Taking control Southview in NLL driver s seat

Southview s Jamar Murchison goes up for two of his game-high 21 points. The Cougars need just one win in their final three games to clinch a share of the NLL title.

Southview took a major step toward the Northern Lakes League title it has been expected to win the last two seasons.

Jamar Murchison poured in 21 points as four Southview starters scored in double figures en route a 74-62 victory over Perrysburg last night.

Ray Thomas had 17 points and nine rebounds while Steve Kyser produced 14 points and a team-high 11 rebounds. Mike Norris chipped in with 12 points and four steals.

“We re in a great position right now and we can t ask for any more,” Kyser said.

Southview, led by its six experienced seniors, beat Perrysburg for the second time this season by applying a steady amount of offensive pressure.

“We wanted to come out and execute well on offense and get to the basket,” Murchison said. “It s probably the biggest win for Southview since we ve been here.

“We re on top and we want to stay there.”

“In the big picture they made more shots than we did,” Perrysburg coach Dave Boyce said. “We made some shots, but we made some turnovers and missed some free throws.”

Murchison, who played on Boyce s AAU team last spring, warned the Perrysburg coach to be on the lookout this season.

“He said if he had a chance to play this year that he had some game and he was going to show it,” Boyce said, of the Cougars 6-1 senior. “If they win the league I think he deserves a share of the credit.”

Southview s fifth starter, Michael Campbell, scored all eight of his points in the first half. But his defensive work against Dhondt in the second half drew the most praise.

“Michael Campbell came out and screamed to me, saying I ve got [Dhondt], ” Southview coach Marc Jump said. “I think Mike s quickness had an effect. I think you saw him getting a little tired in the second half.”

Southview scored the last four points of the first half to take a 36-33 lead and took a 52-42 lead into the fourth quarter.

Perrysburg pulled within 58-54 with 5:10 left in the game, but the Cougars went on a 9-3 run to regain control.