Local Sports Journal
A strong defensive first half led the Mason County Central boys basketball team over Ludington on Friday night 58-40 in the Class B district championship game.
“This is our first district championship since a Class C Title in 2010.” said Coach Jeff Tuka. “It’s the first class B district since 2002.”
The Spartans led 21-11 at halftime and 32-24 after three quarters of play.
“The final score isn’t really indicative of how the game really went. We had a 10 point lead at halftime but Ludington was within two points in the third quarter. We pulled away by breaking their pressure and getting some easy baskets. We were 21-24 from the free throw line for the game and Josh Ritzema was 11-12 from the free throw line in the 4th quarter,” stated Tuka after the victory.
Johnny Shafer led the Spartans in scoring with 16 points while Josh Ritzema added 13 points. Kody Ambrose had seven points and five assists in the victory.
The Orioles were led by Matthew Ritter who had 13 points while Chad Large added seven points in a losing effort.
Mason County Central will face Newaygo on Tuesday night in a regional semifinal game in Petoskey.
