Improving to over .500 for the first time this season, the Parsons Vikings overcame the Independence Bulldogs, 60-56, on Friday night.
Fastbreak offense and efficiency at the foul line proved crucial for the Vikings.
“The two biggest things that stick out were that we were able to get some transition baskets,” Parsons head coach Anthony Houk said. “Halfcourt offense was tough at times. Then we went 12-of-15 from the free throw line and 6-of-6 in the fourth quarter. That’s what stuck out to me as far as why we came out on top.”
Independence forward Easton Ewing delivered a game-high 32 points on what Houk described as the best game he’s ever seen Ewing play against an SEK League opponent.
“One of our goals was to force him out of the paint and force his catches away from the blocks,” Houk said. “For the most part, he was catching it from 15 feet and then he starts hitting fadeaways. With as big as he is, we don’t have somebody to block that. When he’s making those shots, you just have to go hit a good shot yourself.”
Jessie Jones led Parsons with 21 points. He hit all four of his free throws — all in one-and-one situations — in the fourth quarter and scored from all three levels.
“He did a great job and he’s one of the best players in the state when he’s on his game,” Houk said. “It was fun to watch. His teammates did a great job to get him open. He took all sorts of shots tonight.”
Landon Wheat added 16 points for the Vikings while J.J. Kendrick chipped in 15.
“We had a couple other shooters out there tonight,” Houk said. “And we shared the ball great.”
Parsons improved to 10-9 overall while Independence dropped to 6-12. The Vikings have now won three of its last four games.
Parsons gets Tuesday off before ending the regular season at home against Chanute.
“The first point of emphasis for us is our mindset,” Houk said. “We have to have a mindset of having a couple of days to prepare for a team that’s beaten us. We have a few days to perfect some things.”
Parsons 60, Independence 56
Parsons: 11 21 12 16 — 60
Independence: 15 13 13 15 — 56
Parsons: Jahmarion Washington 2, J.J. Kendrick 15, Tra Mack 3, Jessie Jones 21, Landon Wheat 16, Conner Barcus 3
Independence: Jimmy Unruh 8, Camdon Julian 9, Hayden Smith 4, Easton Ewing 32, Jameson Jarnagin 3
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