LocalSportsJournal.com
LUDINGTON — Kal Koehler hit two free throws with 5 seconds remaining and sparked Whitehall to a 64-62 victory over the host Ludington Orioles on Friday night.
David Shillinger buried a 3-point basket for the Orioles to send them bounding into the lead, 62-60 with 1:20 left in regulation and cause some concern among the Vikings faithful in the first major West Michigan Conference Lakes Division showdown.
Camden Thompson immediately countered with a 16-foot pull up jumper shot and knotted the score, 62-62 with one minute remaining.
Ludington was fouled at the 30-mark, but the Orioles missed both free throws and Koehler knocked down both of his foul shots with 5 seconds to play to give Whitehall the win.
Whitehall was hot early and took an 18-14 lead after one. But the Orioles came back with a 20-16 edge in the second for a 34-34 halftime tie.
The Vikings gained a 52-40 lead at the end of the third quarter with a 18-6 advantage.
Koehler finished with a game-high 20 points to lead the Vikings, while Thompson added 14 and DJ Jamieson contributed 13.
Shillinger paced the Orioles with 18, followed by Cameron Gunsell with 13 and Spencer Holmes finished with 12.
The Vikings return to the hardcourt next Thursday against Oakridge in another conference game.
Ludington travels to Manistee next Thursday for another conference matchup.
