LocalSportsJournal.com
HOLTON – A heavy dose of Troy McManus was too much for Ravenna to handle on Wednesday night.
McManus and his North Muskegon Norsemen surged to a 68-43 victory over the Bulldogs in a Division 3 district semifinal game in Holton.
McManus bagged seven 3-pointers and finished with 25 points. In all, North Muskegon made 10 shots from beyond the 3-point line. McManus also dished off five assists.
North Muskegon advances to the district title game at 7 p.m. Friday against Kent City, which defeated Holton in the other semifinal game.
“We started the game in a 5-0 hole, as they hit two technicals and then a 3 to go ahead,” said North Muskegon coach Chuck Rypstra, whose squad improves to 18-4. “Troy McManus kept us close with some good outside shooting and we were able to weather the storm of their 17 points (in the first quarter). After half, we were able to get a few more plays than them.”
North Muskegon had a 22-17 advantage after one and extended its lead to 32-22 at the half. The Norse outscored the Bulldogs 18-11 in the third to blow open the contest.
North Muskegon’s long-range shooting was a factor all evening, as it connected on 10-of-25 (40 percent) from beyond the arc and finished at 56 percent from the floor overall (27-of-48).
Lamarkis Graham added nine points for North Muskegon. Adam Dugener and Sam Gallo tallied eight points apiece and Denny Belmonte had seven points, five rebounds and five assists.
Dylan May led Ravenna with 16 points, while Caleb Forsythe scored nine. The Bulldogs finish their season 9-15.
Photos courtesy of LSJ photographer Leo Valdez
