PENTWATER – On a night packed with accolades, the Pentwater boys basketball team celebrated the most important one at the end of a 70-42 win over Mesick Friday, Feb. 21.
The Falcons clinched their first West Michigan D League (WMD) title since 2019 with the win, putting the cap on an accomplished regular season.
“It’s been an uphill climb for these boys, and what a great way to end a four year career filled with hard work, dedication and team chemistry,” Pentwater Head Coach Ashley Lubera said. “This was our first goal and it’s accomplished.”
With seniors night being celebrated at halftime, it was fitting that Pentwater’s core – consisting completely of seniors – had a big hand in a blowout victory.
Early on, Pentwater wasted no time spreading the ball around. Six different Falcons scored in the first quarter, led by senior Mikey Carlson who notched six. Jonny Arnouts and Brody Austin joined Carlson, each contributing four points in that same quarter.
With a 21-12 lead, the Falcons had a slight advantage, but wanted a bit more distance before the half. Luckily, Pentwater’s defensive intensity picked up in the second quarter, allowing them to do just that.
After scoring six unanswered points to start, Pentwater allowed the Bulldogs to score their first of just three baskets in the second quarter. A 16-0 run for Pentwater followed that make for Mesick, as a senior quartet consisting of Carlson, Arnouts, Trey Johnson and Nathan Macher got involved. Pentwater junior Wyatt Roberts nailed a three pointer to round it out, putting the Falcons on top 49-18 at halftime.
Taking a break to honor five seniors, Lubera had a chance to recognize a group that has been the Falcons core group for the better part of three years.
“This is great publicity for our school and how important it is to our community,” Lubera said. “The crowd has just been amazing and the support we’ve had from the fans and the cheerleaders…it’s just a total school effort. I’m glad we were able to share this with so many people.”
Scoring slowed for Pentwater in the third quarter as they took their foot off the gas a bit. Johnson converted on three shots from the floor, including two three pointers, but Mesick outscored the Falcons 14-10.
Still owning a demanding 59-32 lead at the end of the third quarter, Pentwater got their bench involved in the fourth.
Roberts hit his second three of the game, Abram Kieda scored four points and Tyler Zimmer made the final bucket of the game, putting a cap on the evening’s action.
Johnson led the team with 20 points, while Arnouts had 14 to go along with eight steals and five assists. Carlson recorded a double-double with 11 points, 11 rebounds and adding six assists as well.
The Falcons finished the regular season at 19-2 overall with a 13-1 mark in the WMD. Cutting the net off the rim in their home gym after the win over Mesick, the Falcons are hoping there’s more to celebrate down the road.
“(If) we continue to play together, I think we’ll find some more wins,” Lubera said. “I always say one quarter at a time, and try not to get ahead of ourselves.”
