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But, despite having three players in double figures and heading into the fourth quarter with the game tied, the Blazers couldn't get over the hump. The Blazers never led at any time, and dropped a 71-69 decision to Harbor Springs in the Lake Michigan Conference on the road last Wednesday night.

Harbor Springs came in without a win in the league. "But they (the Rams) also have one of the better players in the league with Joe Foster," Kalkaska coach David Manchester said. "And, he really hurt us."

Kalkaska trailed the Rams, 36-29 at the half. The Blazers rallied for a 27-20 advantage in a wild third quarter to make it a 56-56 game. Harbor Springs managed to outscore the Blazers, 15-13 in the fourth period to gain the win.

"A couple of big turnovers, and big shots by Foster hurt us," Manchester said. "We had a different game plan this game.

"We went into the post a lot more. It was a newer style than the guys were used to, but soon as we get it down, we will be a tough team to beat."

John Kasza paced the Blazers with 19 points and 6 rebounds. Jake Heller contributed 16 points, Travis Schuba added 13 points and 6 assists. Alex Krause had 8 points and 6 rebounds.

Kalkaska was 11-of-14 at the free throw line for 79 percent, made 8-of-21 of its 3-point attempts (39 percent) and 17-of-41 (41 percent) from 2-point range. Overall, the Blazers were 21-of-62 from the field (33 percent).

"Our first goal of the season was to win the conference," Manchester said. "That's really not out of reach, but we really want to get better when districts roll around.

"We are getting any shot we want and shooting a good percentage. We just have to work on our rotations."

The Blazers' regularly scheduled game with Elk Rapids was snowed out last Friday night and was rescheduled for Monday.

Kalkaska, which fell to 4-7, will then take a few days off before returning to action on Friday at East Jordan.

"Both are very good teams," Manchester said. "The next two weeks are going to show us how disciplined we are as a team."