LocalSportsJournal.com
NEWAYGO – A tight game between Shelby and Newaygo girls basketball teams ended with the Lions on top, 48-41.
Celebrating Senior Night, Newaygo was tested for a majority of the night. The Lions held a 29-21 lead at halftime after Elsha Jibson scored seven big points over the first two quarters. Shelby narrowed the gap to just 35-30 by the end of the third quarter.
“Good bounce back win for the girls after a tough loss last night,” Newaygo coach Nathan Thomasma said. “We shot the ball well and played good defense. Ruby Hughes stepped up and filled in and played a great game for us. (She) rebounded very well. I thought Elsha (Jibson) hit some big buckets early in the game to get our confidence going. Shelby also played really tough. They had some injuries but really battled against us. Happy to get the victory on Senior Night.”
The Lions were led by Amaya Lathrop with 13 points, five steals and three assists. Hughes added a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds. Naomi Schillman threw in nine points.
Newaygo (10-9, 3-6 CSAA) has just one game remaining before the conference tournament. The Lions will head to Remus to face Chippewa Hills on Friday.
Shelby (5-14, 3-8 WMC Rivers) continues on a rough stretch having lost five straight games and 13 of their last 14. The Tigers will look to finish off the regular season on a high note, starting with a non-conference matchup with Wyoming Potter’s House Christian on Thursday.
