Bentley boys heading to district semifinals

Atherton’s Fred Perkins went up and above the competition for a bucket in Monday’s district opener. Photos by Robert Picken BURTON — The Bulldogs’ boys’ varsity basketball team had to take on a familiar face in the first round of the Michigan High School Athletic Association district No. 82-C Monday, edging out a 62-57 win over Genesee Area Conference-Blue rival Bendle.

With a 32-25 advantage at the break, Bentley went on to outscore the Tigers, 18-11, in the third, which allowed them to hold on for the win despite ending up on the wrong side of a 21-12 fourth quarter.

Despite the late game defensive breakdown, the Bulldogs still managed to put forth a fairly solid effort, which was headed up by Joey Jerisk, who sunk 13-of- 18 free throw attempts en route to a 30 point performance. Tony Badder turned out to be Bentley’s only other double digit offensive contributor with 12 points, Dylan Michael scored nine and sinking two three-pointers for six points was Aaron Lyons.

As for the home squad, Bendle’s Clarence Coleman was at the head of the pack with a team-high 23 points, scoring 11 was Kimani Jackson, and dropping 6-of-6 from the line and two from the floor for 10 points was Brenden Cowan.

Last Thursday, Bentley wrapped up its GAC schedule with a cross over matchup against Beecher, winning, 56- 53. After seeing the Bucs jump out to a 13-6 lead at the end of the first, the Bulldogs came back to take advantages of 23-21 and 38-29 in the second and third before enduring a 24-18 fourth quarter to hold on for the win. Leading the offense for Bentley with a spirit lifting 29 points was Jerisk, Lyons scored nine with 12 rebounds and pulling down a dozen boards with four points was Marvin Davis.

At 17-3 overall, 10-3 GACBlue, the Bulldogs played Hamady yesterday in the districts semifinal round.

ATHERTON

Elsewhere in the first round of Bendle district No. 82-C, the Wolverines played the International Academy of Flint Monday, winning, 61-37, by outscoring IAF, 19-9, 18-7, and, 14-10, in the first, third and fourth quarters. At the forefront of Atherton’s offensive efforts was Fred Perkins with a dozen points, scoring 10 was Trever Alden and making an eight-point statement was Orion Haro.

The Wolverines played the final game of their GAC schedule last Thursday with a crossover contest at LakeVille, losing, 68-62, after taking advantages of 20-7 in the first quarter and 38-26 at the half. Standing front and ceneter for Atherton was James Haynes with a team- high 17 points, scoring 14 was Haro, and adding eight points each were Jared Moreu and Perkins.

Atherton, 6-14, 3-10 GAC-Blue, took the court yesterday in the district semifinals against Beecher.

BENDLE In GAC crossover competition, Bendle, 10-11, 6-7 GAC-Blue, was at Lake Fenton last Thursday, winning 63-58 in overtime as Clarence Coleman dazzled the crowd with an 18-point showing. Also key for the Tigers was Brendan Cowan with 15, Kimani Jackson scored 12, and hitting two three-pointers and a pair of field goals for 10 points was Chad Turner.

FAITH

The Lions, 8-8, 4-4 Inner State, started their run at postseason glory yesterday in the semfinals of Burton-Genesee Christian district No. 113-D against the Michigan School for the Deaf.

GENESEE CHRISTIAN

As the host of district No. 113-D, the Soldiers, 10-4, commenced their postseason experience yesterday against St. Thomas More.