Keith High had two huge storylines in its Class 1A, Area 4 basketball contest against Marengo on Friday night.

The Bears wanted to finish the Area schedule unbeaten and prevail on Senior Night.

Keith accomplished both goals with a 68-37 spanking over Marengo before a jubilant crowd in the Bears Den. Victor Millhouse Jr. led the Bears with 17 points.

Keith (14-10 overall, 10-0) will host the 1A, Area 4 tournament in two weeks, something Bears coach Clifton Reeves wanted for seniors Kendarius Perry, Mark Young Jr., Derrell Benjamin and Quashawn Stallworth.

“It means a lot to host our area tournament,” Reeves said. “It was one of the goals we set before the season started.”

Reeves said it was equally great to share the moment with the four Bears seniors, which he coached for years.

“I’ve had Derrell, Kendarius and Mark since middle school,” Reeves said. “I watched them grow into seniors. I knew it would be an emotional night.”

Perry, who scored 12 points, said the players knew what was on the line.

“We knew it was an area game, but Coach Reeves told us to just come out and have fun,” Perry said. “It means a lot to host the tournament.”

“It was a night for the seniors to enjoy,” said Young, who finished with nine points. “It was made for us to go out with a win.”

Stallworth said he was honored to play for the Bears, who led 26-4 after one quarter and 43-15 at halftime. The Bears began playing their reserves in the second quarter.

“It was a great experience for me to play at Keith,” Stallworth said. “I enjoyed it and I’m very thankful.”

Benjamin said he just came out and played hard, especially for senior night.

“I just did what I had to do to help us win,” Benjamin said.

Arayvion Jones had 12 points and 14 rebounds for the Bears.

Curtis Autery led Marengo with 10 points.

Keith girls 38, Marengo 37: Erica Smiley’s layup with six seconds left enabled the Lady Bears to pull out the victory. Marengo drove the length of the floor, but was unable to get off a shot as time expired.

Diamond Dukes led the Lady Bears with 13 points, Jakyra Simmons added 12. Smiley and Simmons also ended Senior night with a win.

The Lady Bears are expected to travel for the Class 1A, Area 4 girls tournament in two weeks.