MARION, N.C. – For the first time since 2016, McDowell’s boys basketball program is off to a 9-1 start.

The Titans’ star forward Rylan Perkins dropped in a season-high 31 to secure an 87-49 win over East Burke in the finale of the school’s annual holiday tournament.

Off the opening tip, the 6-foot-7 senior ran the floor and broke the ice with a quick bucket. He and Roby Franklin combined for 10 of the team’s 16 first quarter points.

On the strength of 10 in the second, Parkins inflated a 16-7 lead after one to 37-24 at the half.

Rae Garner got in on the first-half fun with 7 off the bench.

13 of Derrick Forney’s 17 came in the final two frames to keep the lead handily in McDowell’s possession.

McDowell returns to action on Thursday when it kicks off the new year with a trip to Avery County.

East Burke jumps back into league play on January 7 when it hosts Newton-Conover.

BOX SCORE
MCD 16-21-22-28 87
EBU 7-17-11-14 49

SCORING
MCD: Parkins 31, Forney 17, Garner 10, Radford 9, Franklin 9, Rinnert 5, Seaman 2, Moore 2, Brewer 2
EBU: Shook 9, Ragle 9, Hartman 9, Morrison 9, Demiter 7, Bennett 5, Fortenberry 1