Local High School Hoops: Close Calls and Big Wins

In the world of high school sports, every point counts, and every second matters. This was clear in the recent games across the Bay City area. The Cass City Red Hawks and Kingston teams went head-to-head in a nail-biting game that came down to the final seconds. The game, known as the Battle for Deford, was a tough fight. Kenton Nicholas made two crucial free throws with just 25 seconds left, and the Red Hawks' defense held strong to secure a 41-40 win. Nicholas was the top scorer for Cass City with 16 points, while Griffin Weiler added 11. Kingston's Peyton Harrington led his team with 12 points. Meanwhile, the Flint Powers Chargers dominated John Glenn with a 76-55 victory. Eli Sturgess was a standout player, scoring all 22 of his points in the first half to help Powers take control of the game. John Glenn coach Derrek Clyde acknowledged his team's struggles in the first half but praised their improved performance in the second half. Dylan Wood led Glenn with 17 points, and Danzell Calhoun scored 14.In girls' basketball, Bay City All Saints defeated Saginaw Nouvel 34-20 in a matchup between neighboring Catholic schools. All Saints started strong, but Nouvel took the lead early in the third quarter. All Saints then responded with a 25-10 run to close out the game. Val Costilla and Kara Schular each scored nine points for All Saints, while Gabi Thiel led Nouvel with 11 points. Over in bowling, the Pinconning Spartans faced tough competition, losing to Oscoda and Sanford Meridian by identical 18-12 margins. Elley Shoultes and Madison Grzegorczyk set new season highs in their game against Oscoda, with Audrey Shoultes leading the Spartans with a 286 two-game set. Against Meridian, Audrey Shoultes continued her strong performance with a season-best 201 game and a 328 set. Looking ahead, there are several exciting games scheduled. On December 23, Essexville Garber will take on Hemlock in both boys' and girls' basketball. On December 29, Alpena will visit John Glenn for a boys' basketball game. The following day, Lansing Catholic will play John Glenn in girls' basketball. On January 3, Standish-Sterling will face Essexville Garber in both boys' and girls' basketball.