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Dreffs, a record-setting receiver and kick returner for the Elks last fall, scored 18 points and dished out 2 assists as the Elks nipped the Red Devils, 45-43.

Brendan Tully contributed 11 points, 10 rebounds and had 4 blocks. Charlie Hoch contributed 8 points and had 8 rebounds, while Theo Stasch added 3 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 assist.

"Our team defense was much more aggressive," Elks coach Andy Kenney said. "We were able to shut down their leading scorers."

With their top guns effectively silenced for most of the game, the Red Devils struggled early.

And the Elks pounced on the opportunity.

Elk Rapids outscored East Jordan 18-9 in the first quarter.

It was fortunate the Elks had that big cushion early, because the Red Devils came storming back.

East Jordan had an 11-10 edge in the second quarter, cutting the Elks' lead to 28-20 at the half.

Things got even more interesting in the second half, when the Red Devils pulled into a 31-31 tie at the end of the third quarter. But, the Elks managed to overhaul the Red Devils in the fourth quarter, 10-8.

"Ian Sliger did a tremendous job of slowing down Adam Daneff and holding him to 11 points," Kenney said.

"Daneff scored 26 against us in the first meeting this year, and he scored a school record-tying 43 a couple of weeks ago.

"It is always nice to avenge an earlier season loss, especially at their place. We were able to penetrate against their tough 1-3-1 half-court zone and create some good looks.

"Zac Dreffs did a fantastic job of running the floor, penetrating gaps and hitting some big shots as well as shut down their point guard.

"In all, we played a pretty solid game. However, we have to make our free throws down the stretch to continue our winning ways."

The Elks were scheduled to play at Suttons Bay in a non-conference game Wednesday, and host Grayling on Friday.