Martin cruises past Decatur to remain unbeaten in SAC

The Clippers started the game on 7-0 run before Decatur got on the board. Decatur hit a two-point goal then half of a two-shot foul to make it 7-3, but then Martin went on a 13-2 run to finish the quarter with a 20-5 lead.

They padded their lead with a 16-5 burst in the second period to mount a 36-10 lead at intermission.

“As a coach. you worry that your kids will let up on the defensive end if they start to watch the scoreboard.,” said coach David Curry. “It was something we addressed at half along with some adjustments to our offense. Our team responded well and continued to play shut down defense and execute offensively.”

The final two quarters were much of the same as the first two but Decatur was able to put 16 points on the board in the second half. The Clippers turned the ball over 16 times, which is more than usual.

“But we were holding the ball a lot in the second half to try to keep the score in check,” Curry explained. “Once again we really played well as a team on both ends of the floor. Our defense was outstanding, everybody seemed to be where we needed them be entire game.”

Martin controlled the boards by a 43 to 24 margin and its defense was able to force the Raiders to turn the ball over 21 times.

“Everybody who was healthy was able to get a bunch of playing time and was also able to score,” the coach said. “Being able to get everybody involved is definitely going to help us as we get into the meat of our season. These minutes are going to be very valuable in making sure they are ready when called upon in the tighter games.

“I’m very proud of our performance tonight. We did everything right as a team and the scoreboard shows it. This is a great group of kids that work very hard every day in practice to get better. They challenge each other daily and that makes us a better team.”

Tanner Curry led a balanced Clipper attack with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Carter Hilton added 11 points, Cayden Curry nine and Jacob Gabala eight. Hilton also had 11 rebounds.

Martin will be at home against Delton Tuesday, and then will travel to Bloomingdale Friday for another divisional matchup.