COLDWATER, MI. – (WTVB) – Wednesday’s outcome at Battle Creek Lakeview was a lot better for the Coldwater Cardinals than it was on the opening night of the season three months ago.
Four Coldwater players scored in double figures and the Cardinals shot a blistering 53 percent from the floor as they defeated the Lakeview Spartans 61-56 in the Division One District semifinals.
The win was doubly sweet for the Cardinals as they avenged a 56-49 loss to Lakeview and eliminated the Spartans on their home court.
After Lakeview led 11-10 after the first quarter, the Cardinals used a 17-12 second quarter to take a 27-23 halftime lead. As they have for most of the season, the Cardinals came out strong in the third quarter and outscored Lakeview 17-9 to take 44-32 lead heading into the final eight minutes.
The 12 point lead was large enough to withstand a frantic Lakeview rally in the fourth quarter.
Brandon Downs led Coldwater with 14 points and three steals while Ethan Crabtree had a double double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Crabtree also had three assists. Spencer Rodesiler and Austin Santure each had 11 points. Jaxon Janusz added seven points.
The Coldwater balanced attack allowed them to overcome a big night from Lakeview’s Tommy Moore who finished with a game-high 34 points on 12 of 18 shooting. He was also five for nine on three point shots.
Coldwater will take a 16-6 record into Friday’s district title game against Gull Lake. The Blue Devils beat Sturgis in the first semifinal 58-38 as they improved to 13-9.
