Facing a familiar opponent in Brethren, Pentwater’s boys basketball worked their way out of an early deficit on the road, returning home with a 47-35 win over the Bobcats.
Starting the first quarter a bit flat offensively, Pentwater found themselves in a 12-11 hole after eight minutes of play. The Falcons did find a bit of momentum in that opening frame as senior Trey Johnson was fouled on a three-point shot, sending him to the free throw line. Johnson knocked down all three, spurring Pentwater to a comeback attempt to start the second quarter.
That second quarter was a showcase from the Falcons on both sides of the ball. Defensively, Pentwater held Brethren to just four points scored while also forcing the Bobcats’ post player into foul trouble. That allowed senior Mikey Carlson to get going down low, scoring seven in that quarter alone. Carlson and Johnson, along with Johnny Arnouts and Nathan Macher off the bench, carried the Falcons to a 27-16 lead at halftime.
Brethren was quick to strike coming back from half. The Bobcats knocked down three shots from beyond the arc to tie the game at 27.
Carlson and Johnson again led the way for Pentwater in the third, responding to Brethren’s quick push. The Falcons fought back into the lead, owning a 35-29 advantage with just eight minutes of play remaining in regulation.
A total team effort in the fourth quarter allowed Pentwater to maintain their lead. A strong defensive outing from the Falcons kept Brethren under 10 points in the fourth quarter, sealing the victory.
Carlson led the team with 20 points and seven rebounds while Johnosn had 18 points and eight rebounds. Arnouts finished with a team-leading nine rebounds, six assists and four steals.
Pentwater improved to 6-0 overall on the year and remained 2-0 in the West Michigan D League. The Falcons will hit the road for the third straight game as they take on conference foe Marion, Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m.
