Meigs put up 32 unanswered points. Six-foot-five Diante Smith slammed in a couple of dunks and put back a couple of rebounds for eight points. Josh Williams worked his way inside for eight points and Maloy worked his way around the outside perimeter for 16 points, including a couple of layups and a free throw.

In the second quarter, Meigs pulled their starters but continued to beat the Marlins on the floor. Torrian McGowen scored for the Wildcats and then Bobby Millett made a steal for a layup.

Destin finally got on the board with 3:18 left in the first half on a shot from Koby Babin. Meigs’ Kalan Smith scored a couple of baskets and hit a free throw before Destin got another shot to fall. Babin put a rebound back for two points. Meigs hit a 3-pointer and Destin’s Christian Parker answered with a 3-pointer of his own. Destin trailed 44-7 at the half.

With a running clock in the second half, Destin outscored the Wildcats 19-5.

At the start of the third quarter, Meigs’ Maloy sank his last 3-pointer. About halfway through the period, the Wildcats pulled their starters and gave everybody playing time. Destin took advantage and Babin put up five points. Destin was down 47-12 at the buzzer.

The fourth quarter was all Destin as the Marlins put up 14 points. Jackson Standford started the scoring with a basket followed by two scores from Babin. Zach Lichorwic put a rebound back for two points and then Matt Pierce scored a basket and a 3-pointer, plus a foul shot

In the final minute, Meigs’ Millett was fouled and went to the line making both shots.

For the game, Destin was led by Babin with 13 points. Pierce scored six and Parker three.