Local Sports Journal

The Mason County Central boys basketball team blew open a two-point game with a ten-point advantage in the fourth quarter and claimed a 57-45 victory over Whitehall Thursday in West Michigan Conference action.

Most of the game was tight, with Whitehall clinging to an 18-17 lead at halftime and the Spartans up 33-31 after three quarters. But MCC pulled away in the final quarter by outscoring the Vikings 24-14.

The game was still tied with three minutes left when MCC took control.

Cody Ambrose had 23 points, including 21 in the second half, for MCC. Colton Tindal added 11 points and five rebounds while Josh Ritsema had nine points, 14 rebounds and five steals.

Matt Russell turned in a strong performance for Whitehall with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Dylan Medendorp added 12 points, while Matt Rohen chipped in another 12 to go with six rebounds.

Mason County Central is now 3-1 overall and 2-0 in conference play. Whitehall dropped to 2-2 and 1-1.