They were right in the mix for much of the night. The Munising Baptist basketball team faded a bit as the night went on, however, and they dropped their Northern Lights League contest at Big Bay de Noc, 73-50.

“The game was a lot closer than what the final score indicated,” head coach Paul Johns said. “The difference in the game was the defensive presence and, on the offensive end, the post play of Big Bay senior center Nick DesJarden. With his jumping ability and pure athleticism, it was hard to control him on the glass and get shots off over him. If we are able to slow him down, it should be a closer game the next time we play them.”

In the first quarter, Munising Baptist’s Dylan Swift scored six points and Ethan Swift buried a 3-pointer, and the Bobcats led 11-10. Dylan Swift scored nine more in the second, but the Bobcats weren’t able to hold the lead. They faced a 31-24 deficit at the half and trailed 50-38 entering the fourth.

Dylan Swift led Munising Baptist with 24 points. Ethan Swift scored 14, and Gabe Heyrman netted four.

For the Black Bears, DesJarden finished with 25 points. Parker Pederson scored 15, and Mason Grembel added 13.

Munising Baptist (1-1 overall) will play next on Jan. 7 at home against Ojibwe Charter School.