By Greg Gielczyk
LocalSportsJournal.com
LUDINGTON — Defense carried the day for the Ludington girls’ basketball team Thursday night.
The Orioles continued to struggle on offense, but handcuffed Manistee and earned a 39-24 victory in the West Michigan Conference Lakes Division.
Manistee actually outscored the Orioles, 17-16, in the second half, but it was not nearly enough for the Chippewas to make up the ground they lost in the first 16 minutes.
The Orioles didn’t burn out the lights in the scoreboard in the first half, but they allowed the Chippewas only seven points and had control of the game all the way.
Ludington built a substantial 12-3 lead at the end of the first quarter, and outscored Manistee, 11-4 in the second period and eased into the half with a 23-7 cushion.
“We came out firing, but we just had trouble putting the ball in the basket,” said Ludington head coach Warren Stowe. “Tonight it was nice.
“We got out, ran some really good transition and got some easy layups, got a great lead and were able to set up our defensive pressure.”
Each team scored seven points in the third quarter, with the Orioles holding a 30-14 lead going into the fourth period. Manistee had a 10-9 edge in the final eight minutes.
Keelyn Laird paced the Orioles with 11 points. She was followed by Annie Kline with eight while Jennah Jeruzal and Emma McKinley finished with five apiece.
“We give up so much size to Ludington. They are just so big,” said Manistee head coach Kenn Kott. “We do the best we can, trying to make things happen.
“You need to take advantage of all the great opportunities that come your way. Boy, the girls found a lot of opportunities, but unfortunately didn’t capitalize on them.”
Libby McCarthy finished with eight points to lead Manistee in scoring while Jayna Edmondson and Allison Kelley contributed five apiece.
The Orioles improved to 7-3 overall and 5-0 in the conference with their second straight win, and will host Orchard View in another conference matchup next Tuesday.
Manistee saw its two-game winning streak snapped and fell to 5-4 overall and 2-3 in the conference. The Chippewas host Montague in the conference next Tuesday night.
