By Greg Gielczyk 
LocalSportsJournal.com 

SCOTTVILLE — When two inter-county rivals renew acquaintances whether it be on the football field or the basketball court, there’s always a little extra oomph added to the mix.

The atmosphere just gets a bit more electrifying.

Spencer Homes dribbles the ball up for Ludington. Photo/Joe Washington

Such was the case Monday night when the Ludington Orioles traveled up US-10 to Scottville and played Mason County Central’s Spartans in a non-conference boys basketball game. 

Although the youthful Spartans came as close as six points at one juncture of the contest, the Orioles had too many weapons and emerged a 67-43 winner. 

“For the most part, I was really happy with my young guys,” said Spartans coach Craig Vanderhaag. “They handled the full court pressure of Ludington. We missed some contested baskets in the paint. I don’t see that happening later on (in) the season. Overall, I was happy with my guys’ effort. They took some punches and threw a few.” 

The Orioles established early control when they jumped out to a 14-0 lead, but the Spartans refused to quit and kept nipping at their deficit. 

Ludington finished the first quarter with a 19-12 advantage, and outscored the Spartans by five, 18-13 in the second to head for the locker room at half with a 37-25 cushion. 

But the Spartans would not go away. 

They stayed within striking distance until midway in the third quarter when Daniel Ramirez scored seven consecutive points to stretch the Oriole lead back out to 18 points with a 15-9 advantage. 

Ludington burned the Spartan defense from deep, hitting 10 3-point baskets on the night. 

“It was definitely a fun atmosphere,” Ludington coach Thad Shank said. “These kids grow up together in Mason County and a lot of them are friends, or played on youth teams together. The game means a lot to the kids, I think. We kind of took control early, but the Spartans a young team they did not fold.”  

David Shillinger and Spencer Holmes combined for 47 points to lead the Orioles. Shillinger scored 27 and Holmes 20. Ramirez finished with seven. 

Cole Vanderhaag scored 12 poiuts and Peyton Merz added 10 for the Spartans. 

It was Ludington’s second consecutive win after a season-opening loss, improving the Orioles’ record to 3-1 on the season. The Orioles next host Oakridge in a West Michigan Conference Lakes Division game Thursday. 

Mason County Central fell to 1-3 with its second straight loss and resumes WMC River Division action Thursday at Holton. 

Ludington’s Joe Benz takes a jumpshot near Gage Jones (23). Photo/Joe Washington

Peyton Merz (24) goes in for MCC against Gage Jones (23). Photo/Joe Washington

MCC’s Cole Vanderhaag (2) is defended by David Shillinger. Photo/Joe Washington

MCC’s Braylin Thurow. Photo/Joe Washington

Photo/Joe Washington

Photo/Joe Washington

Photo/Joe Washington

Ludington’s Gage Jones tries to get a shot between Braylin Thurow (10) and Tyler Norton (4). Photo/Joe Washington

Ethan Huffman goes up for MCC. Photo/Joe Washington