Eagle boys take opener; MV girls win 48-40

UNIONTOWN, Kan. -- Rivals Uniontown and Marmaton Valley split their season-opening basketball doubleheader here Friday night. Marmaton Valley's girls took a 48-40 victory while Uniontown's boys scrapped out a 32-31 decision.

These were non-league games between the Three Rivers League members. The league doubleheader will be played at Moran, Kan., Feb. 1.

Brenton Esslinger was the only player in double figures in the boys' game, scoring 15 points to lead the Eagles. Trenton Miller followed with 7 points.

Marmaton Valley led 9-5 after one period. Uniontown closed to within 19-18 at the half but was outscored 8-6 in the third.

Uniontown's girls held a 10-6 lead after one and were hanging on at the half, 21-19. The Wildcats outscored the Eagles in the second half, 29-19.

Hayden Rathbun and DaNisha Robinson each scored 12 points to lead Uniontown. Robinson also had 10 rebounds.

In the girls' junior varsity game, Britney Stokes scored 9 points to lead Uniontown to a 15-13 win over the Wildcats.

Both Uniontown squads will take part in the Humboldt (Kan.) Tournament next week. According to Humboldt's information, play in the round-robin tourney begins Tuesday with both Eagle teams taking on the host school. Crest is Thursday's opponent. The Eagles will finish the tournament Friday with games against Erie, Kan.