LocalSportsJournal.com
NEWAYGO — Leading pretty much from start to finish, the Mason County Central girls’ basketball team defeated Newaygo, 50-36 in non-conference action on the road Wednesday night.
It was a close first half, with the Spartans managing to take a four-point lead, 10-6 at the end of one and outscored the Lions, 11-8 in the second to take a 21-14 lead into the half.
The Spartans had an 18-11 advantage in the third period and moved out to a 14-point lead, 39-25. Newaygo would not go away, however, and was only outscored 11-10 in the final period.
Mallory Miller led the Spartans with 13 points and she also dished out two assists. Wren Nelson added 10 points and eight rebounds, while Grace Weinert had eight points and seven steals.
Naomi Schillman and Grace Painter led the Lions with 11 points each. Painter had six rebounds and Schillman had three rebounds. Addison Goodin chipped in with nine points and seven rebounds.
“Tough battle tonight,” Newaygo coach Nathan Thomasma said. “Mason County Central is a good team and well coached. They made some big shots in the third quarter and we couldn’t catch back up. Our team continues to battle and show some growth and we just want to keep that upward trajectory going. If we do that, we can be a competitive team the rest of the season.”
The Spartans (10-1) are back on the road Thursday night for a non-conference game at Glen Lake.
Newaygo (3-9) resumes play in the Central State Activities Association Friday with a road game at Lakeview.
