FARIBAULT — In a game that lacked much mystery — a power taking on a struggling team — there was still plenty of drama as Rochester John Marshall romped past Faribault in boys basketball on Thursday.
The drama in the Rockets' 69-44 romp was senior guard John Mattison setting the school's all-time boys career scoring record.
Mattison — who's averaging 22 points on the season — managed only six against Faribault. But that was still enough to give him the JM career mark, with 1,276 points. That beat the record of Brent Solheim, his 1,272 -point mark set in 1994.
Mattison is a four-year starter at JM and is playing on his first winning team as a Rocket.
"John can score in a lot of different ways," JM coach Kirk Thompson said. "He can score on (drives), on mid-range shots, and he can shoot the 3(-pointer), which makes him awfully difficult to defend. Plus, he's been really consistent for us this year."
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Like Mattison, JM has also been consistent this season, losing just three times. There was no threat of adding to that loss total Thursday, as JM grabbed a 32-20 halftime lead and was never threatened the rest of the way.
"We made several strong runs at (Faribault)," Thompson said. "It's a good road win in the Big Nine and we're happy with that."
JM was led by center Ngor Barnaba with 17 points, eight rebounds and four steals. Kyle Dahlstrom added 16 points and four steals, and Kyle Gossman had seven rebounds and four assists.
Faribault stayed winless in the Big Nine at 0-12. The Falcons are 3-17 overall.
John Marshall 69, Faribault 44
JOHN MARSHALL (69)
Aaron Grad 7, Brody Diggins 0, Kyle Gossman 2, Axele Kihutu 0, Emerson Gonyea 3, John Mattison 6, Deonte Moore 6, Janek Walker 0, Michael Ojeikhodion 2, Ross Faber 0, Kyle Dahlstrom 16, Michael Hurt 4, Mike Bosshart 4, Josh Milligan 2, Ngor Barnaba 17.
Other stats:Gossman 7 rebounds, 4 assists; Moore 4 assists; Dahlstrom 4 steals; Barnaba 8 rebounds, 4 steals.
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FARIBAULT (44)
Tim Messenger 4, Skyler Bauer 3, Aric Hallet 2, Nate Emge 8, Luke Gare 11, Kallan Hart 7, Mitch Clark 2, Joe Hoisington 4, Luke Anderson 3.
Halftime:JM 32, FAR 20.
Free throws:JM 8-16, FAR 9-12.
Three-point goals:JM 1 (Gonyea 1), FAR 4 (Gare 3, Emge 1).
