Celebrating Tiger Seniors: Team Achieves Impressive 18-0 Record!

Marietta seniors Jacey McKnight (12), Leigha Lauer (4), and Alyssa Baker (1) celebrated after their win over Point Pleasant at Sutton Gym. (Photo by Mike Morrison)

Once upon a time, Marietta Tigers seniors Jacey McKnight, Leigha Lauer, and Alyssa Baker were rivals on the basketball court. They played for different youth league teams and often clashed in championship games.

As they moved into middle school, their rivalry turned into a strong friendship. McKnight remembers, “I played for Phillips, and they played for Putnam. We always seemed to face each other. We hated it, but then we became best friends.”

On Senior Night at Sutton Gym, the three were honored as they led the Tigers to a commanding 62-19 victory over Point Pleasant, bringing their season record to an impressive 18-0.

Leigha Lauer (4) makes a pass in the Tigers’ game against Point Pleasant. (Photo by Mike Morrison)

Lauer topped the scoring chart with 17 points, while McKnight and Baker chipped in with 11 and 10 points, respectively. The Tigers opened the game strong, scoring 18 unanswered points right out of the gate.

Head coach Ryan McClain expressed pride in his seniors, saying, “They have earned this night and the success over the past three years. It’s bittersweet because I know my time with these special kids is running short.”

The trio began their varsity journey in the 2021-2022 season under previous coach Allen Ruth, finishing with an 8-13 record. “We played like freshmen,” Baker reflected. “But we improved each game, and when McClain came in, he changed the culture.”

Since McClain took over, the team has flourished. Last season, they finished with a 20-4 record, and this year they’ve kept up the momentum.

“I knew they had talent,” said McClain. “That’s one reason I took this job. They’ve taken everything and made it into something great.”

Initially, the players found McClain’s style surprising. Lauer shared, “He was goofy at first, but as we settled in, we became a family. He’d do anything for us.”

In their junior year, the Tigers again found success, ending with a record of 19-5, despite being knocked out in the tournament’s second round.

McKnight appreciates McClain’s balance of fun and seriousness: “He makes us laugh while pushing us to work hard. We love playing for him.”

This season has been remarkable, with the Tigers winning 16 of their 18 games by 10 points or more. They average 65 points per game while allowing just 36.

Overall, the three seniors have amassed 65 wins and only 22 losses throughout their high school careers. They are poised and hopeful for a strong showing in the upcoming tournament.

“We have work to do before tournament time,” Baker noted, looking ahead to her college basketball career at Rio Grande University. “We need to tighten up our defense and get our offense clicking.”

Lauer feels confident about their chances. “The season so far makes me hopeful for the tournament,” she stated. “If we stay focused, I believe we can go far.”

On Senior Night, McClain and the coaching staff wore special outfits promised by the team if they remained undefeated. “It’s great to win on Senior Night. I can’t thank these three enough for their contributions,” McClain said.

The Tigers are set to face Federal Hocking on Monday.