STUART — The Perry boys entered Thursday’s non-conference game with host West Central Valley having scored a total of 47 points in starting their season 0-2.
Senior guard Brendan Ivory nearly tied that total, blistering the cylinder for a school-record 45 points as Perry snapped a 28-game skid with a 72-48 victory.
The Perry girls were also victorious, as a 29-11 second quarter powered a 58-45 win over previously unbeaten WCV.
Ivory was playing for the first time this season, and used the occasion to break brother Rashon’s school-record of 44 points, which had undone the prior mark of 40 set by Shammond Ivory, the eldest of the three brothers.
“We knew he (Ivory) would make a tremendous impact when we got him on the floor, but, obviously, you don’t expect 45 points,” head coach Aaron Lyons said. “It was a special effort, no doubt.”
Seven other Bluejays entered the score book, with the entire roster able to see playing time, including senior Kato Dougan, who also saw his first playing time of the year.
“Yes, we had one guy get 45, but I told the team this was a total team win,” Lyons said. “It was great having Kato back, even though he didn’t score. Sincere Johnson, Caden Steva, Collin Malmberg, William Hibbert and Dalton Scott didn’t score either, but all played roles in this victory.”
“This was really big for our program,” Lyons said of the first win for the Perry boys since a 70-62 defeat of ADM Jan. 20, 2018. “We needed to show ourselves, and the community, that our hard work can be made to pay off. We stank it up against Carroll last Friday, but we have a real chance at more wins before Christmas and I hope the community comes out to support us.”
Perry (1-2) raced to a 22-11 first quarter lead before stretching their advantage to 43-21 at the half. WCV (1-4) faced a 56-32 hole after three periods and could come no closer.
Ivory splashed five 3-pointers and was 4-of-5 at the foul line in pouring in his 45. Keghan West had eight points, June Rey Reisberg five and Gage Laws and Avery Meister four points apiece. Two points apiece from Jordan Long, Chase Archer and Kaleb Lyddon rounded out the scoring list.
Jacob Egger had 21 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Wildcats. Spencer Lamb had eight points, Hunter Keller and Carson Powell five each, Homeen Patel and Tate Richter four apiece and Grant Caltrider one for the hosts.
The Perry girls lifted their mark to 3-2 overall, dropping WCV to 4-1, with strong play throughout the lineup.
The Jayettes held only a 9-7 edge after one quarter but erupted in the second frame to create a 38-18 bulge at the intermission. The Wildcats outscored their guests, 27-20, in the second half, but it was not nearly enough to overcome their deficit.
Four 3-pointers helped Molly Lutmer lead all scorers with 24 points for Perry. Jayna Kenney had one trey in scoring 11 points and Lydia Olejniczak two en route to nine points. Six points from Kennedy Tunink, four from Ainsley Marburger and two from Ashley Cerna finished the scoring sheet for the winners.
WCV was paced by 12 points from Jenna Merical and 11 from Sydney Neal. Madelyn Jaeger added nine points, Micahaela Jaeger and Cathy Marlow five each, with Presley Pivonka scoring two points and Bella Munoz one.
Perry hosts Carlisle tonight and Ogden Monday before visiting ADM Thursday in their final pre-holiday action.
Tonight’s game will be sponsored by the Perry Booster Club and has been designated Ugly Christmas Sweater night. Fans are asked to wear their most outlandish holiday gear and will have a photo opportunity with the Bluejay. Bracelets will be made on site, and all manner of Bluejay, Jayette and Perry apparel and merchandise will be for sale.
