LocalSportsJournal.com
MONTAGUE — Only one point separated the two teams at halftime, but Montague’s boys basketball team outscored Mason County Central by 11 in the second half to snare a 57-44 victory Friday night at Montague in the West Michigan Conference.
The Wildcats led by one, 14-13 after the first quarter. Mason County kept the game close with an 11-9 advantage in the second, which left the Wildcats still leading by one, 24-23 at the half.
But, then the Wildcats started their pullaway by doubling up on the Spartans in the third period, outscoring them, 16-8 to build a 40-31 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Montague had a 17-13 edge in the final eight minutes.
“I thought we played tough tonight, and I think we continue to get better,” said Montague head coach David Osborne. “I was pleased with our effort overall.”
Isaiah Atchison paced the Wildcats with 12 points on 5 of 7 shooting from the floor for 71.4 percent. He also led the team with eight rebounds.
Owen Raeth followed with 11 points, making 4 of 7 from the floor and 3 of 3 from 3-point range and he had two blocked shots. Tate Stine also scored 11 points, with one 3-point shot and dished out three assists. Tugg Nichols chipped in with seven points, two assists and three steals.
Jack VanderHaag paced the Spartans with 14 points while Will Chye added nine and Jayden Perrone chipped in with six.
Montague improved its record to 8-4 overall and 5-4 in the conference. The Wildcats are next scheduled to see action Tuesday, Feb. 8 at Orchard View.
The Spartans saw their season record drop to 4-9 overall and 1-8 in the league. Next up for the Spartans is a home game Thursday, Feb. 10 against Oakridge.
