Marietta’s Hayleigh Chidester looks to dish the ball off around a host of Meigs defenders Monday night at Sutton Gymnasium. The Tigers routed Meigs 57-12 in their home opener. (Photo by Mike Morrison)

The Marietta Tiger girls basketball team came out clicking on all cylinders Monday evening in their home opener as they rolled to a 57-12 win over the Meigs Marauders at Sutton Gymnasium.

The Tigers handed first-year head coach Ali Shane her first home victory by jumping all over Meigs in the opening quarter as they built a 25-3 lead while forcing 12 Marauder turnovers in the first eight minutes alone.

Marietta picked up a win on the road last week against Newcomerstown (48-41) and Shane felt like that win set the stage for their dominating performance at home.

“We traveled to Newcomerstown not really knowing what to expect and felt good about coming out of there with a tough win,” said Shane. “We feel really good about the talent we have. We have our own expectations for this group and it’s great to get off to a good start. I’m excited for the rest of the season.”

Tiger senior Hayleigh Chidester led the way with 20 points, 16 of those coming in the first half as the Tigers took a 37-7 lead into the intermission.

Marietta’s Maura Misel drives to the bucket for a lay-up after a steal in Monday nights 57-12 win over Meigs at Sutton Gymnasium. (Photo by Mike Morrison)

Chidester knocked down a pair of triples in the first half while also showing her ability to drive to the basket.

A former Warren Warrior who had to sit out the second half of last season after transferring, Chidester has all the tools to have an outstanding senior season according to her new head coach.

“Hayleigh (Chidester) is the most experienced, athletic presence that we have out there and we expect big things from her,” said Shane. “We want to run a lot of things through her and kind of let her be the heart of our offense.”

The Tigers also got a strong game on the inside from Braxtyn Kroft who scored 12 points while tying Chidester for the team lead with eight rebounds.

Point guard Fiona Fowler only scored five points but she came up with team highs in steals with three and assists with four.

Marietta Tiger Hayleigh Chidester drives strong to the basket after a pick from teammate Maya Diki Monday night at Sutton Gym. Chidester led Marietta with 20 points. (Photo by Mike Morrison)

Her ability to develop into a solid point guard will go a long way towards helping the Tigers become the kind of solid team that Shane believes they can be.

“I got the pleasure of coaching her (Fowler) last year on our JV squad and we kind of built that chemistry and that trust between one another,” said

Shane. “I feel good about her coming in and kind of being our quarterback and making things happen.”

Nine different Marietta players scored at least two-points while all 12 Tigers got significant minutes in the win.

Freshman Blaire Reed knocked down a pair of triples to finish with six points while senior Lauren Elliott added five for MHS.

Ella Vaughn accounted for all but one of the Marauders 12 points including a pair of 3-pointers.

Next up for the Tigers will be a road battle Friday night in Athens before they host the Fort Frye Cadets on Monday.