Pentwater lost its season opener to Baldwin Friday night, 63-46, as the Falcons began defense of its West Michigan D League championship.
Of course, all five starters from that team are graduated now, so it was a largely new group tasked with embracing the target that enters the season on the Falcons' backs.
Pentwater played well much of the way and trailed by just eight points entering the fourth quarter, 38-30, but Baldwin's offense was terrific in the final quarter, ripping off 25 points to secure the win.
Coach Ashley Lubera said the Falcons played with intensity on defense, particularly in the second quarter, to keep the game close. Some key turnovers helped the game stay within reach. Pentwater was as close as three points at one stop in the third quarter before the Panthers pulled away.
"Though Baldwin ultimately secured the win, the Falcons showed grit,
resilience, and the ability to keep the game within reach all night," Lubera said.
Senior Brody Austin led the Pentwater offense with 11 points and grabbed six rebounds as well. Jacobo Martin added 10 points, six boards and four assists, and Wyatt Roberts and Abram Kieda chipped in eight points each.
