LocalSportsJournal.com
CUSTER — Mason County Eastern fell to first-place Brethren in a 50-23 West Michigan D League girls basketball matchup.
The Cardinals fell behind quickly, trailing 21-3 at the end of the first quarter.
Although Mason County Eastern was able to score more evenly with the Bobcats the rest of the way, it was unable to close the margin any appreciable amount.
Eastern lost the second quarter, 11-9 and entered halftime with a 32-12 deficit.
Brethren outscored the Cardinals, 10-6 in the third quarter and continued to built a substantial cushion heading through the fourth.
“We had trouble breaking their press, and they jumped out to a 17-0 lead,” said Eastern head coach Jake Smith. “We didn’t match their intensity.
“We picked it up as the game went on,” he added. “After the first four minutes of the game, I was pleased with the intensity the girls put forth.”
Eastern was led in scoring by Olivia Wing who had seven points, while Janessa Alvesteffer contributed four points. Alvesteffer also had eight rebounds.
Brethren’s leaders included Alice Amstutz and Maddy Miller, who each scored 12 points.
Mason County Eastern (7-8, 6-6) will travel to Mesick on Thursday.
