By By SCOTT NOVAK / Niles Daily Star
DOWAGIAC - There are times in a season when your best has to be good enough.
Dowagiac was no match for powerful Class A Battle Creek Central Friday night in Big 16 Conference non-divisional action.
The visiting Bearcats grabbed a 21-5 first quarter lead and never looked back in defeating the Chieftains 73-41.
After Battle Creek's original offensive thrust, Dowagiac settled down and played pretty well against the Bearcats in the second and third quarters.
The Chieftains (1-12) were only outscored 15-14 in the second quarter and 20-15 in the third period.
Dowagiac unfortunately was unable to match the Bearcats in the fourth quarter, being outscored 17-7.
Michael DeRose led Dowagiac with 13 points, while Amos Clark finished with nine points.
The Chieftains also got five points from Isaiah Jones.
Battle Creek Central was led by Joseph Young's 21 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Young is headed to Canisius to play basketball next season.
The Bearcats also got 12 points from Greg Brown. No other Battle Creek Central player reached double figures.
Dowagiac travels to St. Joe Tuesday. Tip off begins at 7:30 p.m.
On Friday the Chieftains host Niles. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.