When Marietta takes the floor tonight at Ban Johnson Arena to begin play in the NCAA Division III Tournament, there will be a definitive upper Ohio Valley flavor.

Two of the key cogs in the Pioneers’ success this season have been senior Anthony Wallace and freshman Lukas Isaly, who attended Linsly and River, respectively.

“It’s awesome to have another OVAC guy on the team,” Wallace said. “Lukas and I have become really close throughout the season. We have other guys on our team who are from bigger cities in Ohio, so they don’t relate quite as well to some of the things Lukas and I talk about.”

Isaly — a true freshman — joined the Pioneers after a much bally-hooed career at River. He’s actually leaned on Wallace for advice both on and off the court.

“Anthony and I are close,” Isaly said. “I think the Ohio Valley guys are representing pretty well. He’s really taught me a lot and our relationship has gotten stronger over the season.”

The Ohio Valley duo will be in action tonight at 8 against Maryville College after earning an at-large bid to the national tournament.

The winner will return to the court Saturday night to take on the winner of tonight’s opening game, which is New Jersey City against Arcadia.

The Pioneers, who shared the regular season title in the Ohio Athletic Conference, were bounced from the conference tournament, on their home floor, in the first round by John Carroll.

Though they owned a 20-6 record, the OAC was deep and whether or not a bid would be coming its way left Marietta in a tough spot when it gathered to watch the selection show.

“There were some nervous moments after we lost in the conference tournament,” Isaly said. “We were devastated after that loss, so to be in and hosting (a first and second round) is really special. I don’t think we’ve played our best basketball yet, so hopefully we’re able to put it all together this weekend.”

Like many when they make the adjustment from high school to college, Isaly’s freshman season has had some ups and downs. After scoring more than 2,000 points and earning a myriad of accoldes, Isaly’s role has changed.

“I’ve definitely learned a lot,” Isaly said. “Coming from high school where Coach (Mark) Romick really kind of let me down my own thing and I was a leader on the team and kind of followed me to now where I am was tough, especially early. I had to learn a new role where I don’t score like I used to or get rebounds and assists like I used to. College is all about adjusting and taking on new roles.”

Isaly has appeared in 23 games and started 22 of those. He’s averaging 8.2 points and 2.4 rebounds with just under two assists.

“Coming in, I just wanted to do everything I could to get some playing time and contribute,” Isaly said. “I am thankful to be able to get some minutes, let alone be a starter. Hard work has paid off and I’ve been able to earn the coaches’ trust.:

Wallace, meanwhile, almost didn’t return to the Marietta team this season. By his own admission, he was dealing with “some personal stuff” and was close to calling it a career.

“I wasn’t with the team in the summer or fall, so I didn’t work on conditioning or any of the normal work we do in the offseason,” Wallace said. “I got back to school in late August and still wasn’t sure, but coach (Jon Vanderwal) stayed in my ear and told me there was no pressure and that I should just come back and play ball.”

Wallace heeded his coach’s advice and he’s happy he did.

“I was rusty and out of shape (early),” Wallace said. “As time has gone on, things really started to come together for me and I think the season has gone well. I really owe it to the coaches and my teammates for the type of season that I’ve had.”

Wallace, who began his collegiate career at West Liberty, called the decision to transfer to Marietta “one of the best choices” he’s made.

“I am going to look back on my time at Marietta with no regrets,” Wallace said. “It’s hard to believe (my playing career) is winding down, but I am going to look back with no regrets.”

An all-Ohio Athletic Conference first-team selection, Wallace surpassed the 1,000-point mark earlier this season. All told, he’s averaging 11.6 points a game, which is best on the team.