BOTKINS — A battle of unbeatens lived up to the billing early before Marion Local pulled away for a decisive 66-33 win over Botkins on Friday night. Botkins entered as the No. 2 team in Division VII, while Marion Local came in ranked No. 1 in Division VI.

Defense set the tone in the opening minutes, highlighted by Botkins senior Owen Zimpfer swatting away a shot as both teams struggled to generate offense. Marion Local eventually found its rhythm behind senior Brayden Mescher, who spun through the defense for an early basket.

Botkins answered when Zimpfer found Eli Pitts cutting to the basket, with Pitts finishing through traffic. Marion Local countered as Brennen Hess located Kale Ahrens along the baseline, where a pump fake sent defenders airborne and opened up an easy score. The Flyers held a 14-7 lead after the first quarter.

In the second, Marion Local extended its advantage off a give-and-go finished by Isaac Moeller, whose midrange jumper pushed the lead to 20-9 and forced a Botkins timeout.

The Trojans responded with Zimpfer scoring inside and completing a three-point play. Zimpfer finished with 11 points, while Pitts led Botkins with 15, including a strong drive and finish through contact.

Marion Local took control from there. Mescher scored again as part of a balanced offensive effort, finishing with 11 points as the Flyers steadily widened the margin.

Marion Local improved to 8-0 on the season with the 66-33 win, while Botkins suffered its first loss and fell to 8-1.

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