MARTINS FERRY — Derek Edwards was not happy with his team’s defensive effort in Tuesday night’s win against Bellaire. The Martins Ferry head coach couldn’t have been more pleased with his Purple Riders’ performance on the defensive end in Friday’s 59-32 win over Barnesville at Tolbert Gymnasium.

Ferry held the Shamrocks scoreless for nearly five minutes to open the game. In the process, the Purple Riders built a 9-0 lead and never looked back in improving to 3-1.

“We challenged our guys defensively after the Bellaire game. They took ownership of it,” Edwards said. “Tonight was totally different. When the players take ownership good things happen.

“We exhibited tremendous effort and passion on the defensive end tonight. We were aggressive with swarming to the ball,” added the former All-Ohio Ferry point guard. “We must continue to bring that same kind of effort every game.”

Anthony Booth was the offensive catalyst for the Purple. The sweet-shooting senior tallied 22 points, including six three-point goals. Gavin Little was excellent support, delivering 15 points.

“We spread the wealth pretty good offensively. We were really efficient, ” Edwards said. “Anthony shot the ball really well and Gavin did a lot of good things tonight. We just need to keep building on this.”

All told, Ferry drained 10 three-point goals.

The loss dropped Barnesville to 1-5.

“We have gone through a gauntlet of an early season schedule,” Barnesville head coach Shane Stephens said. “Tonight, we just had trouble getting into the flow early on. Ferry bumped us and were physical which we didn’t respond well to.

“I thought in the second half we showed glimpses on how well we can play,” he added. “Our confidence is lacking somewhat now. We just need a win.”

Barnesville will get a chance for a win as it visits Shadyside tonight.

The Shamrocks did not have a player reach double figures. Senior Ryker Willis and classmate Brody McFarland led the way with nine points each.

Ferry was in full control after the opening quarter, holding a 19-3 advantage. Little had seven points in the frame while Booth added six.

The Purple Riders stretched their lead to 31-9 at halftime. Booth produced seven counters in the quarter.

Ferry was on top 51-26 after three periods.

Purple Riders’ junior standout Elijah Smith was the top rebounder in the contest with eight boards to go with four assists and six points. Football standout Walkquem Cox netted seven points for the winners.

Ferry committed just five turnovers while Barnesville had nine.

The Purple Riders will take aim at their fourth straight win this afternoon as they face Philo at the ECO Center in the Buckeye 8 Challenge. Tipoff is set for 4:45 p.m.