By Jason Goorman
LocalSportsJournal.com

MUSKEGON – It was the last home and regular season game for the Muskegon boy’s basketball team on Thursday night, and no one wanted to have a good night more than the six graduating seniors.LSJ Logo incert

Senior guard Michael Littlejohn made sure of that by scoring his team’s first 11 points as the Big Reds downed Kalamazoo Loy Norrix 68-59 at Redmond-Potter Gymnasium.

“We talked about it (senior night) before the game,” said Muskegon Coach Keith Guy, whose team finished the regular season 17-3. “It’s always tough to see kids leave your program, you get emotionally attached to them and the season goes so fast and you just hate to see them go.”

Littlejohn came out on fire in the first quarter, hitting three 3-pointers and taking a steal in for a fast break layup to put Muskegon up 11-4 to start the game.

Muskegon's Michael Littlejohn Jr. glides in for the layup for his 11th point in the first quarter. Photo/Jason Goorman

Muskegon’s Michael Littlejohn Jr. glides in for the layup for his 11th point in the first quarter. Photo/Jason Goorman

Senior forward Jacarius Scott also stepped up for Muskegon, getting six of his 12 points in the first quarter.

Loy Norrix rallied and the Big Reds led just 19-15 at the end of the first.

In the second quarter it was senior forward Terrion Hill-McKay who put the Big Reds up by double digits, hitting a 3-pointer and then an offensive putback.

Hill-McKay scored all seven of his points in the second and Muskegon led 36-25 at halftime.

The Big Reds maintained a 52-38 lead at the end of the third quarter.

James Godwin, a senior forward, scored four quick points off the bench in the fourth quarter to help Muskegon close out the win.

Senior point guard Linwood Lee made his mark on the game directing the Muskegon offense. Lee produced 10 assists along with seven points, seven rebounds and three steals, while senior forward Desi Stephens put up 10 points.

Littlejohn finished with a game-high 18 points, McKay had seven rebounds and a blocked shot while Scott had four assists, six rebounds and three steals.

“I was happy the way Michael came out, but I wasn’t happy with the way we finished,” Guy said. “We have some focus issues we have to take care of quickly or bad things are going to happen.”

The game also had special meaning for the Big Reds because it was dedicated to Muskegon student Noah Brassil who passed away earlier this school year after battling a number of health conditions relating to epilepsy.

“Noah inspired us tonight because he used to come here in the gym and would watch us practice. All the guys knew who he was,” said Guy. He just brightened everyone’s day with the attitude he came in here with.”

Thursday's final home game was dedicated to Noah Brasil. Photo/Jason Goorman

Thursday’s final home game was dedicated to Noah Brasil who had tight a friendship with assistant coach Louis Murray whose number was 22. The Big Reds adopted Noah as one of their own and he will be sorely missed.  Photo/Jason Goorman

Noah Brasil's moth Heidi stands with Muskegon coach Keith Guy during a pregame ceremony honoring Brasil. Photo/Jason Goorman

Noah Brasil’s moth Heidi stands with Muskegon coach Keith Guy during a pregame ceremony honoring Brasil. Photo/Jason Goorman