2A Prep Girls Basketball: Mark Morris fails to launch in District opener at Black Hills

Foul Troubles - Monarchs in do-or-die territory after 51-34 loss to Wolves

Mark Morris’ Paisley Fraidenburg tries to slow the advances of Black Hills’ Tyler Venable during a 51-34 loss to the Wolves in a 2A District IV quarterfinal, Friday, Feb. 14, at Black Hills High School. — Photo by Ridley Hudson / The Chronicle

By Zach Martin / The Chronicle

TUMWATER — Give Sean Atkins a time machine and he's making the same decision every time.

With roughly four minutes left in the first quarter on Friday night, Atkins left Mark Morris' best player Reese Johnston on the court against Black Hills despite picking up two quick fouls.

In Atkins' mind, there was no debate on removing the junior playmaker.

"I didn't want to take out our leading scorer, offensive spark plug," the Monarchs' girls basketball head coach said. "I would leave her in every time."

That spark never lit.

Johnston eventually fouled out and Mark Morris couldn't overcome a slow offensive night plus 18 whistles on its side in a 51-34 loss to the Wolves in a 2A District IV quarterfinal at Black Hills High School.

— Content below this line is only accessible to paid subscribers. Consider becoming a paid subscriber today in order to enjoy all BZM has to offer. —