By Greg Gielczyk 
LocalSportsJournal.com 

PENTWATER — After a week filled with special events for Homecoming, the Pentwater boys basketball team finished it off in grand fashion Friday night with a 52-31 win over Walkerville. 

But the Wildcats put up a much bigger fight in the West Michigan D League game than the final score indicates, getting within striking distance in the third quarter before the Falcons swatted it down. 

“We were a little fatigued and lagged in the first quarter, but we pulled it together the rest of the game,” Pentwater coach Ashley Lubera said. “It was a very balanced (performance) after the second quarter. We just played more defensively as a team. We shut down their two best players, and they had a couple other guys step up and hit some outside shots to keep them within striking distance. 

“But, we were able to extend our lead in the third. I was very proud of our effort.” 

Although the Falcons staggered offensively in the first quarter, their staunch defense kept the Wildcats from doing any damage and managed a 7-4 edge at the horn. 

The Falcons picked up the pace in the second quarter and outscored the Wildcats 12-8 to go into the locker room at halftime holding a 19-12 advantage. 

Walkerville got close, but couldn’t overtake the Falcons in the third and Pentwater led by eight, 33-25, going into the fourth. In the final quarter, the Falcons put Wildcats away with a 19-6 advantage. 

“I think I just have good depth with some experienced juniors who have been on the varsity for a couple years now, and fortunately they understand end of the quarter scenarios,” Lubera said. “And in a timeout it’s pretty easy to adjust, correct and talk about quickly those things that we’re not doing well. I just really give it back to my boys for being game ready. That’s what’s keeping us rolling.” 

Trey Johnson led the Falcons with a game-high 19 points and he took down six rebounds. Will Werkema-Grondsma had 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals as well as nine points and Jonny Arnouts had six boards. 

Pentwater boosted its record to 9-2 on the season and 9-0 in the WMD. The Falcons host Kent City Algoma Christian in a non-conference game Tuesday. 

Jordan Oomen was the top scorer for the Wildcats with 11 points and Conner Shafer had seven. 

Walkerville dropped to 5-5 on the season and 5-3 in the WMD. The Wildcats host Hesperia Tuesday.