Jonathan Alder Boys Cagers Defeat Marion-Franklin, Advance to District Title Game

Top-seeded Pioneers pull away in fourth quarter to win 75-57 over 15th-ranked Red Devils

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

In a competitive Division IV boys basketball tournament game, the Jonathan Alder Pioneers defeated the Marion-Franklin Red Devils 75-57 to advance to the district title game. The game was close through the first three quarters before the Pioneers created separation in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.

Why it matters

This win keeps the top-seeded Pioneers' tournament run alive as they look to capture a district championship. The game also featured some late-game tension between the two teams, adding an extra layer of drama to the high-stakes matchup.

The details

The Red Devils of Columbus Marion-Franklin played competitively with the Pioneers for the first three quarters, keeping the game close. However, the top-seeded Pioneers began to pull away in the fourth period, outscoring their opponent 22-12 to seal the 75-57 victory. Some tension built between the two teams in the final stanza, leading to a heated exchange.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Danny Bentley

A player for the Jonathan Alder Pioneers who scored 35 points in the tournament victory.

Jonathan Alder Pioneers

The top-seeded high school basketball team that defeated Marion-Franklin to advance to the district title game.

Marion-Franklin Red Devils

The 15th-ranked high school basketball team that lost to Jonathan Alder in the tournament game.

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What’s next

The Jonathan Alder Pioneers will play in the Division IV district title game on Saturday, March 8, 2026.

The takeaway

This tournament win showcases the Pioneers' ability to overcome a competitive opponent and pull away in the fourth quarter, demonstrating their potential to make a deep postseason run.