Game of the Week: Kokomo WildKats vs. Marion Giants (Quick Recap)
QUICK RECAP
Memorial Gymnasium played host to one of the most thrilling high school basketball games in recent memory as Kokomo and Marion battled for the top spot in the North Central Conference. The game featured electrifying plays, five technical fouls, and a clutch Zion Bellamy 3-pointer at the end of regulation to send the game into overtime.
The back-and-forth contest not only showcased each team’s resilience but also served as a benchmark for both squads as they look to improve throughout the season.
Marion and Kokomo opened the game at a breakneck pace. Kokomo’s offense was firing early, but Marion’s on-ball defense posed problems, forcing turnovers and keeping the game close. Despite Kokomo’s hot shooting, Marion held a narrow 26-24 lead after the first quarter.
As the first half progressed, Marion’s defense, length, and athleticism began to overwhelm Kokomo. The Wildkats struggled to hit shots they normally make, while Marion maintained its high tempo. By halftime, Marion had built a commanding 54-38 lead.
But Kokomo wasn’t ready to fold. The Wildkats came out in the second half with a renewed sense of urgency, determined to claw their way back. They outscored Marion 31-21 in the third quarter and 26-20 in the fourth, erasing the deficit and sending the game into overtime.
One of the key contributors to Kokomo’s comeback was Zion Bellamy. With the clock winding down at the end of regulation, Bellamy drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer to tie the game and ignite the crowd.
In overtime, Marion’s Tim Jones took over. Jones delivered a stellar performance, including a pivotal steal and dunk that helped secure the Giants’ hard-fought 109-104 victory.
Check out the unofficial player point totals below!
