LocalSportsJournal.com

PENTWATER — Due to injury and illness, the Pentwater girls basketball team was playing minus two of its post players against a Brethren team that boasts a great deal of size and height.

It was not a good combination for the Falcons, as they came agonizingly close but dropped a 39-35 Western Michigan D League game to the Bobcats at home Friday night.

“The size and height they had was a problem all night, but I am incredibly proud of the way our girls fought,” said Pentwater head coach Joe Gorton.

“We were with them every step of the way, and really got after them defensively. This may be one of the best defensive efforts I’ve seen in my time here.”

Pentwater finished the first quarter in a dead heat with the Bobcats, as the two teams were tied, 9-9. The Bobcats surged ahead, though, with a 14-6 advantage in the second and entered the halftime break with a 23-15 lead.

The Falcons came storming back in the third quarter, outscoring the Bobcats, 13-4 and pushed into a 29-27 lead going into the fourth quarter. But, the Bobcats prevailed with a 12-7 edge in the final eight minutes.

“The lead changed hands multiple times in the fourth, but in the end we had a couple of really good looks go in and out,” Gorton said. “One of those drops, and I think it’s a different story.

“I am incredibly proud of the work my girls in tonight. Mikaylyn Kenney was a warrior, and fought through some bumps and bruises.

“My bench stepped up and gave me great minutes. Joceln Richison and Haidyn Adams were great all night, flying around the court and creating havoc.”

Richison and Kenney each scored 10 points to lead the Falcons. Richison made two 3-point shots. Adams and Emma Oliphant contributed six points apiece, Sam Schaefer added two and Marissa Sayles one.

With its size and height disadvantage, the Falcons managed only 19 rebounds for the game. Oliphant topped the rebounding chart with six caroms, while Kenney grabbed four. Kenney also had six steals.

Pentwater dropped to 1-2 overall and in the league. The Falcons are at home again next Tuesday for a non-conference game with Orchard View.