Kent King of Gladstone shoots between Menominee defenders Tyler Blohm (44) and Sam Larson (24) in the first quarter Wednesday in a Class B district basketball game at Gladstone. King had a career-high 25 points as Gladstone won 62-61. (Daily Press photo by Dennis Grall)

GLADSTONE — Hulking Kent King has been overshadowed by his more lithe Gladstone teammates on the hardwood this season. Wednesday the all-state lineman and Central Michigan University recruit cast a huge shadow over the Menominee Maroons, powering the Braves to an energetic 62-61 victory in a Class B district semifinal. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound center had a career-high 25 points and added nine rebounds to lift the Braves (16-5) into Friday’s championship game at Escanaba. “He played like a man down there,” said Menominee coach Pete Pericolosi. Gladstone coach Dale Hongisto, noting the Maroons contained King last month in a 57-34 victory, said “I’m a little surprised we got that much out of Kent. “A lot of Kent’s buckets were the result of my guards breaking people down. He catches tough passes. He just plays so strong. He just uses his strength.” Several baskets came with defenders draped across his wide shoulders.