Local Sports Journal

Mason County Central used clutch foul shooting in the final quarter to beat Shelby 69-62 in a West Michigan Conference boys basketball game on Thursday night.

Mason County Central led 29-26 at halftime and 45-42 after three quaretrs.

The Spartans iced the game by making 12-of-15 foul shots in the final quarter.

For the game MCC was 13-of-18 from the foul line and Shelby was 6-of-14.

Kody Ambrose led MCC with 26 points and Andrew Beckman led Shelby with 25 points.

“Kody Ambrose let the game come to him and delivered big shot after big shot,” MCC coach Jeff Tuka said. “It seemed as if him and Andrew Beckman were going blow for blow. Josh Ritzema stepped up in a big way for us as well.”

Ritzema chipped in with 16 points for MCC and Jason Beckman scored 11 for the Tigers.

“This is a really nice win against a really good program. We appreciate Shelby’s tradition and know that its tough to beat them,” said Tuka. “Some of that might have to do with tired legs for Shelby after playing a four overtime game with Heights the other night. But, I’m thrilled that our seniors get a victory in their last home game. They’ve been so dedicated to this program and deserve it.”