MC hoops teams tip season off in winning fashion

The air in Ban Johnson Arena crackled with anticipation Saturday, the scent of fresh hardwood and hopeful dreams mingling as the Marietta College basketball teams tipped off their seasons. A resounding roar punctuated the final buzzer as both the men’s and women’s teams secured decisive victories, signaling a promising start to what many hope will be a memorable year for Pioneer athletics. It was a day of career highs, balanced scoring, and relentless defense—a testament to the dedication and hard work that defines Marietta College basketball.

Men’s Basketball: Collins Leads the Charge to Victory

The Marietta College men’s basketball team showcased an explosive offense in their season-opening victory over Bethany College, ultimately securing a 94-82 win. Senior Trenton Collins orchestrated the attack, pouring in a career-high 31 points. His effort was complemented by strong showings from Mason Wisniewski and Toma Gasaj, each posting double-doubles in a display of balanced scoring that highlighted the team’s depth. Wisniewski finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Gasaj had 15 points and 12 boards.

The game wasn't without its challenges, however. Bethany College, fueled by Jayden Jackson's 30 points and 12 rebounds, mounted a spirited comeback attempt. Jaden Stewart contributed 25 points and Semaj Marshall added 19 points, demonstrating Bethany’s resilience and determination. But the Pioneers regrouped, unleashing a decisive 12-point scoring surge capped off by Collins and Wisniewski’s efforts, ultimately sealing the victory.

Early in the game, midway through the first half, Marietta broke a 10-10 tie with seven straight points, setting the tone for their dominance. A layup from Collins, coupled with an old-fashioned three-point play from Gasaj and a jumper from Jonny Kambani propelled the Pioneers forward. Later, Luke Powell’s three-pointer extended the lead to 11 points at 33-22. The Pioneers led by as many as 13 points in the opening period, taking a comfortable 41-33 lead into halftime.

A dunk from Wisniewski with 16:30 left in the game increased the lead. Bethany whittled away at the Marietta lead and had a chance to tie the game. Jayden Jackson went to the line for a pair of free throws with the Bison trailing 75-73. He made the first but missed the second.

The men's team will next participate in the annual Shrine Tournament, showcasing local talent and fostering community pride. The Pioneers play Waynesburg on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Marietta College Athletics is a vital part of the community, representing the school’s values and inspiring pride in its students and alumni.

Women’s Basketball: A Defensive Masterclass

The Marietta College women’s basketball team demonstrated their prowess with a dominant 84-54 victory over Penn State Altoona. The win marked a strong start to the season, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting year for Pioneer women’s basketball. “I’m proud of how our team approached the game from start to finish,” said head coach Jenna Andersen. “We had contributions on both sides of the ball, but our defensive intensity and commitment were what allowed us to get the win. This group understands that we still have a lot of areas where we can improve, and that’s exciting.”

The key to Marietta's victory wasn't just offensive firepower, but a suffocating defensive effort that stifled Penn State Altoona’s attempts to gain momentum. Early in the game, the Pioneers forced eight first-quarter turnovers, showcasing their relentless pressure and strategic execution. Abby Garner’s putback basket and Callie Powell’s late-game layup contributed to a commanding 21-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw Penn State Altoona briefly rally behind Ellie Irvin’s three-point shooting, but Marietta consistently responded with timely baskets and continued defensive intensity. Kendall Sury’s jumper and subsequent three-pointer kept the momentum firmly in the Pioneers' favor. Sury found some teammates for baskets before scoring herself late in the quarter. Harlan added a three-pointer and Peyten Bruns supplied a strong finish in the closing minutes, converting an old-fashioned three-point play before tipping in a missed shot at the halftime horn. Marietta went to the half with a 48-26 advantage.

Depth Drives the Victory

The second half continued the story of dominance for the Pioneers, with a flurry of offense sparked by Garner, Sury, McMillen, and Powell. After the Lions pulled within 50-31, Garner finished a layup, Sury drilled a three-pointer, and McMillen converted a transition basket following a steal to ignite a 13-2 run. The surge pushed the lead to 57-33 with just over six minutes remaining in the quarter. Bruns converted free throws and scored repeatedly around the rim, while Powell knocked down a three-pointer and McMillen added multiple baskets in the lane.

Marietta turned the final quarter over to its depth, allowing several players valuable game experience while maintaining defensive intensity. Bruns opened the scoring with a jumper off an assist from Mallory Plesac. Madison Lynn added a layup midway through the quarter, and Maggie Baker converted a steal into her first career Pioneer basket to account for Marietta’s final points. Penn State Altoona received late scoring from Alina Sopko, Hannah Glunt, Maddie Benton, and Irvin, who finished with a game-high 17 points. However, the Pioneers would cruise to an 84-54 opening day victory.

14 different Pioneers scored in the victory, led by Sury’s 16 points and Bruns’ 15-point performance off the bench. Bruns also led with seven rebounds. Sury also collected five assists and four rebounds. Kelsey Harlan added five points and a game-high seven assists.

Community Reaction & Student Excitement

Local residents and alumni celebrated the team's victories, expressing pride in the Pioneers’ performance. Students echoed the community’s excitement, highlighting the importance of strong team performances.

Looking Ahead: Tournaments and Challenges

The men’s team will head into the annual Shrine Tournament, showcasing local talent and fostering community pride. The Pioneers play Waynesburg on Friday at 7:30 p.m. The women’s basketball team will travel to Rochester, New York, to participate in the Rochester Chuck Resler Tournament, facing Vassar College in their opening round game at 1 p.m.

Andersen's Closing Remarks

Andersen concluded, “We’ll enjoy this win, then get back to work next week as we prepare for a great challenge in Rochester.”