The Marauder’s Playoff Conquest

Maclay Shines in Their First Postseason Matchup Against Pensacola Christian

Photo by Brooke Nohle/Maclay Andalusian

The varsity boys basketball team began playoffs with a 67-54 win over Pensacola Christian. This ends their five game losing streak as they pick up a much needed win. While the Marauders only had two wins in the calendar year prior to this win, their real season has just begun.

Maclay started the match hot as they outscored the Warriors 15-8 in the first quarter. However, the second quarter was a battle as Pensacola Christian started to ease into the game. While the Marauders lost the second quarter 18-15, they held the lead at halftime 30-26.

“Our mentality was to keep driving to the basket,” junior Ryder Marks said. “That is how we were getting all of our points.”

The Marauders flipped the script in the third quarter as the game went from a nailbiter to a substantial Maclay lead. The team would win the third quarter by 12 points and head into the final quarter with a 16 point lead. With the help from juniors George Grant and Nash Beshears, who had 31 combined points, Maclay would finish off the Warriors, cruising to a 67-54 win.

“Our scout team ran the plays Pensecola Chritstian runs,” Marks said. “So, we already knew what they were going to do.”

While Maclay is not the highest seed in districts, they will host every district matchup so the team has home court advantage in every game. This played a major role in the Marauders’ success. Fans, students and parents were all on their feet, screaming and supporting Maclay.

Despite the Marauders’ playoff win, their path to advancing to regionals and win districts does not get any easier. The team must face the second seeded Florida High Seminoles in their next matchup.

“We will play together as a team offensively and defensively,” senior captain Jalen Crawford said. “They have good guards who can score the ball so if we can lock in defensively we will be perfectly fine.”

Maclay looks to get revenge against Florida High in a win or go home game on Thursday, Feb. 8. The team lost to Florida High earlier in the season 67-58. Florida High also ended the Marauders season last year after a devastating defeat 63-41. But with a confident mindset and persistent effort throughout the season, the team aims to rally together and execute a stunning upset.