By Greg Gielczyk
LocalSportsJournal.com

LUDINGTON — Madelyn Kenyon caught fire from beyond the 3-point arc in the fourth quarter, draining three of them to spark Ludington’s offense as the Orioles pulled out a thrilling 47-42 non-conference win Monday night over visiting Cadillac.

It was a big win for the Orioles, who have had their struggles this season battling a rugged schedule that Coach Warren Stowe sets up to prepare Ludington for the post-season tournament.

“I schedule (tough) for a reason,” said Stowe. “I know there’s positives to playing Grand Haven, Mona Shores (and the Traverse City schools) — I know that. But, it’s nice to get a win, too. So, to get a win against one of those big schools that we schedule … I’m just proud of the girls. They deserve it.”

Ludington’s defense forced the Vikings, losers of three of their last four games coming in, into a slew of turnovers that offset its own offensive woes – which included going 0-of-9 at the free-throw line.

Cadillac crashed the defensive boards and kept the Orioles’ second chance-baskets to a minimum. That opened the door for the Vikings to forge a 12-7 first-quarter lead.

The Orioles kept right on the Vikings’ heels throughout the first half and went into the break with only a seven-point deficit, 22-15, after being outscored, 10-8 in the second period.

Both teams came out of the half with more energy and it was the Vikings who struck first in the third quarter, stretching their lead to nine, 29-20 with a little more than four minutes left.

Ludington then exploded for an 11-0 run and vaulted into the lead, 31-29. But the Vikings shook it off and had the last word with a bucket down low to knot things up, 31-31 at the buzzer.

Kenyon seemed to seal the Orioles’ win with her long-range barrage, but the Vikings were unfazed and got the lead back to just four with 1:44 remaining in regulation.

Ludington knocked down six of seven free throws and got the win while the Vikings didn’t score on their last possession.

Kenyon and Peyton Welch each scored 12 points to lead the Orioles. Jennah Skiba contributed seven, while Elianna Jeruzal and Jordyn Anderson chipped in with five apiece.

The Orioles improved to 8-6 on the season and resume West Michigan Conference Lakes Division play Thursday at home against Montague.