LocalSportsJournal.com
 
RAVENNA — North Muskegon grabbed the early lead on Friday night, but then had to withstand several runs that Ravenna made at them the rest of the way.
 
In the end, North Muskegon outlasted Ravenna 49-39 in a West Michigan Conference contest.
 
“We got out to a decent lead and they cut it to six points just before half,” NM coach Chuck Rypstra said. “The third quarter, we opened the lead again, but they ended with a key basket to cut it down again. In the end, we had a big enough lead to hold on.”
 
North Muskegon led 8-4 after one quarter and 19-13 at the half. The Norsemen extended the lead to 13 points after three quarters.
 
“They challenged us tonight with their defense,” Rypstra said. “Give credit to them for a pretty good game plan. Our defense was pretty sound tonight and sometimes that has to carry you.”
 
Troy McManus led NM with 14 points and three steals. Jaxon Lisinski had nine points while Denny Belmonte added eight points and three assists. Ben Myers had five points, three steals and seven assists.
 
Ravenna was led by Wyatt Young with 12 points. Drew Mabrito and Carter Schullo each added nine.
 
North Muskegon (14-3, 7-2) hosts Shelby on Tuesday.
 
Ravenna is at Hart on Tuesday.