Basketball Recap: Pine River Area Starts Season with Victory Against Kent City

Pine River Area gave their fans exactly what they wanted out of a home opener on Tuesday. They slipped by the Kent City Eagles 53-52.

Eli Smith

Points

12/02/25 vs Kent City	16
03/04/25 vs McBain	4
02/28/25 vs Manistee	8
02/26/25 vs White Cloud	10
02/10/25 vs Beal City	6
+ 8 more games

Pine River Area got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Eli Smith out in front who posted 16 points. That's the most points Smith has posted since back in January. Another player making a difference was Mason Gugle, who scored 16 points and six rebounds.

Pine River Area has already played their next contest, a 58-30 victory against Northern Michigan Christian on the 4th. As for Kent City, they will take on Lakeview at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The matchup will give the Eagles their first taste of in-conference action this season.