LocalSportsJournal.com
 
SCOTTVILLE — Defense set the tone for the Mason County Central boys basketball team Tuesday night and propelled the Spartans to a 78-50 non-conference win at home over Kingsley.

 
The Spartans blew the Stags’ doors off right from the start, exploding for a 31-6 first quarter and kept their foot on the gas all night.
 
But the Stags did keep the scoring closer in the second period, as the Spartans just edged them, 19-18 in a high-scoring period and held a 50-24 thanks to that big first quarter.
 
Kingsley had trouble getting its offense in gear against the Spartans defense in the third quarter and the Spartans had a 16-12 edge, going into the fourth with a 66-36 cushion. Kingsley had a 14-12 edge in the final stanza.
 
The Spartans made 9 shots from beyond the 3-point arc and enjoyed outstanding perimeter shooting. Will Chye finished with a game-high 20 points to lead Central, while Jayden Perrone added 17 points. Dakota Sterley and Braylin Thurow chipped in 12 points apiece.
 
Jack VanderHaag set the tone defensively, snatching four steals and recording numerous deflections.
 
Kingsley had Connor Johnson and Ty Morgan each score 10 points.
 
It was the fourth straight win on the season for the Spartans, who don’t play again until they travel to Fruitport Calvary Christian for another non-conference matchup on Tuesday, Jan. 3.