It was a busy and competitive night across the area as girls’ and boys’ basketball teams battled through conference and nonconference matchups. On the girls’ side, defense set the tone, with Whitehall grinding out a low-scoring rivalry win over Montague, Mason County Central and Ludington pulling away with strong second halves, and Manistee responding to adversity with a dominant home victory. The boys’ games showcased balanced scoring and momentum-shifting runs, as Whitehall continued its rivalry dominance, Ludington and North Muskegon remained unbeaten, Fremont handed Hart its first loss of the season, and Manistee secured an important conference win heading into the break.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Whitehall 27, Montague 19
Friday’s West Michigan Conference Lakes Division matchup was a grind from the start, but Whitehall used a decisive third quarter to pull away for a 27-19 win over Montague in the Wildcats’ new gym.
After trailing 9-7 at halftime, the Vikings outscored the Wildcats 12-4 in the third quarter to take control and earn their second straight win.
Top Scorers — Whitehall
Clare Westerlund: 11 points, 7 rebounds (9 points in second half)
Peyton Schultz: 7 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists
Janie Fagan: 4 points, 3 rebounds
Kayden Johnson: 3 points, 2 rebounds
Kate Beda: 2 points, 2 rebounds
Top Scorers — Montague
Annelyse Schneider: 7 points
Gentry Knop: 5 points
Molly Mulder: 4 points
Mason County Central 47, Holton 39
HOLTON — Mason County Central earned its second straight win with a 47-39 road victory over Holton, pulling away with a late run in the fourth quarter.
Holton led 13-12 after one, and the teams were tied 23-23 at halftime before MCC created separation in the third quarter and held on down the stretch.
Top Scorers — Mason County Central
Aarilyn O’Brien: 12
Jessica Petersen: 10
Jaycee Myer: 8
Sophia Quick: 8
Aubrey Chye: 7
Ludington 64, Oakridge 22
Ludington earned its first win after a three-game skid, using defensive pressure and transition offense to cruise past Oakridge 64-22.
The Orioles led 17-5 after one and 35-13 at halftime before finishing strong with a 19-3 fourth-quarter surge.
Manistee responded after a loss with a dominant performance, jumping ahead early and never looking back.
Top Scorers — Manistee
Lindsey Gardner: 16
Harmon: 14
Alayna Edmondson: 12
Avamae Fett: led Manistee; 8-of-11 shooting (points not listed in notes)
Top Scorers — Orchard View
Kadence Day: 9
Scott: 7
Jurnee Johnson: 5
BOYS BASKETBALL
Whitehall 64, Montague 38
Whitehall continued its dominance in the rivalry Friday night, earning a 64-38 West Michigan Conference Lakes Division win over Montague for its 13th straight victory in the series.
