Short-handed Central Lake Battles to Wire in 49-41 Loss to Johannesburg-Lewiston

Central Lake mounted multiple comebacks and played through a string of injuries, but ultimately dropped a hard-fought 49-41 decision to Johannesburg-Lewiston in girls basketball action Friday night at Central Lake High School. Despite suiting up only six players, the Trojans stayed within striking distance throughout and had the contest in doubt until the final few minutes.

Johannesburg-Lewiston set the early tone from the perimeter, opening the first quarter with three made three-pointers to surge to a double-digit lead. The visitors led 15-7 after the first eight minutes, forcing Central Lake to play from behind for most of the night. The Trojans responded with poise in the second quarter, tightening their defense and finding a better rhythm offensively to claw back into the game.

Central Lake outscored Jo’Burg 13-11 in the second quarter and briefly claimed a 19-18 advantage before the Cardinals closed the half with a small run. At the break, Johannesburg-Lewiston held a 26-20 edge, but the Trojans had clearly settled in. The third quarter continued the back-and-forth pattern, with Central Lake again trimming the deficit by one, 11-10, to make it a five-point contest heading into the final frame.

The fourth quarter remained tight, with both teams trading baskets and defensive stops. Jo’Burg edged Central Lake 13-10 over the final eight minutes to complete the 49-41 victory, but the Trojans’ resilience was evident as they continued to compete despite a depleted rotation. Multiple players battled through injuries, which made sustained runs and consistent substitution patterns difficult, yet Central Lake maintained pressure and intensity throughout.

Abby Miller led the Trojans with an all-around performance, finishing with 11 points, five rebounds, and three blocks to anchor Central Lake at both ends of the floor. Joelyssa Hayden added nine points, six rebounds, and five assists, providing steady playmaking in key stretches, particularly during the second and third-quarter pushes that brought the Trojans back into contention.

Central Lake also received important contributions across the lineup. Myla Hibbard totaled six points and two steals, while Maleeya Hibbard matched her six points and added four rebounds and four assists. Claire Shooks chipped in five points, four rebounds, and two steals, and Aspen Evans supplied four points, two rebounds, and a block, helping Central Lake balance its scoring despite the short bench.

Although the final margin favored Johannesburg-Lewiston, the contest reflected Central Lake’s competitiveness and depth of effort under challenging circumstances. Central Lake will travel to Gaylord St. Mary's on Wednesday and remain on the road at Inland Lakes on Friday.