Muskegon Closed It's 2025–26 Season With Win Over North Central Michigan, 95–64
February 24, 2026
Muskegon closed its 2025–26 season on a high note Tuesday night, defeating North Central Michigan 95–64 on the road in Petoskey. The Jayhawks controlled the game from the opening tip, using pace, ball movement, and a decisive advantage in shot creation to build a 50–36 halftime lead before pulling away even further in the second half. Muskegon's defensive pressure and transition scoring set the tone, and the Jayhawks never allowed the Timberwolves to mount a sustained run.
Muskegon's offense was powered by a balanced and efficient scoring effort. Ny'Zhem Marshall led all scorers with 24 points on 10-of-21 shooting, attacking the paint and finishing through contact. Lamarkis Graham added 17 points and knocked down three threes, giving the Jayhawks a steady perimeter presence. David Cross delivered one of his most complete performances of the season with 14 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, orchestrating the offense with poise. Off the bench, Jamarion Taylor provided a major spark with 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting, helping Muskegon extend its lead in both halves.
The Jayhawks also dominated the glass, outrebounding North Central 41–28 while generating 15 offensive boards. Muskegon finished the night shooting 48.1 percent from the field and assisted on 26 of its 37 made baskets, showcasing one of its most connected offensive outings of the year.
The win closes Muskegon's season at 12–15 overall and 6–8 in Northern Conference play, a year marked by growth, competitive stretches, and a late‑season push that showcased the team's development. Despite several strong performances down the stretch, the Jayhawks ultimately fell short of qualifying for the postseason. Still, the group finished the year playing its best basketball, highlighted by back‑to‑back conference wins and improved consistency on both ends of the floor.
Muskegon's season featured breakout performances from multiple players, including the interior scoring and rebounding presence of Ny'Zhem Marshall, the perimeter shooting of Lamarkis Graham, the steady two‑way play of Darryl Thompkins, and the late‑season emergence of bench contributors like Jamarion Taylor, Landyn Smith and Kenyae Foley. The Jayhawks also showed significant strides in ball movement and defensive discipline as the year progressed, culminating in their dominant season‑ending win in Petoskey.
With a strong core returning and valuable experience gained throughout the year, Muskegon enters the offseason with momentum and a clear foundation to build upon moving forward.
1st 2nd Final
MCC 50 45 95
NCMC 36 28 64
Tate Stine
Assistant Men's Basketball Coach – Muskegon Community College