Ludington boys cruise past Orchard View 70-39

But head coach Thad Shank is hoping that the Orioles won’t pay a high price for the win, as starter Peyton LaCombe turned his ankle early in the second quarter and left the game.

LaCombe scored 13 points in the first quarter to lead the Orioles to a 20-2 advantage in the period.

Despite his absence the rest of the game, Ludington did not miss a beat. The Orioles outscored the Cardinals, 18-13 in the second period and raced into the half with a 38-15 lead.

The Orioles just kept going from there, mounting a substantial 60-25 lead at the end of the third. Orchard View had a 14-10 edge in the last period.

“I was very pleased,” Ludington head coach Thad Shank said. “Orchard View is a team that is hard to guard and can put some points on the board.

“Overall we did a really nice job of limiting the Williams’ kid (Darius) ability to get to the basket. He’s had some huge games this year. David Shillinger and Kol Anthes kind of tag teamed on him tonight and did really good job slowing him down.”

Shillinger finished the game as the Orioles’ leading scorer with 16 points. with one 3-point basket. LaCombe had 13 before leaving the game with the injury, while Levin Laman contributed 10 points.

Williams led the Cardinals in scoring with 12 points.

Ludington improved its record to 9-6 overall and 8-0 in the Lakes 8. The Orioles are idle now until Friday, Feb. 18 when they pay a visit to Catholic Central.

Orchard View dropped to 3-11 overall and 1-7 in the conference. The Cardinals are also off now until Friday, Feb. 18 when they go to Western Michigan Christian.