The Mount Vernon boys’ basketball team kicked off their season in a non-conference matchup with Centerburg, and Quentin Rowland was the man of the hour putting up a quality night scoring, rebounding and playmaking for the Yellow Jackets in a 58-32 victory on Dec. 1.

The Yellow Jackets jumped out to a 10-2 lead, and while the Trojans were trying to make it a six point game, Isaiah Sule swooped in for a block under the basket. Centerburg battled back to bring it to a 12-6 game at the end of one quarter. They went on to take a 22-16 lead at the half. Sule and Grayson Reynolds had each steal in the second quarter for Centerburg.

In the third quarter Reynolds had a key block when it was a 10 point game. He also had a steal in the quarter. Hayden Love hit a three to cut the lead to 30-19. However, it was all Yellow Jackets in the third quarter up 42-25, and on a 7-0 run going into the final frame they made it a 45-25 lead. Mount Vernon dominated the fourth quarter as well, outscoring the Trojans 16-7 to take a 26-point victory in the opening game of the season. Reynolds hit a three and had a pair of steals in the fourth quarter for the Trojans, and Sule had a steal.

The Yellow Jackets out-rebounded Centerburg 28-23, had a 16-6 advantage and a 12-8 steal advantage. They shot 57% from the floor and 29% from three, while holding Centerburg to 29% and 13% respectively. Both teams had two steals.

Rowland put up 20 points, seven boards and four assists to lead the Yellow Jackets to the opening night win. Isiah Columber scored 15 points and had three boards, while Zane Barber had 10 points and five rebounds.

Reynolds scored 16 points to go with his strong defensive play with four steals and a blocked shot. Sule had three steals for Centerburg.

Up next for Mount Vernon is a home matchup with Johnstown-Monroe on Dec. 5 and they have their first OCC game on Dec. 8 against New Philadalphia, with tip-offs at 7:30 p.m.

Centerburg travels to Utica on Dec. 6 for a game at 7:15 p.m.