COLDWATER, MI (WKZO-AM/FM & WTVB) – Kalamazoo Central claimed its first MHSAA Boys Basketball District championship since 2018 with a 69-41 win against Coldwater in a Division 1 District Final at Coldwater High School’s Coach Floyd Eby Gymnasium.
The Maroon Giants scored right from the opening tip, led 16-6 after the first quarter, and had a 32-15 advantage at halftime. They blew the game wide open by outscoring the Cardinals 24-13 in the third quarter and cruised to victory.
6’7″ junior wing Hutch Ward drained six 3-point baskets and led all scorers with 27 points, while Thomas Dillard IV added 19 and Scott Hughes had 13. Kalamazoo Central improved to 14-7 and will face St. Joseph in a Division 1 Regional Semifinal Monday afternoon at the Battle Creek Central Fieldhouse. The Bears advanced by upsetting SMAC West co-champion Stevensville Lakeshore 52-49.
Coldwater was led by Donte Work, who had a team-high 14 points, while Brandon Downs concluded his high school playing career with 8. The Cardinals concluded their season at 18-4.
Listen to WTVB’s coverage of the game:
OTHER DISTRICT FINAL SCORES
Division 2 at Constantine
- Edwardsburg 48, Vicksburg 25
Division 2 at Otsego
- Parchment 58, Otsego 55
Division 2 at Marshall
- Marshall 46, Harper Creek 25
Division 3 at Delton Kellogg
- Schoolcraft 59, Kalamazoo Christian 31
Division 3 at Bloomingdale
- Lawton 68, Hartford 34
Division 3 at Bronson
Division 3 at Leslie
- Homer 40, Concord 36
Division 4 at Mendon
- Colon 64, Athens 52
Division 4 at Jackson Christian
- Bellevue 66, St. Philip 48
