Glen Lake boys basketball (19-1) enters the final days of the regular season as the newly crowned Northwest Conference Champions with a 66-39 win over Brethren (6-15) Tuesday.
Laker senior Jacob Plamondon also etched himself into the 1,000 point club in a 68-55 victory over Traverse City St. Francis (6-15) Friday.
“It’s a pretty good feeling, it’s just another small stuff that we need this year to reach our final goal of winning states, but it’s good, a building block to have,” Plamondon said.
The Lakers took back the conference championship from Benzie, who won it in 2024.
Plamondon scored 22 and 37 points over the past two games. The junior reached the milestone early in the first quarter against the Gladiators during a 37-point performance.
“It felt great; I’ve always wanted to score 1,000 points. It’s been a goal for me,” Plamondon said. “I couldn’t have done it without my team and coaches and everybody who’s helped me along the way,” Plamondon said.
Plamondon scored a contested layup and then sunk his 1,000th point from the freethrow line. Once he received the game ball, Plamondon brought it to his mother, Jill Plamondon, and hugged him.
“He’s one of the hardest workers ... he works extremely hard on and off the floor, It’s just one of those stepping stones for him as well,” Glen Lake coach Jason Bradford said.
Plamondon ended the game with 12 rebounds during the win against Frankfort, while Benji Allen had 18 points, Isaac Hlavka had five points and eight assists, and Toby Bradford had five points.
Plamondon led the Lakers in the win against Brethren with 22 points, 13 rebounds; Allen 16 points, 5 rebounds; Colebrook Sutherland 12 points, 6 rebounds; Isaac Hlavka 6 points; Breckin Nerg 4 points.
Glen Lake is currently ranked second in MHSAA Div. 3 behind Riverview Gabriel Richard and ahead of Harbor Beach, Pewamo-Westphalia, and Jackson Lumen Christi. Region teams Harbor Springs and Elk Rapids both received votes, as northern Michigan is well represented, with Iron Mountain ranked seventh and McBain ranked eighth.
The Lakers will focus on the basics, including taking care of the ball and playing tough defense.
Glen Lake wraps up the regular season against Lake Leelanau St. Mary tonight.
Glen Lake will host districts and is guaranteed at least two more home games.
“The biggest thing is taking care of our business each game and coming out and performing ... each game you’re looking for growth and improving as a team,” Bradford said.
