Cloud Comes Close But Tigers Take The District

Photos by Bobbie Cruzan

Shelby 45 White Cloud 40
A successful season for the White Cloud team came to an end Friday when they fell to the Tigers in the District Final in Scottville.
Shelby had bested the Cloud by double figures a couple of weeks earlier on the Tiger home court and came into the game on a 6 game winning streak. On Wednesday they dispatched the host and tournament favorite Spartans (Mason County Central) in a close matchup while WC arrived at the finals via a dominating win over Hesperia.
​White Cloud jumped out early taking an 11-6 edge in the first quarter  thanks to a Mason Reuther triple and a Jayden Robinson bucket then went up 7 in the second when Kevin Strait scored a 2 and Noah Robinson filled the nets from distance. The Tigers rallied back, though and when the teams hit intermission the Cloud was clinging to a one point lead, 18-17.

The third was a seesaw battle but when the dust cleared the Tigers ran off to a 34-28 lead heading into the final frame.
But White Cloud wasn’t done. They battled their way back pulling within a single point down the stretch. In the end the Tigers were able to hit their shots from the charity stripe and put the game away and end the season for White Cloud.
Coach Jones: “ Tough loss for sure. The boys  did everything right tonight, except from the free throw line. 1 for 11 will cost you a game like that every time. Give Shelby the credit they deserve, they are a well coached, hard working, and smart team. Hats off to them because  they earned it. 
So very proud of our team and  coaches and to the fans for showing up all year and supporting the team. We will be back.”
Ruether paced the offense with 10 points while Noah and Jayden Robinson finished with 9 apiece and  Kevin Strait and Jared Watson  knocked down 6 each.
Jason Ruether and Landyn McGowenhad some quality minutes off the bench for WC.
White Cloud finished their season at 13-10. 
Shelby (14-11)  will head to Lake City Monday to face the Highland Conference Champion Ramblers of Mc Bain (19-5) in the Regional Semifinals.