Over the last few days, teams across the area have started to hit a February rhythm, with balanced scoring, tougher defense, and strong rebounding showing up night after night. Several programs protected home court, a few pulled away with big second halves, and conference races continued to tighten as teams cleaned up execution and prepared for the stretch run. Overall, it’s been an energetic, physical week of basketball that’s setting the tone for what should be a competitive finish to the season.
BOYS BASKETBALL
North Muskegon 70, Mason County Central 48
North Muskegon handled another physical battle with MCC, earning a 70-48 WMC Rivers win behind timely execution and stops. The Spartans’ defensive switches created some discomfort early, but NM settled in and shared the ball well—especially in the third quarter—while building separation (13-8 after one, 29-18 at half, 55-35 after three).
MCC leaders:Cole VanderHaag 21 points (career 1,000th point in the third quarter); Trent Hawke 10 points.
Mason County Central 54, Orchard View 38
MCC pulled away from a tight first half (22-19 at the break) with a strong third quarter surge. Senior Cole VanderHaag ignited the run, scoring 15 of his team-high 28 points in the third, and adding four steals. Freshman Bodie Etchison provided a spark with defensive pressure in his first varsity minutes, while Brandon Peters continued to strengthen MCC’s interior presence.
Hesperia led 18-16 after one and trailed just 26-25 at halftime before Ravenna took control with a dominant third quarter, using turnovers and rhythm offense to open a 46-29 cushion. Ravenna’s balanced scoring and second-half pressure proved decisive.
Ravenna continued rolling with a wire-to-wire style win, building a 24-16 halftime lead and stretching it with a 14-5 third quarter. Montague struggled to finish and never found consistent offensive momentum.
Ludington’s perimeter shooting made the difference as the Orioles drained 12 threes (and were reported 13-for-27 from deep in another account). After a brief early-second-quarter moment (22-20), Ludington closed the half on a 15-2 run to lead 37-22 and maintained control the rest of the way. Whitehall was also affected by early foul trouble for leading scorer Corde Anderson.
Ludington leaders: Cam Gunsell 24, Taj Williams 21, Kyle Himes Jr. 14, Zac Graham 12.
Whitehall leaders: Corde Anderson 16, Alex Wincheski 12, Pierce Westerlund 11
Hart 72, Hesperia 20
Hart piled up points early and never slowed, leading 47-9 at half and cruising to the WMC Rivers win.
North Muskegon put together a balanced performance where rebounding was the headliner—40 total team boards—and the Norse steadily pulled away behind defense and second-chance points.
North Muskegon leaders: Delaney Young 22 points, 14 rebounds, 6 steals, 4 assists; Maddie Friesner 10; Grace Miller 9; Regina McCollum 9; Sylvia Skujins 7 rebounds.
Orchard View leaders: Kadence Day 11, Jazariya Cowart 6.
North Muskegon 44, Holton 28
It wasn’t pretty, but it was gritty: the Norse survived a hard-fought win behind another strong rebounding night. Delaney Young again led the way, and Grace Miller recorded what was believed to be her first career double-double.
North Muskegon leaders: Delaney Young 23 points, 9 rebounds, 5 steals; Grace Miller 10 points, 10 rebounds.
Holton leaders: no stats given
Hart 68, Hesperia 13
Hart jumped all over Hesperia early, racing to a 21-0 first-quarter lead and never letting up. Four Pirates produced double-digit scoring as Hart dominated all four quarters.
Hesperia leaders: Sophia Fraser and Sarissa Conkle with four each.
Montague 53, Manistee 45
A tight one swung late as Montague closed with a strong 17-7 fourth quarter to seal the win. Manistee held a slim edge entering the fourth before Montague’s finishing plays decided it.
