In front of an electric Monday crowd, one that saw numerous City League south coaches on hand as well, the Heath Bulldogs took down the Marion Franklin Red Devils by a score of 94-39. Much like every City League team, other teams have to take them out for them to go away and this was no different as the Red Devils showed signs of life a couple of times before falling to the Bulldogs. 

Heath started out with some good shooting from the outside, nailing four three’s in the opening quarter compared to one from Marion Franklin. This differential was enough to give the Bulldogs a 12-point advantage after the first quarter, 23-11. 

The defensive intensity changed for the Devils as they clamped down in the second frame and only allowed five total points. Coach Tim Brown's bunch started the quarter off on a 5-0 run but could not muster more than three other points before the half. So, despite them clamping down on the defensive end, they still trailed 28-19 at the half. 

In the third quarter, Bulldog sophomore Preston Devito bursted out with a personal 8-0 run that came courtesy of a couple of three’s and a drive to the rim to put his team up 36-19 within a few minutes of coming out of the locker room. Devito totaled 10 third quarter points and his Bulldogs added four more three’s to their total as they rolled into the final quarter up 50-23. 

Marion Franklin could find a consistent source of offense all game while turnovers derailed them anytime they got a little momentum on their side. Ultimately, they fell to the Bulldogs in a 25-point win. 

5 Keys:

1. Three-point shooting: When one team knocks in nine three’s and the other team doesn’t hit their second until 5:15 left in the fourth quarter, the deficit will usually look how it did. Heath started the game by hitting four three’s in the opening quarter then another four in the third quarter as well. Marion Franklin hit three total jumpers from beyond the arc. Heath’s two quarters of hot shooting was enough to create the giant gap between the teams.

2. Turnovers: The opening quarters of each half were filled with Red Devils turnovers, from bounce passes getting stolen to blocked shots and unforced errors, Marion Franklin had a tough time holding onto the ball in the halfcourt. This got the Bulldogs out on the break where they were able to pick Marion Franklin apart with body movement on offense. 

3. Versatility on both ends: Heath was able to use their size and switch everything on the perimeter, with every player being able to guard and making the night tough for the Marion Franklin offense. When Heath was on offense, they had a plethora of playmakers that could all get each other involved or make shots themselves. This ability will make them a difficult out for any team. 

4. Passing: The way the ball never stuck in one player's hands was remarkable, the Bulldogs were decisive and made crisp passes that usually ended up with an open look from three or a layup because of penetration. Heath played a beautiful game of hot potato with the basketball and the person with the ball at the end went to take the shot. 

5. Lock down defense: The Red Devils were held to a total of 12 points between the second and third quarters, and that’s with Heath being held to five points in the second quarter themselves. Heath attacked the defensive side of the floor with a Bulldog mentality and got into Marion Franklin, not wanting to be pushed around. 

MVP: Ben Mason ( Heath junior)

Top Scorer: Preston Devito ( Heath sophomore)

Hustle Player of the Game: Malik Ali ( Marion Franklin senior)