LocalSportsJournal.com
MUSKEGON — After sputtering a little to start the game, Manistee’s girls basketball team gradually picked up steam and finished with a 50-33 victory over Orchard View Friday night.
Once they found their sea legs, the Mariners were able to hold court the rest of the way and were never in serious trouble on the Cardinals’ court.
“Orchard View is proving to everyone that their program is headed in the right direction,” said Manistee head coach Kenn Kott.
“But, I loved the way our team held their composure through a tough shooting night. We were getting great looks, but had a hard time finding the net. Still, I’ll take 50 points any night.”
The Mariners slogged their way to a 9-5 first-quarter lead, but things turned in the second when they outscored the Cardinals, 22-11 and took control with a 31-16 bulge at half.
Unfortunately, the Mariners’ shooting woes resurfaced in the third quarter when the Cardinals finished with a 6-4 edge. Manistee’s lead wasn’t threatened, reaching 35-23 going into the fourth.
Manistee finished the night with a 15-11 advantage in the final period.
Jayna Edmondson scored 16 points to lead the Mariners, with Libby McCarthy contributing 14 points, Alayna Edmondson nine and Brooke Jankwietz with eight.
McCarthy pulled down eight rebounds and Alayna Edmondson had six. Jayna Edmondson picked off six steals.
Payten Bleich and Jurnee Johnson led the Cardinals with eight points apiece. Bleich also had six assists and three steals. Johnson gathered in seven rebounds and Ambree Ready had six.
Manistee evened its record at 1-1 on the season and the Mariners will host Whitehall on Tuesday night in a West Michigan Conference Lakes Division contest.
It was the first game for the Cardinals, who are scheduled to host Fruitport on Tuesday.