LocalSportsJournal.com
CUSTER — Baldwin is the West Michigan D League leader, and the Panthers showed why Wednesday night when they went to Mason County Eastern and recorded a 62-45 boys basketball victory.
Baldwin jumped out to a 20-9 lead after the first quarter and held the Cardinals at bay the rest of the way. MCE made some runs, but could never make up much ground.
Baldwin had a 17-12 advantage in the second quarter and rolled into halftime with a 37-21 lead. A 14-13 edge in the third gave the Panthers a 51-34 lead entering the fourth quarter.
“They are a very good basketball team,” said Eastern coach Mark Forner. “They jumped out to an early lead and we kept competing and did not let the game get away from us. We chipped away and were a couple possessions away from making it really close.
“Carmello (Lindsey) took over in the second half and we did not have an answer for him,” Forner said. “I am very proud of the way our kids competed tonight.”
Clay Shoup had a big game for the Cardinals with 23 points, while Nate Wing tossed in 11.
Lindsey finished with a game-high 27 points to lead the Panthers (17-1, 14-0 WMD). JJ Hossler chipped in 12 points.
Eastern (4-12, 4-9 WMD) continues league play Friday night at home against Marion.
