By Greg Gielczyk
LocalSportsJournal.com
PENTWATER — Things weren’t going well at the start for the Pentwater boys basketball team in Thursday night’s showdown with West Michigan D League foe Brethren.
With the visiting Bobcats benefiting from some hot shooting from their three guard they blew out to a 23-10 first quarter, but the Falcons wouldn’t wilt and charged back, eventually finishing with a 54-46 win.
“They came out quick and strong, but we made some adjustments at halftime … on both ends of the floor … we went on a frenzy of scoring and closed on the Bobcats,” said Pentwater coach Ashley Lubera. “Several players stepped it up on the boards, and that aided in the effort. But it was a tough game all the way, with several lead changes … one on almost every possession.
“But it was our composure and smart defensive plays that propelled us into the fourth with the advantage.”
Pentwater trailed by 10, 36-26, at the half, but limited the Bobcats to 13 in the second quarter with the sense it could overcome the deficit.
The Falcons finally gained a one-point edge, 45-44 after outscoring the Bobcats 19-8 in the third quarter.
Mikey Carlson went to the free throw line eight times down the stretch, and converted five to help secure a narrow lead for the Falcons the remainder of the game.
Pentwater’s defense allowed the Bobcats just two points in the fourth period.
Carlson had a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Falcons. Trey Johnson contributed 15 points and two assists.
Kaleb Brown added 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Will Werekma-Grondsma hauled down nine rebounds, had four assists and two steals. Jonny Arnouts finished with nine points and two assists.
The Falcons improved to 10-2 overall and 10-0 in the league. Next up for Pentwater is another big league showdown at Marion on Tuesday.
