MARION — Marion senior Jackson Connor entered Friday night needing nine points to break Greg Starrick’s 53-year old school career scoring record.
Connor reached the mark midway through the second quarter then added 20 more to help lead his Wildcats to a 61-54 win over Herrin for a 3A regional championship.
Connor scored 17 of his 29 in the first half as Marion built a 32-21 lead by the break. The Tigers made a run in the third behind their senior point guard, Brandon Anthony. Anthony scored 11 of his 29 to help Herrin pull within six at 46-40 heading to the fourth.
The Tigers could get no closer the rest of the way as the Wildcats held on to win the regional title on their home floor.
Marion advances to the Mt. Vernon Sectional, where the Cats will face defending state champion East St. Louis Tuesday night at 7:00.