LocalSportsJournal.com

BRETHREN — At almost full strength for the first time in weeks, the Pentwater boys basketball team played its best game since the Christmas break and gave Brethren it all it could want before losing, 63-40 in the Western Michigan D League road game Wednesday night.

Pentwater never won any of the four quarters. Brethren started out with a 12-7 advantage in the first period and then outscored the Falcons, 17-10 in the second to build a 12-point lead, 29-17 at the half.  

Drew Kolenda, Will Werkema-Grondsma, Tyler Plummer-Eisenlohr and Jonny Arnouts led the charge offensively for the Falcons in the second quarter, while Campbell Miller, Brandon Macher and Reydyn Hugo did a great job in the paint defensively.  

Pentwater started the third quarter with a solid three-four minutes and closed the gap down to five. Despite shooting only 29 percent from the floor, the Falcons never gave up.  

But, costly back-to-back turnovers, and a huge quarter by the Bobcats’ inside posts kept them in control. The Bobcats outscored the Falcons, 18-12 in the third period and the Falcons’ deficit grew to 18 points, 47-29 entering the fourth.

Brethren had a 16-11 advantage over the final eight minutes.  

“Even though we fell short of a victory, so much growth and improvement was accomplished,” Pentwater head coach Ashley Lubera said. “The first quarter was a back-and-forth battle for baskets and defensive stops.  

“We had an opportunity to lead at the end of the half, but missed three layup opportunities. The second quarter was fast paced, and we shared the ball well.  

“Overall, we played strong team basketball. I’m very proud of all of the efforts displayed tonight.”  

Werekema-Grondsma led the Falcons with 10 points and added three assists and two steals. Arnouts finished with six points, eight rebounds and four steals. Miller added two points, seven rebounds, three steals and two assists.  

Pentwater dropped to 2-8 overall and 2-6 in the WMD. The Falcons are next scheduled to see action Friday night at Marion in another WMD game.