MANTON – Grayling came into Friday night’s MHSAA Division 3 district championship game at Manton facing some long odds against undefeated Mesick.
But the Vikings weren’t interested in the odds.The Vikings didn’t let the Bulldogs’ 20-0 record overwhelm them, going out and taking care of business and pulled off a major upset, by a stunning 63-36 score that few people saw coming.
“We played with great energy, and really got into them defensively,” said Vikings head coach Larry Mead. “We frustrated them a little bit.
“Our defensive pressure led to our offensive attack, we were able to score a little bit early and it was really a fun game for our kids. They played with poise, and they played together.”
Grayling had the Bulldogs rocking back on their heels from the get-go, holding them under double figures in the first quarter while clicking on offense for a 17-9 advantage after one.
The Vikings’ defense continued to keep the Bulldogs offense flustered in the second quarter, and outscored them, 18-5 to build a whopping 35-14 halftime lead.Outscoring the Bulldogs, 18-11 in the third quarter, the Vikings carried a 53-25 advantage into the fourth quarter. Mesick outscored the Vikings, 11-10 in the final eight minutes.
“It was a great win for our program,” Mead said. “Two years ago this team was 2-19. One of our goals at the beginning of the season was to win the district championship.
“Couldn’t be prouder, and I’m just excited to get back in the gym with these guys and prepare for Monday.”Grayling last won a district title in 2017.
Caleb Caul led all scorers in the game with 23 points for the Vikings, followed by Nate Persing with 14 points. Ethan Kucharek added six and Sparty Berry-Skillern five.
Mesick did not have a player score in double figures. A. Simmerson led the way with nine points, while Conner Zimmer and Justin McCree had seven apiece.
Grayling improved to 13-9 with its third straight win, and plays Tawas at Grayling in a regional semifinal at Grayling on Monday at 5:30 p.m. Tawas is 13-8 and has a two-game winning streak.
Sanford-Meridian plays McBain in the other semifinal at 7 p.m.
