Local Sports Journal

For three quarters, things were close Thursday night between host Mason County Central and West Michigan Conference rival Shelby.

And they remained that way, as the Spartans crept past Shelby (6-5, 4-3) in the fourth quarter, turning a tied game into the 52-48 victory.

Shelby led by two, 22-20, at the half, and MCC (8-2, 6-1) tied things at 36-all heading into the final frame. Once there, the Spartans outscored the Tigers 16-12 to provide the final score.

Spartan senior point guard Madison Geers had another outstanding effort, leading all scorers with 23 points while grabbing four boards and dishing out two assists. Senior Payton Bladzik added nine points and nine rebounds in the win.

Shelby senior forward Tristen Moore led the Tigers with 14 points and 11 boards, and teammate senior forward Jozilyn Kinster added 11 points and eight rebounds in the loss.