Northport can't seem to get above .500, while St. Mary is hoping to reach that threshold.
The boys' basketball teams will meet in Northport Friday when the Cherryland Conference resumes for one and gets under way for the other.

The Wildcats, who defeated Leelanau School 48-17 on Dec. 7 in the only Cherryland game played so far, will put their 5-5 record on the line when hosting St. Mary (2-6).

Both squads have suffered blowout losses in the past week. Northport trailed 42-15 at halftime last Thursday en route to a 61-27 defeat to Suttons Bay. Ben Walters scored 17, with Nick Loberg and Jordan Anderson each contributing 7 for the Norsmen.

Basil Stowe topped Northport with 9; Ryan Blessing added 8. Credit sophomore center Jason Tropf with blocking 7 shots.

“We didn’t have an answer,” said Northport coach Jeff Tropf. “Suttons Bay is just so big for us to be able to answer.”

Tropf, a biology teacher at Suttons Bay, said he and his squad made the best of the evening. “How can it be fun? I believe everybody understands the differences in programs right now and in (the size of) our schools.”

Northport bounced right back with a 48-31 drubbing Monday of Cadillac Heritage Christian, which was within 10-5 after one period and 18-12 at halftime.

“Heritage Christian came out and played really well with us,” said Tropf. But the Wildcats cut their fast break loose in the second half to surge ahead. Credit Basil Store with canning 9 of his 15 points in the third period. Jason Roman scored all of his 7 points in the third, and also pulled down 4 rebounds. Tropf grabbed 8 rebounds to go with 12 points.

St. Mary fell Tuesday at the hands of Elk Rapids, 72-47.

“We were without a couple players who usually contribute,” said first-year coach Jim Smith.

Missing from action was Eric Smith, the coach’s son, and Gabe Gallagher, both with non-sports related illnesses.

And while the Eagles were lacking numbers, the Elks had a full herd of talent with four players in double figures and other players with eight and nine apiece.

“They came from all over and we’re not that deep,” Smith said. “We continue to do battle.”

The Eagles were led by Matt Pasch with 13 points. Tim Wigton contributed 11.

Smith is hoping to field a full slate on Friday night at Northport.“ We’re hoping to bounce back,” he said