LocalSportsJournal.com
CUSTER — Mason County Eastern’s boys basketball team saw a three-game winning streak snapped, and its chances of staying in the hunt for a Western Michigan D League title take a hit Wednesday night with a 63-52 loss to undefeated Mesick at home.
The Cardinals jumped out to a 12-9 lead at the end of the first quarter and outscored the Bulldogs (15-0 overall and 14-0 WMD) 19-14 in the second quarter for a 31-23 lead at the half.
Clay Shoup powered the Cardinals attack with 14 points and Wyatt Crawford had 12 in the first half.
Mesick began its comeback with a 15-11 third quarter that narrowed the Cardinals lead to just four points, 42-38 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Bulldogs then roared past the Cardinals with a 25-10 fourth quarter behind four 3-point baskets knocked down by Carter Simmer and pulled away.
“We really played well for 3 1/2 quarters tonight,” said Eastern head coach Mark Forner. “Wyatt Crawford was outstanding, and played a terrific floor game.
“We dressed six guys tonight, and James Drake went out with a knee injury, so we basically played with five guys the second half, and we got a little tired.
“But, our guys were outstanding, and did everything we asked them to do. Mesick is undefeated for a reason. They are a very good team.”
Crawford led the Cardinals in scoring with 22 points. Clay Shoup contributed 15 points and he hauled down seven rebounds. Crawford also dished out five assists. Nate Wing chipped in with eight points.
Simmer finished with a game-high 29 points for the Bulldogs. Conner Simmer added 13.
Eastern saw its record dip to 12-4 overall and 11-3 in the league. The Cardinals are next scheduled to see action at Baldwin on Friday night.
