Photo by Kyle Lutz Wheeling Park’s Xavier Morris (1) goes up for a shot while John Marshall’s Cole Gilbert defends during Tuesday’s game.

WHEELING — With the Youngstown State coaching staff in attendance to watch him for the second straight game, Alex Vargo didn’t disappoint.

Wheeling Park’s 6-foot-6 senior all-stater poured in 32 points in three quarters of action in leading the Patriots to an 81-57 win over John Marshall Tuesday night at the Palace on the Hill.

Vargo, who drained four treys on the night, tallied 20 of his points prior to intermission. He was also 6 of 6 from the stripe.

Fellow 6-6 senior Travis Zimmerman was also impressive, pouring in 22 points, 12 coming in the third period. He delivered a pair of rim-rattling slams.

“JM was down a guy or two to start, but our focus was good from the outset. Last week against Brooke I don’t think it was there,” Park coach Michael Jebbia said. “Alex got us going early and we did all the little things we needed to do. Travis kept it going for us in the third quarter.

“I was happy with our halfcourt defense. Travis is a rim protector and Shaheed (Jackson) delivers great ball pressure which doesn’t show up in the box score.

“We got some big boys coming up in Parkersburg South, University and Morgantown.”

Park, rated fifth in the latest WVSSAC Class AAA rankings, improved to 11-3. The Patriots host South this Thursday.

“They (Park) are primed to make a run at Morgantown and University. Park is playing very well right now,” John Marshall coach Chad Clutter said. “Park is well-coached. They can work the inside game. They can work an outside game. It will be interesting to see how they do in sectionals and regionals.

“We have another month to try and get things squared away. We got some younger guys who play hard and with heart, and hopefully that carries over the next couple of years. We are just kind of outmanned at this point.”

Junior Derrick Derrow paced the Monarchs with 17 points. Senior ace Justin Frohnapfel delivered 15 counters.

Park took command of the contest immediately, rolling to a 21-5 advantage after one quarter. Vargo ignited the surge with 11 points.

The hosts stretched their advantage to 44-15 at intermission. The Patriots surged to a 73-38 advantage after three frames. Jebbia emptied his bench the entire fourth quarter.

Athletic senior Xavier Morris chipped in with 12 points for Park. Jackson snared seven rebounds for the winners while Vargo and Zimmerman each grabbed five boards. Junior point guard D.J, Saunders again stuffed the stat sheet with six assists, four rebounds and two steals.

“We had some positives (Tuesday). Justin had a good night shooting while controlling the ball and getting our guys in place offensively,” Clutter said. “Zach Bishop played with a lot of heart and had personal best seven points. We also won a hard-fought jayvee game.”

Park committed just five turnovers. The Monarchs totaled 11.

John Marshall travels to Shenandoah Saturday.