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"Both teams knew exactly what the other did," Kalkaska coach David Manchester said. "We were there with them, but eventually it seemed every loose ball went in (TCSF)Õs favor."

The Blazers trailed for much of the first quarter, but staying within striking distance of the Gladiators, who were giving the Kalkaska defense fits.

"They all go over six-foot and itÕs rough when they go that deep on the bench and can stretch out the defense and shoot 3's," Manchester said.

Ryan Leitow and Chris Keller were leading the Blazer attack, which came back to get a lead early in the second quarter, but was unable to sustain it through the second. Kalkaska trailed the Gladiators by just six points at halftime.

Ben Wheelock, however, helped start a Traverse City attack that slowly stretched its lead in the second half. Wheelock finished with a game-high 20 points for the Gladiators, who were scoring from both inside and outside.

Ò(TCSF) started getting confident and were making baskets driving and kicking it out for jumpers,Ó Manchester said.

In the fourth quarter, the Gladiators extended their lead to double-figures and Kalkaska couldnÕt close the gap. Leitow finished with 14 points, Keller had 13 and Stan Demo added 11. The Blazers finished the season 8-15.