The junior varsity Marlins eased past the Falls City Beavers, 39-31, for their first district game on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

The game, in Falls City, was nip and tuck for the first three quarters. It wasn’t until the last period that the Marlins pulled away.

Coach Kris Jones called the game “a very tough road win.”

The teams started neck and neck, 7-7, and at the halftime horn the Marlins trailed by two, 18-20. They inched up in the third quarter to trail by only one point, 27-26. But in the fourth period they outscored their hosts 12-3, which, along with a healthy defense, gave them the 39-31 victory.

“Our team is maturing and playing together very well right now,” Jones said. “The guys on the bench are talking and are very encouraging and giving great minutes when they get in.”

Jones said the entire team’s intensity and focus has increased in practice, and it shows in their games.

Nick Maxham hit 11 to lead the Marlins’ scoring, with Blake Goodwin (eight points), Hudson Ross (seven), Christian Johnson and Jackson Willoughby (six each) and Colin Barr (one) rounding out the scoring.

The victory leaves the JV Marlins at 8-4 overall and 1-0 in district play.