ONONDAGA COUNTY –

For a long time, the Marcellus boys basketball team found itself getting kicked around by its closest neighbors and rivals, whether it was Skaneateles or Westhill providing the punishment.

Then, in one glorious week in March, the Mustangs kicked back, providing a memorable conclusion to a 6-3 season.

When Marcellus and Skaneateles got together last Tuesday for their lone regular-season encounter, the Mustangs got one of the more lopsided wins in the series’ history, prevailing 73-36.

All through a steady first half, Marcellus seized control, eventually going in front 30-16, but then it went on an 18-7 sprint through the third quarter to secure the game.

And the Mustangs spread it around, too, with only Matt Kershaw hitting double figures as he got 15 points.

Ryan Sammon finished with nine points, while Pat Lauer had eight points. Adam Sullivan got seven points as Sean Tierney, Joe Esposito and Cory Cangemi had six points apiece. Skaneateles got 11 points from Colin Gaglione.

Two nights later, it was Marcellus against Westhill, and by starting strong and then withstanding everything thrown at them, the Mustangs, at long last, got the best of the Warriors in a 61-54 decision.

Ultimately, the fact that Marcellus led 16-9 through one period proved the crucial factor, though the Mustangs kept up its strong play and built a 33-22 margin by halftime.

To hang on, Marcellus turned again to its full lineup. Lauer and Matt Kershaw both gained 15 points, with Will Kershaw stepping up to 11 points ahead of Cangemi’s eight points and Will Burnett’s seven points.

That same night, Skaneateles lost 70-57 to Cortland, a game where Max Wamp poured in 18 points for the Lakers and Andrew Neumann had 10 points, with Miller Weir contributing nine points.

Luke Gilmartin led Westhill, earning most of his 20 points through four 3-pointers as James Kelly earned 13 points, Sam Aversa had 11 points and Shawn Mayes gained eight points.

At least twice this season, Jordan-Elbridge found itself putting together a strong performance against an opponent on a hot streak.

Having knocked off then-unbeaten Institute of Technology Central on Feb. 25, the Eagles picked off another high-quality opponent last Tuesday night when it crushed Phoenix 61-32 to rise back above the .500 mark.

What made this result more impressive was that the Firebirds entered the game with a 9-2 record, winning six in a row at one point, but J-E jumped out 19-7 on them in the first quarter.

Then, during the second half, the Eagles outscored the Firebirds 31-14, playing superb defense while relying on a trio of proven scoring threats.

Tyler Waldron finished with 17 points, Mitchall Holt gaining a season-best 16 points as Wade Brunelle was close behind, earning 12 points.

A rematch with ITC would follow, but this time J-E would take a 49-43 defeat, which pushed the Eagles back to the .500 mark at 5-5 overall.