Bulldogs top Dawson, still sit at top of district

The Marlin Bulldogs basketball team returned home to host the Dawson Bulldogs on Friday for senior night. Marlin was victorious, winning 77-63. 

Marlin began the game with a 4-0 start, then Dawson responded with a 3-0 run to make the score 4-3. Marlin answered with a three-pointer by Jaidan Womack (11) to make it a 7-3 lead, then Dawson came back and tied the score at 7. Marlin responded with a basket by Jaidan Womack to take a 9-7 lead. They began to gain some separation from Dawson with a fastbreak layup by Jacorian Johnson (1) to take a 17-13 lead. The first quarter ended with Marlin ahead 18-15. 

The first points of the second quarter came from a basket by Jermorion Mayes (21) to give them a 20-15 lead. Marlin continued to stay on top with a basket by Jaidan Womack to make the score 24-19. They remained aggressive with a fastbreak layup by Johnson for a 29-22 advantage, and he grew the lead to double digits with a three pointer to go up 34-24. Marlin entered halftime winning 41-26. 

The third quarter started pretty even, but Marlin kept the momentum going with a basket by Aarik Smith-Shelley (12) to take a 45-30 lead. Marlin continued to seize the momentum with a successful three point play by Jerry Willis (10) for a commanding 53-35 lead. That was soon followed with a skillful layup by Jordan Womack (4) to make the score 57-40. The third quarter ended with Marlin ahead 60-49. 

Roderick Suiters (3) began the scoring in the fourth quarter with a basket for a huge 62-49 lead, and continued to pull away with a 12-3 spurt to go up 74-52. Marlin remained aggressive, adding a layup by Jordan Womack to make it a 77-54 blowout. Dawson tried to rally back with a 9-0 surge, but it was not enough and Marlin secured the win 77-63. Aarik Smith-Shelley was excellent with 15 points, four rebounds, four assists, a steal, and five blocks. 

Jerry Willis also had a great game with 11 points, five rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Jacorian Johnson had a well-balanced game with 12 points, four rebounds, six assists, a steal, and a block. Jaidan Womack was incredible with 16 points, six rebounds, four assists, and five steals. 

With this victory, Marlin has an overall record of 14-4 and a perfect district record of 11-0 and is officially ranked #20 in the state in 2A in the TABC polls. After a road game between the Axtell Longhorns on Tuesday, Marlin will travel to take on the Mart Panthers. The game will be on Friday, Feb. 9, and tip off is set for 7:30 p.m.