In the first edition of the Battle of Meceola, Big Rapids took control behind their best offensive output of the season 75-48.

The Cardinals got out to an early start, scoring nine of the game’s first 12 points on their first trio of three-point attempts. Big Rapids would roll that momentum to lead 21-13 at the quarter break, but the scoring wouldn’t stop. The Cardinals would continue behind a massive scoring spree from Gabe Njenga in the second quarter, with late threes in the final 30 seconds from Cole Haist and Ty Gielczyk giving Big Rapids a 41-20 advantage at the half. 

Reed City would surge late the third quarter, outscoring Big Rapids 16-14 in the frame. Unfortunately for the Coyotes, a plethora of “and-one” scores shifted the momentum to the visiting team’s favor once again. The Cardinals would finish the job behind a 20-12 effort in the quarter to clinch the victory.

Unofficially, Gabe Njenga led Big Rapids with 26 points and seven rebounds on 11 of 18 shooting. Cole Haist followed with 14 points and four connections on eight attempts from behind the 3-point line. Ty Gielczyk also appeared to secure another double-double on the season with 10 points and over 10 rebounds. 

Landon Jackson paced Reed City with nearly 20 points and eight rebounds. Gabe Young and Preston Wayne added six and five points respectively.

The Cardinals move to 6-1 on the season and 3-0 in CSAA-Red conference clashes. The Coyotes fall to 1-5 and 0-3 in league games this year.

Big Rapids will hit the road again Saturday, Dec. 21 to face Kenowa Hills at 2:00 P.M. Catch all the coverage on NewsRadio WBRN just before opening tip-off.