Marlin Classic: Host Arnold advances

PANAMA CITY BEACH – Tournaments are about survival and Arnold embodied that notion on Monday.

The Marlins opened the fifth annual Area Glass Marlin Christmas Classic with a 63-48 victory over Foley (Ala.). They weren’t challenged much by the smaller Lions, but they were battling against injuries and illness. Two players were out sick and another, Martez Ellingburg, was slowed by a shoulder injury.

The inside-out combination of Nate Hicks and Jarvious Johnson carried the undermanned Marlins. Hicks had 22 points, many on easy baskets underneath, and nine blocks, and Johnson scored a game-high 27, with five 3-pointers.

Johnson had two 3-pointers in each of the first and second quarters, but Arnold only led 13-12 after the first eight minutes. Johnson’s two 3-pointers in the second quarter helped Arnold to 11- and 10-point leads.

“We are banged up and for that we are thankful to take the win,” Arnold coach James Baxley said. “We hope that by the end of the season these minutes these other guys are getting will pay dividends and help us build depth.”

Foley (3-6), led by Marcus Washington’s 23 points and Malcolm Barnett’s 12 points, crawled back within 46-39 late in the third quarter. A 4-0 run, capped by a Hicks score, put the bulge back to double digits. The Lions could only get as close as 11 one more time the rest of the way.

Arnold (9-3) also was without Calvin Cox and Eddie Williams. Ellingburg was playing with a wrap on his left shoulder and Baxley didn’t know when he would be at full strength.

“When you take those guys out of the lineup and the rotation it can be tough,” Baxley said.

Baxley knows today’s opponent will be tougher, as defending champion Marshall County (Ky.) awaits at 7:30 p.m.

Foley dropped into the consolation round and will play Bartram Trail today at 4:30 p.m.

• FOLEY (48)
• Chalfant 0 0-1 0, McGaster 0 0-2 0, Long 1 0-0 2, White 1 0-0 2, Casey 1 0-0 2, Barnett 5 1-2 12, Pugh 1 0-0 2, Holmes 2 4-4 9, Washington 8 2-3 19. Totals: 19 7-12 48.
• ARNOLD (63)
• Leistner 1 0-0 2, West 2 0-0 4, Negron 1 2-2 4, Johnson 10 2-2 27, Hicks 8 6-8 22, Ellingburg 2 0-3 4. Totals: 24 10-15 63.
• Foley 12 11 16 9 – 48
• Arnold 13 20 17 13 – 63
• 3-point field goals: Foley (Barnett), Arnold 5 (Johnson 5)