Freshman Khalil Marshall scored 17 of his career-high 40 points in the fourth quarter

BURGAW -- There were a number of storylines entering Monday’s rivalry game between the Trask and Pender boys basketball teams.

Not only did the contest feature two of the top underclassmen in the area, but first place in the Coastal 8 Conference was also on the line.

Both played out in the Patriots’ favor. Freshman Khalil Marshall scored 17 of his career-high 40 points in the final eight minutes to lead Pender to a 74-73 victory and give them a share for the league lead.

“I’m so emotional because God just really blessed me in front of the naysayers that didn’t think we would be worth anything,” first-year Pender coach Craig Wilson said. “I’m so proud of those kids right now.”

Marshall tied the game on a layup with 13 seconds to play, but the Patriots (6-8, 5-1) fouled Jakell Newton three seconds later as he sprinted up court.

Newton missed the first and hit the second, putting the Titans (15-2, 6-1) up one. Everyone in the gym knew Marshall was getting the ensuing inbound. He received the pass and as he dribbled up the right sideline, he was fouled.

The youngster stepped to the line and calmly sank a pair of free throws to ignite the home crowd.

“I was ready from the get go,” said Marshall, who made his final 10 free throws of the game. “I knew I was going to have a good game. I was well prepared for it.”

Trask had two good looks at the rim in the final seconds, but neither dropped in.

As good as Marshall was, sophomore Jajuan Carr was just as good for the Titans. He finished with 29 points on 10 of 16 shooting from the field. He also shot 8 of 12 from the line.

Pender led 60-55 with 4:39 to play, but the visitors scored on their next seven possessions to build and maintain a three-point lead.

The score was 71-68 with less than a minute left when Tiyaun Ballard attempted a corner 3 that would have all but sealed a Trask win. Instead, it came off the rim and allowed Pender to get the ball in Marshall’s hands. He was fouled and hit both free throws to cut the deficit to one.

Carr hit one of two free throws on the other end to increase the lead to two before Marshall finished a layup on the other end.

“It was a great game,” Trask coach Rodney Orr said. “They played their hearts out and I thought our kids competed just as hard.”

Pender shot 51 percent (26 of 51) from the field, while Trask finished at 41 percent (25 of 61). The teams meet again in the regular season finale in Rocky Point on Feb. 8.

GIRLS: Pender 61, Trask 45

Junior Ratavia Merritt scored a game-high 24 points and the Patriots rolled to home victory.

Pender (4-9, 3-3) also got double figures from Kam Thompson with 14 and 12 from Taylor Marshall. They led 17-7 after the opening quarter 29-15 at the break.

Freshman Anisa Lewis finished with 21 for the Titans (5-11, 2-5).

- Reporter Tim Hower can be reached at 910-343-2366 or Tim.Hower@StarNewsOnline.com