Marcus Merriweather (1) scored 24 points and John Marable (12) added 13 plus nine rebounds as Pinson Valley defeated Shades Valley Thursday night.

Marcus Merriweather and John Marable combined for excellent shooting from the field, as Pinson Valley defeated Shades Valley 63-45 in boys basketball action Thursday.

The Indians jumped out to a quick 13-2 lead, but the Mounties clawed their way back in the second quarter, pulling to within one point on 3-point baskets by Jirus Horton and Travis Scott.

But Pinson pulled away again, thanks to a 3-point response from Merriweather and six straight points from Marable that put the hosts up 35-22 at the break, a margin they largely maintained the rest of the way.

Merriweather finished with 24 points, hitting 9-of-15 inside (60 percent) the 3-point arc and 55 percent overall. Marable was even more accurate, sinking five shots in six attempts (83 percent). As a team, the Indians were 11-for-15 from the foul line (73 percent).

“We talked in practice yesterday about being smarter with our shots, and having better shot selection,” Pinson coach Clint Argo said. “We’re getting the shots, but they needed to be better. We were also more patient offensively, and that created better shots.”

Marabale also led the Indians (7-4) with nine rebounds, plus four steals and a blocked shot.

Horton led Shades Valley (7-4) with 17 points.

Pinson travels to Hewitt-Trussville Friday night.