It was almost two months since playing their only previous game (a preseason scrimmage) but the Marlboro Academy varsity girls basketball team finally got into action Tuesday night.
The result was worth the wait, as the Lady Dragons cruised to a region road victory over Carolina Academy, 45-32.
Marlboro got off to a solid start in the first quarter, building an 11-7. Senior guard Anna Smith led the attack, scoring 7 points in the period.
Both teams were sluggish in the second period. Carolina was able to take a one-point lead to the locker room at halftime.
The Dragons reignited the offense in the third period and captured the lead for good. Mattie Liles poured in 7 points and Smith added 6 as Marlboro took a 31-27 lead into the fourth quarter.
Marlboro cruised on, outscoring the Bobcats 14-5 down the stretch.
Smith finished with a game-high 21 points. Liles was also in double figures with 12. Caiti Brigman added 6, Sara White 4 and Madison Carriker 2.
The varsity boys were not as successful, falling to their hosts 68-26.
The Dragons trailed 13-6 after the first quarter but Carolina pulled away by outscoring Marlboro 21-6 in the second period.
Reid Edwards led the Marlboro offense with 8 points. Lake Day added 6, Jackson Quick 4, Chandler Gibson 3 and Dawson Williams 1.
The Dragons fall to 1-1 overall, after winning a non-region game in December.
The junior varsity girls held off Carolina for a 32-25 win in their first game of the season. Claire Carmichael led the Lady Dragons with 15 points.
The junior varsity boys fell 43-36. Trey Smith had 12 points, Garrett Wiggins 8 and Ben Milligan 7.
All four Marlboro teams will be in action Friday at home against Pee Dee Academy. They will be on the road for their following three contests, Conway Christian, Florence Christian and Dillon Christian.