Pete VanOosten scored 12 of his game-high 29 points in the second quarter for the Falcons.
Nick Schultz (22), Barrett Penix (5) and an Ogemaw player collide during Thursday's NEMC contest.
Linda Eyer
Kevin O'Neil shoots for two points at Pinconning on Thursday.

PINCONNING - Dec. 11, 2007 - Ogemaw Heights blew open a close game with a big second quarter on Thursday and claimed a 69-54 North East Michigan Conference boys basketball victory at Pinconning.

The Falcons, after edging out to a 17-11 first quarter lead, went on a 20-5 run that resulted on a 37-16 margin at the half.

"We played very well in the first half," said Ogemaw coach Jon VanOosten. "We had good intensity, we moved the ball a lot better than we did against Standish last week and spread the floor, which opened up a lot more for us.

"It was definitely an improvement over our first game."

Pete VanOosten scored 29 points, including 12 in the second quarter, to fuel the Falcon's offense. Kyle Dantzer and Kevin O'Neil each added 10 points.

Pinny tried to shoot its way back into the game in the second half, and made a little headway thanks to 3-pointers from Andrew Holbrook and Casey Pashak, as well as perfect nights at the free throw line from Dustin Stone and Randy Howard, who combined to go 12-of-12.

"We took a couple of guys out, and all of a sudden Pinny made a nice run to cut it from 20 down to 10," Jon VanOosten said. "They're good and have some nice young players. Things are really coming together for that program.

"That's one of the toughest places to go and play, so we're happy to come out of there with a win."

Howard led Pinny (2-1, 0-1 NEMC) with 14 points, with Pashak adding 11. The Spartans travel to Bay City All Saints on Monday.

Ogemaw (2-0, 2-0) hosts Houghton Lake on Dec. 19.