Cranbrook pushes past Lutheran Northwest 62-41, marches toward MHSAA playoffs.

The Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Cranes defeated the Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest Crusaders 62-41 last night.

Junior Evan Evans led the Cranes with 21 points. Junior John Kersh posted a double-double in the contest with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Freshman Charlie Song added 10 points in the win.

Junior Declan Greene led the Crusaders with 12 points, with junior Lucas Gaertner adding 10 points in the loss.

The Cranes got off to a slow start, trailing for most of the first quarter.

But the second quarter saw senior Shane Wittenberg heat up with key points in lane for the Cranes. Evans and Kersh got several steal-and-scores to add to the Cranes 18-point quarter.

Cranbrook led 29-21 at the half.

Both teams came out of the locker room with energy. Gaertner buried a big 3-pointer to start a rally for Lutheran Northwest. But Evans had the hot hand for the Cranbrook to counter the Crusaders.

The Cranes led 46-35 at the end of the third quarter.

Ultimately, Cranbrook’s perfect night at the free throw line helped seal the deal. Wittenberg added key baskets to help the Cranes go 11-for-11 from the charity stripe and close out the victory.

The Cranes will prepare for the upcoming MHSAA State tournament, drawing Clawson High in the first round. Playoffs begin March 7^th.

In their last game of the regular season, Cranbrook will travel to face Auburn Hills Avondale on Thursday. Tip off is at 7:00 p.m.