Baldwin's SJ Hossler (30) and Karlito McKinney (11) battle for the ball against CCA on Friday. (Star photo/John Raffel)
BALDWIN - Baldwin's basketball team is off to a 2-0 start after Friday's 74-26 West Michigan D League win over Crossroads Charter Academy (0-2).
After a slow start, the Panthers pulled out to a 10-4 lead. Carmelo Lindsey had a 3-pointer to extend Baldwin's lead, and Dylan Hibma's putback made it 17-4. He had another putback to close the first quarter for a 23-6 Baldwin lead.
Hibma's putback in the closing seconds of the first half gave Baldwin a 40-13 lead at the intermission.
Jesse Pancio scored to open the second half for Baldwin. Hibma had yet another putback moments later for a 44-13 advantage. Pancio went coast-to-coast for a 46-13 lead. Raj Singh's triple for Crossroads made it 46-16. Derek Mock hit a triple for a 53-16 lead.
Lindsey hit two straight for a 58-16 lead to turn on the running clock.
John Schultz fouled out late in the third quarter, leaving the Cougars with only five players.
It was 61-16 going into the fourth.
"It was kind of hit and miss tonight," Baldwin coach JJ Eads said. "I think we missed a lot of bunnies down below and some easy passes. I don't know if it was nerves because of our first home game. Obviously everybody across the state has only had five days of contact. We have to work on consistent ball movement."
Anthony Austin scored for a 66-20 lead midway in the fourth.
Hibma and Lindsey had 17 points apiece for Baldwin while Derek Mock had eight, Karlito McKinnney and Javon Hawkins had seven apiece, and Austin six.
CCA dressed six players and had four available in the final minute.
Raj Singh led the visitors with 18 points. Robert Miller added five.
"Overall, we made enough plays and did OK tonight," Eads said.
Crossroads is home against Manistee Catholic Central on Monday.
"You can tell we've got work to do," CCA coach Rusty Fullerton said. "We have to come together, hopefully sooner than later."
Baldwin is at home Friday against Mason County Eastern.
