Kirtland crowned by Monarchs

The Kirtland Community College mens basketball couldn’t put together back-to-back wins, falling to the host Macomb Community College Monarchs, 80-67, on Saturday in Warren.

The Firebirds (8-18 overall, 4-11 conference) topped rival Alpena Community College, 81-69, on Feb. 17, to earn a spot in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association’s postseason tournament.

But the Monarchs (13-15 overall, 5-11 conference) held a 39-36 lead at half time of Saturday’s Eastern Division clash, and then outscored Kirtland by a 41-31 margin in the second half to secure the win.

Freshman guard Wade Luxford (Frankfort) helped pace Kirtland with a team-high 18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal.

Kirtland CC 81, Alpena CC 69

Kirtland got the win it needed last Feb. 17, when the Firebirds topped the visiting Alpena Lumberjacks, 81-69, at the McGregor Athletic Complex in Mio.

The Firebirds entered the Feb. 17 contest in the seventh spot in the Eastern Division standings, just one win ahead of the Lumberjacks. Only the top seven teams in each division advance to the MCCAA’s postseason tournament.

The win ensures Kirtland, which had dropped its five previous games, will be one of the seven.

“That win was huge for us. Now, I’d like to get a couple more wins and get a better seed,” Coach Ty McGregor said.

The Firebirds benefited from a stellar performance by Dmitry Martynenko (Moscow, Russia), who posted a double double with a game-high 29 points, team-high 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 1 blocked shot.

For information on Kirtland athletics, visit firebirds.kirtland.edu or call 275- 5000, ext. 385.