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Wakefield survived a bruising battle in the paint to defeat Marshall 35-34 in a low-scoring Liberty District boys basketball game Monday, Jan. 13.
At the center of the seesaw contest were 6-foot-6 seniors Kooper Odar of Wakefield and Anderson Krisko of Marshall, the district’s two tallest centers. Both delivered impactful performances as they pushed and leaned against each other throughout the physical matchup.
Krisko led Marshall with 13 points, eight rebounds, two blocked shots and two assists. Odar paced Wakefield with eight points while collecting 10 rebounds, one block and one assist.
Odar opened the scoring with an inside basket that put the Warriors ahead 2-0. Krisko answered by making a free throw for the Statesmen’s first point.
Wakefield coach Tony Bentley said Odar has made significant progress after receiving limited playing time last season. He also said the Warriors expected a physical contest between the two centers.
Marshall coach Jerry Lin described Krisko as one of the Statesmen’s most consistent players, scorers and rebounders this season.
The district rivals are scheduled to meet again Friday, Jan. 24, at Marshall, setting up at least one more showdown between the two big men.