Solid defense lifts North Muskegon over Shelby in WMC girls’ hoops action

 

NORTH MUSKEGON — The North Muskegon Norse turned in a solid team game on Thursday night and earned a 31-23 West Michigan Conference victory over the visiting Shelby Tigers.

 

North Muskegon trailed 11-9 after the first quarter and 18-16 at the half.

 

But, the Norse turned up the defense in the third quarter and outscored Shelby 7-0 and took a 23-18 lead into the final quarter. NM outscored Shelby 8-5 in the fourth quarter.

 

Grace Philpot led North Muskegon with 10 points. Freshman Emma Buchmiller added eight points, including a pair of 3-pointers, and six rebounds. Georgia Skujins led the team with 10 rebounds. Lucy Fricke, a senior, had six rebounds. Kaylee Martin saw limited playing time due to an injury suffered on Tuesday against Holland Black River.

 

“All of the seniors played with confidence and patience tonight,” said NM coach Sarah Knuth. “Tonight was a big conference win for us and should help us with upcoming games, but we see Hart on Tuesday at home. Hart is an excellent team.”

 

Aubrey Klotz and Kendall Zaverl had five points each for Shelby.

 

“It was a tough shooting night for Shelby as the ball bounced around in the second half and just wouldn’t fall for them,” Knuth said. 

 

North Muskegon (5-11, 4-5) will host Hart next Tuesday.

 

Shelby (7-10, 4-4) is at Hesperia on Tuesday.