LocalSportsJournal.com

CUSTER — Two players scored in double figures as the Mason County Eastern girls basketball team defeated Hesperia, 46-35, Tuesday in a non-conference game.

“I was pleased with the girls’ effort tonight,” said Cardinals coach Jake Smith. “They played a complete game. We were able to use our size inside early and that allowed our guards to get some open looks.
 
“Olivia Wing and Deanna Codman executed our offensive sets well tonight and had 10 assists combined,” Smith said. “Janessa Alvesteffer had a strong game for us in the post and picked up three assists after the defense collapsed on her.”
 
The Cardinals defense helped allow them to move out to a 7-3 lead at the end of the first quarter. They outscored the Panthers, 13-9, in the second period and went into the half holding a 20-12 lead.
 
Hesperia kept on the Cardinals’ heels throughout the third quarter, but Eastern maintained the lead, 32-20, going into the fourth quarter. The Panthers had a 15-14 edge in the final eight minutes.
 
Alvesteffer led the Cardinals with 17 points and Kaitlyn Mickovich followed with 15. Maria Gomez-Jimenez chipped in with seven.
 
Noelle Evans and Samy Logana scored 11 points apiece to lead the Panthers.
 
Eastern improved to 7-6 on the season and will resume West Michigan D League play Thursday at Big Rapids Crossroads Academy.

Hesperia is now 1-12 on the season and travels to North Muskegon for a West Michigan Conference Rivers Division game on Friday.