November 29, 1996 — Marian races to an early lead and cruises the rest of the way in defeating Minersville 69-45 in its season opener. Chris McLaughlin pours in 15 of his game-high 23 points in the opening quarter as the Colts, coached by Dave McAndrew, hold a 21-9 advantage after the first eight minutes. McLaughlin and Brent Andrew each tally six points in the second period as the margin expands to 42-17. Joe Horvat finishes with 14 points to back McLaughlin, while Caleb Bernard ends with nine and Andrew chips in with eight.