DeWitt Central put together a 22-point first quarter and the Sabers coasted to a 59-42 win over Marion in a battle of Wamac Conference foes at Marion Friday night.

The game did not count in the division standings. DeWitt Central (10-11) is in the East Division and Marion (10-9) is in the West.

Marion played solid defense for the final three quarters, but the Indians could not recover from the 5-of-7  three-point shooting the Sabers put up in the first quarter.

“Their three-point shooting and our turnovers cost us a chance in this one,” said Marion Coach Mike Manderscheid.  “It seemed that each time we would begin to get something going, we would have another turnover.”

Isaac Frazier and Ty Gunderson led the Indians with nine points each.

“In the first half, it was easy to work the post, but they adjusted in the second half and made it tougher,” said Frazier.  “It was senior night tonight and I was really emotional.  It caused me to play a little out of control and I seemed to lose my focus.”

McClain Steffens scored nine to lead the Sabers in scoring while Kyle Bauer and A.J. Smith each scored eight in a balanced offense. Eight players scored five or more points.

Andrew Davis made his first appearance of the season for Marion on senior night. Davis, who is recovering from a broken leg suffered in the football season, had been unable to play until this game.

“It felt really good to get in the game,” said Davis.  “I missed it.  It just felt so good to be with my team on the court playing on senior night.”

“It was good to see Davis in there on senior night,” said Manderscheid.  “Frazier gave us some good minutes and Trevor (Hardman) gave us some spark, too.  But, you know, our whole season has been a rollercoaster.  We just need to build up some momentum for the rest of the season and the tournaments.”

Marion travels to Williamsburg for a game Saturday afternoon.

DE WITT CENTRAL (59):  Steffens 2 4-5 9, Bauer 3 0-0 8, Mitch Green 2 0-3 5, Smith 4 0-0 8, Kirby 3 0-0 6, Brackey 3 0-0 6, T Green 1 3-4 6, Martin Green 2 2-2 6, Wright 1 0-0 3, Sheppard 1 0-0 2, Dolan 0 0-0 0, Keitel 0 0-0 0.  Totals 22 9-14 59.

MARION (42): Quinn 0 1-2 1, Engle 3 0-0 7, Gunderson 4 1-2 9, Landuyt 2 0-1 4, Frazier 4 1-2 9, Cannoy 1 1-1 3, Buckley 0 0-0 0, Hardman 2 2-2 6, Schneiders 0 1-2 1, Hartzler 0 0-1 0, Davis 1 0-0 2, Wheeler 0 0-0 0, Phillips 0 0-0 0, Connolly 0 0-0 0. Totals 17 7-13 42.

Halftime – DeWitt Central 31, Marion 21. 3-point goals – DeWitt Central 6 (Steffens 1, Bauer 2, Mitch Green 1, T Green 1, Wright 1) Marion 1 (Engle 1).