The Munising boys basketball team remained red hot last week, adding two more victories. At North Central last Friday, the Mustangs posted a 54-29 win to push their winning streak to 11 games.
“We struggled a little offensively in the first half but came together in the second half,” head coach Terry Kienitz said. “Carson Kienitz had a great game and really took what the defense gave him. He’s such a smart player. He mixed it up well between shooting 3s and taking it to the basket; drew a lot of fouls; and was 9-for-14 from free throws.
“We got in a little foul trouble and got good minutes from Caiden Curtis and Cayden Wieczorek. North Central is tough team, good program and always plays tough at home.”
In the first quarter, Kienitz hit a 3-pointer and had an and-one play as part of his eight points. Nolan Connaughton also completed a three-point play after getting fouled on a made field goal, and Munising led 13-7 after one.
The Mustangs didn’t hit a field goal in the second, but Kienitz was 6-of-6 at the line. Curtis and Zach Lindquist were both 2-of-2, and Munising held a 23-17 lead at the break.
Kienitz scored seven more points in the third. Jack Dusseault also hit a 3 in the frame and had seven points. Munising had full control of things after three, leading 39-24.
Kienitz led all scorers with 28 points. Dusseault added 10, Trevor Nolan scored all seven of his in the second half and Curtis and Lindquist had two points each. Dylan Atkinson also had one point.
Munising also won a home game over Escanaba on Feb. 4 by a score of 69-38.
“We had a huge first quarter against Esky, scoring 27 points, with great balanced scoring. All five starters had contributions,” Kienitz said. “I thought this game was one of our better performances of the year. We rebounded well, had little turnovers and played great defense.”
Munising used its early offensive attack to take control, getting a 27-10 lead after one. Dusseault scored seven points in the second, and the team led 36-18 at the half. They also carried a 44-26 advantage entering the fourth.
Kienitz had a monster second half, pouring in 18 his gamehigh 23 points. Dusseault put in 13 points, Nolan added 11, Lindquist scored nine and Connaughton chipped in with seven. Curtis, Wieczorek and Jaxon Malone all scored two points.
