LocalSportsJournal.com
CUSTER — Defense travels, and it also plays pretty well at home.
The Mason County Eastern boys basketball team can attest after the Cardinals turned back Bear Lake, 45-32, in the West Michigan D League Wednesday night in Custer.
Bear Lake struggled mightily to find a chink in the Cardinals’ armor, especially in the first half when Eastern held the Lakers to just 12 points in the first 16 minutes.
Leading the way, according to Eastern coach Mark Forner, was Zach Howe and Nate Wing with their strong front-court defensive play.
It proved to be key for the Cardinals, as each team scored 20 points in the second half, but that strong first half was enough to get them their second straight win.
“Our defense was very good tonight, probably the best effort we have had all year,” Forner said. “Wing and Howe were exceptionally good, playing hard-nosed basketball on defense.
“For the first time all year, we out-hustled and out-muscled the opposing team,” he said. “Our young team continues to improve, and the last four games have been very competitive.”
The Cardinals started the game with an 18-6 advantage in the first quarter, then followed that up with a 7-6 edge in the second for a 25-12 lead.
Bear Lake outscored the Cardinals, 8-7 in the third period, but maintained a double figure lead, 32-20, going into the fourth quarter and finished the game with a 13-12 edge.
Clay Shoup, a junior, knocked down four 3-point baskets and scored a game-high 27 points to lead the Cardinals. Wing added seven points and Howe six.
The Lakers were led by Grady Harless with nine points. Myles Harless and Zach Griffis each scored six.
Eastern (3-10, 3-7) will host Big Rapids Crossroads for homecoming on Friday night.
