LocalSportsJournal.com
CUSTER — Mason County Eastern’s girls basketball team had a big first half, and a huge fourth quarter en route to a 48-30 victory over Walkerville in a Western Michigan D League game at home Friday night.
The Cardinals led, 11-4 at the end of the first quarter and outscorethe Wildcats, 9-3 in the second period for a 20-7 halftime lead.
Walkerville turned the tables on the Cardinals in the third quarter when they outscored them 17-10 but Eastern still had a big 30-17 lead. The Cardinals outscored the Wildcats, 18-6 in the final period.
“We were getting what we wanted,” Eastern head coach Jake Smith said. “We dominated the glass. We kind of opened it up there in the fourth.
“They were trying to press and get some steals, and they were throwing up some 3’s obviously to get back in the game and nothing was falling for them.
“After getting the rebound we were bringing it up at our pace. Occasionally we pushed it. We’re not a heavy run team, but we do like to go every fifth or sixth possession just to change it up.”
Corinna Hernandez paced the Cardinals with 18 points and 17 rebounds, while Deanna Codman added 11. Janessa Alvesteffer chipped in with nine points and she also had 13 rebounds.
Zamorah De La Paz led the Wildcats with 13 points.
Eastern improved to 5-4 overall and 5-3 in the conference. The Cardinals are next scheduled to play at Bear Lake in another league game on Thursday, Jan. 27.
Walkerville fell to 3-6 overall and 3-5 in the league with the loss. The Wildcats next see action at Pentwater on Thursday, Jan. 27.
