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Area Basketball Recap (Feb. 8–11): Dominant Wins and Season Firsts

Montague 51, Oakridge 43

Montague earned a milestone victory Tuesday night, defeating Oakridge 51-43 to secure its first win of the season and split the season series with the Eagles.

The Wildcats played with confidence and composure throughout, putting together one of their most complete performances of the year. Montague steadily built its lead quarter by quarter (10-9, 12-9, 13-12, 16-11), closing strong in the fourth to seal the breakthrough win.

A major spark came from Kellen VanSickle, who turned in a standout performance from beyond the arc. The recently called-up JV guard knocked down five 3-pointers and finished with 15 points, providing a huge offensive lift. Since being brought up to varsity, VanSickle has developed into a steady and reliable contributor, and Tuesday’s performance was a strong example of his growing impact.

Cole Herremans led the Wildcats with 16 points, continuing to be a consistent scoring presence. Kyle Earnest added five points.

For Oakridge, the Eagles battled but couldn’t overcome Montague’s perimeter shooting and late execution.

The win not only marks Montague’s first of the season, but also shows the progress and resilience the team has demonstrated as the year has unfolded. Splitting the season series with a conference opponent provides a confidence boost as the Wildcats look to build momentum down the stretch.

Ackley Delivers 31 & 18 on Senior Night as Hart Rolls Holton, 93-25

Hart celebrated senior night in dominant fashion Tuesday, overwhelming Holton 93-25 in a game that was never in doubt.

Senior Caleb Ackley put on a performance fitting for the occasion, finishing with a monster double-double of 31 points and 18 rebounds. From the opening tip, Ackley established himself inside, controlling the glass and finishing through contact while setting the tone for the Pirates.

Fellow seniors made sure the night was special as well. Jagger Lenon added 12 points, while Lorenzo Furlan scored 11. Senior floor general Miguel Escamilla dished out a team-high seven assists, helping Hart turn defensive pressure into transition opportunities. Trevor VanderKodde chipped in nine points.

Hart’s energy never dipped, and the Pirates overwhelmed Holton on both ends of the floor, building separation early and continuing to extend the lead throughout the night.

With the win, Hart now turns its attention to a major conference clash Friday night at league-leading North Muskegon (20-1); a showdown that could have significant conference implications.

BOYS BASKETBALL

North Muskegon 58, Ravenna 42

North Muskegon built a 33-17 halftime lead and maintained control the rest of the way in a 58-42 win over Ravenna. The Norsemen sealed the victory at the free-throw line, finishing 11-for-14.

  • Top Scorers
    • North Muskegon: Braylen Burrel 18, David Markiewicz 13
    • Ravenna: Brady Karchinski 15, Dylan May 11

Mason County Central 58, Hesperia 34

MCC jumped out to an 11-1 first-quarter advantage and steadily extended the lead to earn a 58-34 conference victory. Defensive pressure led to transition scoring opportunities throughout the game.

  • Top Scorers
    • MCC: Cole VanderHaag 14, Trent Hawke 10
    • Hesperia: Malakai Sellers 9, Evan Conkle 9

Whitehall 62, Orchard View 55 (OT)

Whitehall outlasted Orchard View in overtime to secure a 62-55 victory in conference play. The Vikings made key plays down the stretch to close out the win.

  • Top Scorers
    • Whitehall: Evan Thomas 16, Pierce Westerlund 16, Hunter Osborne 11
    • Orchard View: Damari Wright 12

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Shelby 53, Hart 44

Shelby used balanced scoring and key runs to pull away for a 53-44 win over Hart. The game was competitive early before Shelby created separation in the second half behind strong rebounding and perimeter shooting.

  • Top Scorers
    • Shelby: Jayna Burmeister 16, Jordan Wolting 14, Ava Lamberg 13
    • Hart: Rilynn Porter 15, Reese Smith 13

Whitehall 46, Holton 26

Whitehall jumped out to a 16-5 first-quarter lead and never looked back, cruising to a 46-26 conference win. The Vikings led 33-10 at halftime and controlled the pace throughout.

  • Top Scorers
    • Whitehall: Clare Westerlund 17, Peyton Schultz 8, Janie Fagan 8
    • Holton: Kaylee McMillan 14, Mya Bartolameolli 5

Reeths-Puffer 55, Mona Shores 32

Reeths-Puffer established control early, taking a 25-13 halftime lead and pulling away in the third quarter to earn a 55-32 win.

  • Top Scorers
    • Reeths-Puffer: Raquel Walker 21, Ashlyn David 18
    • Mona Shores: Gabi Koziak 7, Malia Delasko 6

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