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The Elks worked on their game, too. And it showed in last Thursday's performance against Grayling in the Lake Michigan Conference.

Head coach Andy Kenney went with a taller lineup, and he was rewarded with improved post play as the Elks topped Grayling, 49-47. It was close all the way, but the Elks led at every quarter stop.

Elk Rapids needed to clean up its game after being plagued by turnovers, especially the unforced variety, and inconsistency early in the season.

Mission: accomplished.

Junior center Charlie Hoch displayed his strength inside with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 6 blocked shots. He also had 3 steals. Hoch's defensive pressure inside forced the Vikings to bring the ball back out to the perimeters.

The Vikings kept right on the Elks' heels throughout the game, providing for a heartstopping finish.

Brandon Tully and Anthony Zakrajsek scored 8 points each for the Elks, and Sam Wittbrodt contributed 7 points.

Tully also gave Hoch support inside with 7 rebounds, 2 blocked shots and 2 steals. Zakrajsek and Wittbrodt came away with 3 steals each. Zac Dreffs added 5 assists and 2 steals.

"We got off to a great start breaking down Grayling's zone defense with some quick passing and penetration," Kenney said.

Hoch, Tully, Ian Sliger and Theo Stasch did most of the work inside for the Elks, scoring some big points in the paint.

The Elks created 14 steals with their base man-to-man halfcourt defense. All of it combined to send the Elks on a big run early as they finished the first period with a nine-point lead, 17-8.

Grayling made a charge at the Elks in the second quarter, and narrowed the gap to just one at the half, 25-24.

Elk Rapids still had the lead, 37-35 heading into the fourth period. "Our guards did a great job of pressuring their ball handlers, and making it tough for them to run their offense," Kenney said.

"Also, we had some huge rebounds from our post players. Putting in our taller juniors, Tully and Hoch, at the same time proved to be a solid combo for rebounds and blocks."

But the Elks still struggled to make their outside shots, something which Kenney will give special attention in practice.

The Elks have improved their productive post play, and are getting more points off their transition game.

If they can start hitting from outside more often, it will make them a more dangerous team.

Elk Rapids traveled to Gaylord St. Mary on Tuesday, and they host undefeated Charlevoix tonight.