MOUNT VERNON — Two years ago, the Marion Harding Presidents marched into Mount Vernon undefeated. The Jackets pounded them with a stifling defense and a dominating performance under the basket.
On Thursday, the Presidents weren’t exactly undefeated. But the results were the same.
The Yellow Jackets opened the game on a 17-2 run to decide the contest early, coming away with a 57-38 victory on their home court.
The first period, like in each of the Jackets’ previous wins this season, was the difference. Mount Vernon (4-2) scored the first four points before allowing a basket by Trey Kinney. The Jackets then scored the next 15 unanswered, with Bradley Fenton getting 10 and Duke Cunningham adding a 3-pointer. Riley Swanson chipped in a pair of free throws.
Fenton outscored the Presidents by himself, 12-4, in the first. He ended his night with team highs in points (21) and rebounds (seven) before fouling out.
“We decided to throw it into the post,” said Fenton. “My buddies missed a couple of layups and I got some easy putbacks.”
Defensively, Mount Vernon dominated. Swanson, Nathan Miller and Seth Badger choked out the Marion Harding dribblers, forcing turnovers. The Jackets themselves played much more smoothly, having just four turnovers themselves in the first half.


