LocalSportsJournal.com

The North Muskegon boy’s basketball season ended with a 57-43 loss to Sanford Meridian in the Class C regional semifinals on Monday at Beal City High School.

The Norse, who won the West Michigan Conference championship this season, finished with an outstanding 21-3 record.

North Muskegon, which trailed most of the game, cut its deficit to seven points twice in the second half and six points once, but could get no closer.

The Norse had shooting problems, hitting only 3 of 24 attempts from 3-point range. They were also called for 26 fouls, compared to six for Sanford Meridian, and were outscored 23-5 from the free throw line.

The Norse, who will return nine players next season, were led by TJ McKenzie with 22 points, while John Hayhurst added 12 points and six rebounds and Jesse Cooke chipped in six points and seven rebounds.