By Greg Gielczyk
LocalSportsJournal.com
CADILLAC — Despite a slow start, the Mason County Central girls basketball team picked up the pace and just fell short, 46-43, to Gaylord at the Cadillac Showcase on Saturday.
Fortunately for the Spartans, the Vikings could only build a five-point lead, 9-4 at the end of the first quarter. The Spartans drilled three 3-point baskets in the second period, but were outscored by five, 9-4 and went into the half with a 18-17 deficit.
Gaylord opened the third period with an 8-2 run, but the Spartans responded as Grace Weinert and Jessica Peterson each canned a 3-pointer and Eva Hradel and Mallory Miller added a pair of baskets to kick start Central’s offense.
Central took a 38-35 lead going into the fourth quarter, but the 1-2 punch of Sadie Pretzloff and Addison McDonald combined for 31 points and the Spartans committed some crucial turnovers to bring Gaylord back.
“The kids fought hard against a well-coached opponent on a neutral site,” Spartans coach Brian Beebe said. “Great game to prepare for the rest of the season. Unfortunately, we were not able to make plays in the fourth quarter to get the win. They (Gaylord) got us in early foul trouble, and got to the line a ton, which affected our first half performance.
“However, we came out of the locker room and played another great third quarter. These types of games can serve as great opportunities to get mentally tougher as a result.”
Miller scored 17 points to lead the Spartans. Hradel finished with eight second half points.
Wren Nelson contributed six points, nine rebounds and four blocked shots despite getting into early foul trouble. Peterson tossed in five points.
McDonald led Gaylord with 17 points and Pretzloff added 11.
The Spartans saw a two-game winning streak come to an end, while the Vikings recorded their second straight win and improved to 6-5.
Mason County is 7-2 on the season and travels to North Muskegon to resume West Michigan Conference Rivers Division action Tuesday night.
