Advertisement

Especially after a couple of losses knocked Forest Hills down into the league's second tier, where the Warriors appeared destined to finish. But, the Warriors have roared back to climb into a tie for second place.

They had a chance to secure it with a win at Central Lake on Tuesday. The Warriors' knocked off both Mancelona 58-50 and Gaylord St. Mary 66-51 last week to make their move back into second place.

Mancelona kept the game close all the way, but the Warriors stayed just far enough ahead of the Ironmen to secure the win.

Forest Area gained a 15-12 edge on the Ironmen at the end of the first quarter, but could not build on that lead in the second.

Both teams scored 16 points in the second period, which left the Warriors holding a slim 31-28 lead at the half.

A 13-12 edge in the third quarter sent the Warriors into the fourth period holding a 44-40 advantage.

The Warriors outscored the Ironmen, 14-10, in the final eight minutes to spread the margin out to eight.

Matt Kelly led the Warriors in scoring with 19 points. Mitchell Core put in 14 points, hauled down 8 rebounds and dished out 5 assists.

Tyler Denike contributed 10 points, pulled down 4 rebounds, passed off for 5 assists and came away with 2 steals. Sam Runkel added 8 points and hauled down 7 rebounds.

Forest Area shot 46 percent from the field, while holding the Ironmen to just 33 percent.

But the Warriors still struggled at the free throw line, making only 47 percent of its attempts.

"That was a big win for us, especially playing in Mancelona,"Warriors coach Bobby Nix said.

"It puts the pressure on them (the Ironmen). They lost (Friday) night, so we're tied for second place now.

"We're starting to peak now these last few games, and there's no better time to do that than right before districts.Ó

Forest Area enjoyed a big first quarter against St. Mary, finishing it with a 23-17 lead.

Scoring tailed off in the second period, but the Warriors had the edge on the Snowbirds, 8-6, to carry a 31-23 lead into the halftime break. The Warriors spread the margin out to 43-35 at the end of the third quarter as both teams finished with 12 points.

Core scored 19 points to lead the Warriors, and he also hauled down 4 rebounds. Denike had 17 points and 5 assists.

Kelly added 8 points, including a 2-for-2 effort at the free throw line, and 4 rebounds.

Bob Hatfield contributed 8 points and 4 rebounds, while Runkel scored 6 points, hauled down 5 rebounds and made 3 steals. Carl Snyder dished out 4 assists and had 2 points. "It was senior night, and it worked out perfect,"Nix said. "Runkel made a three, and I took him out.

"We had a nice crowd. It was fun.Ó

Although they only had seven tries from the free throw line on the night, the Warriors scored six points.

The Warriors shot right around 40 percent from the field as they improved their record to 13-6 overall and 10-5 in the league.

Forest Area will have a week off before playing the Manton-Mesick winner in the districts on Wednesday, Feb. 27.