THOMASTON — The Oceanside eighth-grade boys basketball team turned around the game in the second half Monday to send the visiting Lions of Troy Howard home with a 53-32 loss. 

Troy Howard led after the first quarter 18-13, but the Mariners came back to take a slim 23-18 lead at the half. By the end of the third quarter, Oceanside had built a 39-24 lead and cruised through the fourth quarter for the 21-point win.

The Mariners depth and numbers just out-ran the Lions who played tough, but were not up to the task on this day.

Scoring for the Mariners were Cooper Wirkala with 13 points; Amos Anderson nine; Trevor reed eight; Jack Lombardo six; Jaden Martin, Jacob Curtis and Isaiah Millay four each; Zach Cody three; and Eli Miller two.

Oceanside was 3-of-6 (50 percent) from the foul line.

For Troy Howard, Andrew Akles had 10 points; Grady Doolan eight; Max Lewis and Luke Lightner five each; and Luke Hamilton and Jason Norwood two each.

The Lions were 1-of-5 (20 percent) from the foul line.

Next up for Troy Howard will be Medomak Middle Monday, Dec. 1 at home. For the Mariners, they will return to action Wednesday, Dec. 3, with a trip to Great Salt Bay. Games start at 3:45 p.m.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game

Final scores and stats can be sent to: sports@penbaypilot.com.

Ron Hawkes can be reached at: hawkesnews@gmail.com.