WEST FRANKFORT — The Marion Wildcats rallied in the fourth quarter to beat Cairo 51-46 in the opening game of the boys side of the West Frankfort Midwinter Classic.
Marion senior Jackson Connor entered the night needing 11 points to move past James Orr into second place on the school’s all-time scoring list. Connor got there with a second quarter putback on his way to a game high 24.
Despite Connor’s big night, Cairo had an opportunity to pull off the upset. Senior Terrell Jones fueled the Pilots, who turned a seven point first half deficit into a six point fourth quarter lead. Jones led Cairo with 17.
The Pilots couldn’t hold on to that lead.
Venson Newsom and Connor combined to score 15 of Marion’s 17 fourth quarter points, helping the Wildcats storm back and then hold on down the stretch.
In the nightcap, Herrin beat the host Redbirds 57-52.
The tournament will resume Friday with Cairo facing Herrin at 6:00 followed by Marion and West Frankfort at 7:30.