Lady Marlins lose it at the line against Shoal River

The Destin Marlins left too many points at the line, falling 28-21 to the visiting Shoal River Mustangs in girls middle school basketball action Thursday night.

“Free throws was the name of this game. In the end, that's what it boiled down to,” said Destin Coach Kersten Bowman.

Destin was eight of 25 from the free-throw line, while Shoal was five of 16.

“My girls played their most aggressive game of the season and they fought hard,” Bowman said.

“Shoal River had a quick trap defense that we had a hard time playing around at the top of the key. My girls are young and we have just got to keep working on our court awareness in order for us to be patient on offense.”

In the first quarter, Destin stepped out to a 6-2 lead with Sam Sherer making a steal for a layup followed by a jump shot from Taylor Klosterman. Shoal scored, then Destin’s Maya Sherwood hit a long shot. In the last three minutes, Shoal got the advantage 7-6 with a steal for a layup, a free throw and a inside shot from Melena Stevenson.

Shoal added to its lead at the start of the second with a layup and a free throw. But Destin finished the half on top. Sherwood nailed a 3-pointer and later hit a free throw. Sherer broke away for a quick layup and Mae Genobili hit a free throw for a 13-10 lead at the break.

In the third quarter, Destin started to fall behind again leaving five possible points at the free throw line. Shoal led 17-15 at the buzzer.

In the fourth quarter, the Marlins did a little bit better from the line, but it was too late. The Mustangs outscored them 11-6 for the period.

Top scorer for Destin was Sherwood with nine points. Sherer added six and Klosterman five.

Damia McLane led Shoal with 14 points.