Basketball Recap: Braeden Fleming's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Marion over Young Men's Leadership Academy

Marion was the 59-57 winner over Young Men's Leadership Academy when they last played one another back in December of 2024, but their luck changed this time around. The Marion Bulldogs fell to Young Men's Leadership Academy 54-50.

Marion's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Braeden Fleming, who went 5 of 12 en route to 12 points and five boards. The team also got some help courtesy of Banji Ajasin, who posted seven points and nine rebounds.

Young Men's Leadership Academy's win on Thursday was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Kaleb Mcewen, who put up 16 points. What's more, Mcewen also racked up four boards, the most he's had since back in November of 2024. Aiden Olivarez was another key player, going 8 for 15 on his way to 19 points and seven rebounds.

Marion has been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 19-8 record this season. As for Young Men's Leadership Academy, their win was their sixth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 14-9.

Coincidentally, both will both be playing Cole the next time they take the court. Young Men's Leadership Academy will head out to face Cole at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, while Marion will head out to face them at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.