The West Michigan Conference boys basketball race is wide open and North Muskegon is doing what it can to stay in the thick of it.
The Norsemen earned a big road win Tuesday night, defeating Ravenna 56-41 behind a balanced effort.
Troy McManus led the Norse (3-3, 1-2 WMC) with 15 points and five rebounds, while James Young had 14 points and Brandon Rypstra 10. Young went 5 of 7 from the free-throw line, including 4 for 4 down the stretch.
Clay Schullo paced Ravenna (3-2, 2-1) with 11 points and seven rebounds, while Travis May had 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kyle Beebe added nine points, eight rebounds, seven assists, four steals and two blocks for the Bulldogs, who have lost two in a row.
“It was a great first half that went back and forth. We grabbed a two-point lead at the half,” said North Muskegon coach Chuck Rypstra, whose team led 23-21 at the break. “In the second half, we were able to extend out a bit in the third quarter as five different guys contributed points.
“We had a good push early in the fourth and then Ravenna had to start taking chances. We were able to convert just enough and made our free throws down the stretch.”
On Friday, North Muskegon hosts Montague (3-1, 2-1) and Ravenna welcomes Oakridge (4-3, 1-2).
OAKRIDGE 54, MASON COUNTY CENTRAL 46: At Oakridge, the host Eagles used a 20-6 first-quarter scoring advantage and rode that en route to their first conference win.
Oakridge leaders:
Garrett Wever 21 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists
Ethan Jozsa 13 points, 10 rebounds
Hunter DeLora 9 points
Peyton Ruel 7 points, 7 assists, 5 steals
Ryan Cribbins 3 steals
Mason County Central leaders:
Wil Chye 19 points
Jayden Perrone 10 points
Kolden Myer 10 points
Records:
Oakridge 4-3 (1-2 WMC)
Mason County Central 1-4 (0-3 WMC)
WHITEHALL 53, MONTAGUE 43: At Whitehall, the host Vikings took an early lead and never relinquished it in handing Montague its first loss of the season.
CLICK HERE for complete coverage on the game.
