WARREN – The home opener and home rims were unkind to the second-ranked Monarchs on Friday (Dec. 6) as the visiting Mid Michigan Lakers won in overtime, 88-80. The Monarchs, now 7-1 on the season, shot 3-of-24 from 3-point range and 9-of-18 from the free throw line in the home setback. The visiting Lakers left Warren with a 7-3 record after securing the ranked win.
 
Josh Hines (Macomb, Mich./Dakota) poured in a career-high 33 points on 13-of-29 shooting and added nine rebounds, three assists and a steal. Marlon Williams (Benton Harbor, Mich./Benton Harbor) was next with 22 points despite not playing in the end of regulation and overtime for a Monarchs team that had five rotational players left late. Williams shot an impressive 10-of-12 from the floor overall while adding nine rebounds, two assists and a pair of blocks.
 
Jotham Nweke (Oak Park, Mich./Loyola) had eight points and seven rebounds, while Caron Williams (Mount Clemens, Mich./L'Anse Creuse) checked in with six points and four boards and DaMaryon Fishburn (Detroit, Mich./Trillium Academy) finished with five points, five assists, three rebounds and two blocks.
 
The Monarchs return to action Dec. 17 at home against a fellow national tournament team from a season ago, Hocking College. Tip-off for the Region 12 showdown is set for 7:30 p.m. in Warren.