Lady Bulldogs take district title with clean sweep
After a hefty 10 win streak, the Marlin Lady Bulldogs have taken the crown as District Champions for Division 2A Region III District 18. The Lady Dogs cemented their title by sweeping the court with the Mart Panthers on Friday night, where the match ended with a score of 37-20.
Marlin won the tip-off as the crowd of over a hundred spectators watched with anticipation. The Lady Dogs sank shot after shot, while defense gave it their all. The Panthers only managed to get a mere six points on the board in the first quarter, while Marlin’s girls scored back to back field goals and three-pointers. They went into the second quarter at 17-6.
The Mart gals stepped up their game and set forward with defensive arms. It was a well matched quarter, with both teams adding about a handful of points to their scores. Marlin went into halftime with 23 points to Mart’s 11.
Mart took charge of the ball at the top of the third quarter, but the Bulldogs hijacked it back. The girls managed to sink an additional four baskets before the Panthers could get another shot. After a few eventful free throws, the teams prepared for the last section of the game.
With a score of 33-15, it was probable that the Bulldogs would be taking home the win, but everyone was on the edge of their seats as they watched the athletes trail up and down the court as they watched the final countdown begin. The Panthers took the opportunity to add a few points to the board, but the Bulldogs just kept in. The game ended with a free throw from Mart to bring their score up to 20.
Marlin’s standout, Aniya Williams, scored a total of 24 points during the game and succeeded in reaching 1,500 career points. She also reached 1,500 career rebounds in past weeks. The athlete nabbed 15 rebounds and six steals throughout the game.
Yasmen Maxwell, who did not play in the most recent bout, hit a number of career goals during last Tuesday’s game against Wortham. The athlete topped 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 150 assists throughout her high school career.
With a clean season, the Bulldogs move on to the next round, in hopes of making it to state championships. They are set to take on Moody on Saturday, February 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Marlin high School. Keep up to date on game and ticket information by heading to marlinisd.org or checking the Marlin Athletics Twitter page (@marlin_bulldogs.)