LocalSportsJournal.com

NORTH MUSKEGON — Playing their second consecutive game on the road, the Mason County Central girls basketball team defeated North Muskegon, 59-26 in the West Michigan Conference Rivers Division Friday night.  

“The Norsemen played hard with enthusiasm,” said North Muskegon head coach Sarah Knuth. “We feel good about our effort and improvement handling pressure. Our offensive post play kept Nelson contained.  

“If we keep improving at this rate, we will surprise a number of teams and, perhaps, earn some respect in the WMC Rivers Division.”  

Mason County Central enjoyed a 14-8 lead at the end of the first quarter and outscored the Norsemen, 20-8 in the second for a substantial 34-16 lead at the half.  

North Muskegon’s offense produced only 10 points in the second half, being outscored 13-4 in the third period and 17-6 in the fourth.  

Evangeline Hradel led the Spartans with 11 points. Jessica Peterson, Grace Weinert and Mallory Miller scored nine points apiece while Wren Nelson contributed four points.  

Grace Philpot led the Norsemen with seven points, Emma Buchmiller added six and Kaylee Martyin five.  

Martyin also had five assists and three steals, and Francine Vinson contributed three blocks.  

The Spartans (2-0, 1-0 WMC Rivers) is next scheduled to see action on Thursday, Dec. 8 when they take the road again for a conference game at Holton.  

North Muskegon (0-2, 0-1 WMC Rivers) will again take to the court on Thursday, Dec. 8 for another conference game with Hesperia on the road.