Local Sports Journal

North Muskegon blanked Saugatuck in the opening quarter and went on to earn a 41-27 Class district win over the Indians on Monday night at Fennville High School.

The Norsemen advance to play host Fennville on Wednesday night in the district semifinals at 7 p.m.

Against Saugatuck, NM jumped out to a 9-0 lead after one quarter and led 21-8 at halftime.

North Muskegon iced the game in the final quarter as Olivia Duncan and Abby Clark combined to go 5- -for 6 from the line in the fourth quarter.

“We jumped out to an early lead, somewhat because of our intensity and shot selection,” North Muskegon coach Doug Clark said. “Saugatuck was cold to start the game, and missed some makeable shots. I think that was a key to the game, they lost confidence and we gained it.”

NM and Saugatuck were scheduled to play last week, but it got cancelled due to weather.

“We didn’t see each other during the regular season, but based on stats, we knew we had to contain Morgan Bush, their leading scorer and Jocelyn Silva, their main outside threat,” Clark said. “Anna Osborn, Nicole Smith, Keah Brown and Abby Clark did a great job on Bush, denying her offensive position, and when she caught it, swarming her with pressure. She ended with only four points.”

Clark led NM with 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Olivia chipped in with nine points, five rebounds, two steals and two assists. Osborn had eight points and grabbed six rebounds for NM.