ALMONT — Almont slipped past visiting North Branch, 45-42, in a Blue Water Area Conference varsity boys’ basketball battle on Tuesday, January 22.

With the result, Almont moves to 9-3 overall and 6-2 as far as BWAC clashes are concerned. North Branch falls to 9-5 this season, including a 4-4 league showing thus far.

In Tuesday’s battle, Almont jumped out to an 18-9 advantage after one quarter was over with.

Almont’s Gabe Bourdeau fires up a shot against North Branch last week. photo by Kevin Kissane.

Quarter two saw North Branch manage 14 points and Almont net four, giving them a 23-22 lead at the halftime break.

When the action resumed, Almont bounced back with a 12-7 third quarter edge. That staked them to a 34-30 advantage with 24 minutes elapsed.

North Branch then put together a 12-11 fourth quarter rally, only to drop a 45-42 verdict.

Atte Vuoristo led Almont with 17 points, including three trifectas. The Raiders also had Austin Watt (nine points, featuring a trey), Cameron Asaro (eight, with a pair of triples), Rafael Farias (five, including a trifecta), Mike Rinke (four) and Colby Schapman (two) reach the scoring column.

Kevin Kissane has been covering high school sports for the Tri-City Times since 1985. When not standing on a field or court with his camera and notepad, he enjoys golf, travel and family. Kevin is a 1980 graduate of Capac High School, and is also a grad of St. Clair Community College and earned a degree in journalism from Central Michigan University.