LocalSportsJournal.com
LUDINGTON — Rebounding from a tough season-opening loss to Hart earlier in the week, the Ludington girls’ basketball team used a smothering defense to record a 47-16 win over Fremont on Friday night.
The West Michigan Conference Lakes Division contest was played at Hawley Gymnasium in Ludington.
Fremont managed just a free throw against the Orioles in the first quarter as Ludington jumped out to a 15-1 lead.
Despite outscoring their hosts, 8-6, in the second quarter, the Packers still trailed, 21-9, at the half. Ludington stretched its lead to 33-14 at the end of the third with a 12-5 advantage. The Orioles finished the game with a 14-2 fourth period.
“It was a great defensive effort,” said Ludington coach Warren Stowe. “Annie Kline, Emma McKinley and Karli Meysar set the tone on the defensive end and we ended up with a lot of girls scoring.”
Although none of the Orioles scored in double figures, it was a balanced offensive attack, led by Olivia Lynn who had nine points. Kline added eight, Elianna Jeruzal seven and Meysar and Keelyn Laird contributing six apiece. Lynn and Laird each grabbed five rebounds to lead the Orioles, while Kline dished out two assists and had three steals. Mesyar picked off four steals.
“You aren’t going to win games when you go 4-of-37 from the field,” said Fremont head coach Wes Zerlaut. “Our effort was strong. Our defensive execution was actually very good.
“Ludington is a talented team that made contested shots, scored over us, and played excellent defense to speed the game up and make us very uncomfortable when shooting the ball. We need to get better offensively in order to better compete against really good teams.”
Jessica Bennett finished with seven points to lead the Packers.
Ludington (1-1, 1-0 WMC Lakes) hosts Benzie Central, which blitzed Grand Traverse Academy, 56-13 Friday in a non-conference matchup on Tuesday.
Fremont (0-2, 0-1 WMC Lakes) travels to Shelby on Tuesday for a crossover matchup with the Tigers.
