Despite a slow start, Alpena showed improvement in the second half, scoring 21 points in the third quarter — two more than their entire first half.

Petoskey took control early, scoring the first points of the game and maintaining defensive pressure that prevented Alpena from establishing a rhythm.

The Wildcats struggled with ball possession and second-chance opportunities, as the Northmen limited their rebounds throughout the first quarter. Alpena also had difficulty connecting on three-pointers and committed multiple fouls in the opening period.

The Wildcats went nearly the full first quarter without scoring until Owen Kaiser put them on the board with a three-pointer at the 1:57 mark. Connor Cameron followed with another three-pointer 30 seconds later, but Alpena still trailed 16-6 at the end of the first quarter.

News Photo by Leslianne Johns Owen Kaiser makes a three-pointer and the first points of the game in the first half of Monday night’s game in Alpena. AHS lost to Petoskey.

Petoskey continued to apply pressure in the second quarter, extending their lead to 18 points before Alpena called a full timeout.

The Wildcats made their first trip to the free-throw line midway through the quarter but failed to convert both attempts. Moments later, they returned to the line, making one of two shots. Petoskey’s ability to limit Alpena’s offensive rebounds proved crucial, and by halftime, the Wildcats faced a 45-19 deficit.

Alpena responded with a stronger third quarter, scoring 21 points as they found a better offensive rhythm. However, foul trouble became an issue late in the game, with Oliver Duthler and Carson Najmowicz fouling out in the fourth quarter.

Despite their improved second-half performance, the Wildcats were unable to overcome Petoskey’s early lead.

Connor Cameron led Alpena with 16 points, followed by Oliver Duthler with eight and Andrew Bebout with seven.

News Photo by Leslianne Johns Eddie Prue runs the ball up the court in Monday’s basketball game in Alpena. The Wildcats lost to the Petoskey Northmen 81-56.

Following the game, head coach Evan Neff acknowledged Petoskey’s physicality and rebounding advantage.

“The rebounding battle is so important, and those guys are physical,” Neff said. “You can tell their team’s been in the weight room, and that’s an advantage they had on us.”

Neff emphasized his team’s effort and resilience, particularly in the second half.

“I wasn’t mad at the effort in any way, shape, or form in the first half, but it just felt like there was a lid on the basket,” he said. “Sometimes there are days like that, and I’ll give the guys credit — they fought their butts off for 32 minutes.”

Despite the loss, Neff highlighted the positive takeaway from the game.

“Petoskey shot the ball very well,” he said. “When you play a team that plays as fast and physical as they do and they have a good shooting night, you just have to tip your hat to them. But I think our guys saw that if we play hard, good things can and will happen.”

The Wildcats play again at home on Friday against Cadillac at 7 p.m.