ORANGE BEACH — The Orange Beach basketball teams christened their brand-new Mako Competition Gym Monday night, splitting a home-opener doubleheader with St. Paul's as the boys secured a 43-36 victory, while the girls fell 42-25.

LADY MAKOS STRUGGLE TO FIND RHYTHM

The Lady Makos had a rough night in their first game in the new gym, struggling with shooting and rebounding from the opening tip. Orange Beach trailed 9-5 after the first quarter and continued to battle in the second, missing free throws and failing to control the boards as St. Paul's knocked down several three-pointers.

By halftime, the Lady Makos were down 25-11, with freshman Allie Roach accounting for six of the team's points. Despite flashes of better offensive movement in the second half, Orange Beach couldn't overcome the early deficit.

Roach led the Makos in scoring with nine points, while freshman Sloane Stephens and junior Arianna Santos made late efforts to spark the Orange Beach offense, combining for another 12 points.

BOYS START STRONG, HOLD OFF ST. PAUL'S

The boys' game was a different story, as Orange Beach came out with intensity and energy. The Makos jumped to a 14-4 first-quarter lead, running most of their offense through sophomore Lee Steele and forcing St. Paul's into tough shots. By halftime, the lead was 21-13, though a late 7-2 run trimmed the margin.

Orange Beach regained control in the third quarter, dominating the paint and moving the ball efficiently. Contributions from the bench helped the Makos fend off a late push from the Saints and secure a 43-36 win in the season opener.

Steele led the scoring with an outstanding 24-point performance, while sophomore Connor Ford and junior Sutton Rambo anchored the offense when the leading scorer hit the bench for a breather.

Both the girls and boys squads suited up again on Tuesday night. The Mako boys fell to Saraland 55-41, while the Mako girls took down Bayside 38-29.