Local Sports Journal

The West Michigan Lake Hawks kicked off their inaugural season on Saturday in a nail biter against Pontiac. A 27-point fourth quarter was just not enough as the Hawks fell to a late 3-pointer, 88-86.

Ralph Monday put 18 points on the board despite the loss for West Michigan.

Erivin Mitchel would be a problem for the Hawks in a pivotal third quarter where he scored 11 of his 18 points for Pontiac.

“(Ralph) Monday got us off to a great start, putting seven points on the scoreboard in the first quarter,” said assistant coach Ron Jenkins. “Mitchel was the front runner for Pontiac’s offense in the third quarter.”

The two teams played even basketball in the first two quarters, and remained tied 43-43 at halftime.

Lazabian Jackson came through with 10 points for West Michigan, Will Wright added nine points, and Takarri Churchwell scored six points.