LocalSportsJournal.com

MUSKEGON HEIGHTS — Ludington’s girls basketball team roared out to a 20-point halftime lead on Muskegon Heights, and cruised to a 62-26 victory Friday night to earn a share of the Lakes 8 Activities Conference championship.

It’s the 12th conference title for the Orioles, and the final one as Ludington moves its sports programs to the West Michigan Conference next year.

After opening the game with a 13-5 first quarter lead, the Orioles went into the half with a 28-8 cushion after outscoring the Tigers, 15-5 in the second period.

The Tigers outscored the Orioles, 16-14 in the third period but couldn’t gain much ground as Ludington went into the fourth quarter leading, 42-24. Heights also outscored Ludington, 26-15 in the final eight minutes.

“Heights has a couple of girls that are strong with the ball,” said Ludington coach Warren Stowe. “We also wanted to keep the ball out of the middle of the lane.

“We felt we did a better job of doing that. Those girls, they’re strong, and they’re talented.”

Ludington was led in scoring by Rylee Stone with 12 points. Karli Mesyar added 11 and Emma McKinley had 10.

Tyveonna Davis and Teneshia Nolen scored 10 points each to lead Heights.

Ludington finished the regular season 15-5 overall and 9-1 in the Lakes 8. The Orioles host an MHSAA Division 2 district, and will play Reed City in a semifinal game on Wednesday beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Heights is 5-8 overall, and went 5-5 in the Lakes 8. The Tigers compete in the MHSAA Division 4 district at Catholic Central against Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian on Wednesday night with a start time of approximately 7 p.m.

Muskegon Heights girls basketball team 2021-2022 (Photo/Jason Goorman)