MUSKEGON — The young Reeths-Puffer team had a taste of success the past couple of weeks, winning three straight games, including one over rival Muskegon last Friday. However, cold reality arrived Tuesday in the form of the Hart Pirates, who defeated the Rockets 48-39.
R-P led for less than 10 seconds in the second half, 29-28, and was otherwise turned back by a Pirates' team that seemed to have all the answers.
Coach Rodney Walker said he felt his team didn't come with the kind of energy necessary to beat a team like Hart, an experienced and accomplished Division 3 squad that played in the semifinals two seasons ago.
"We've had
quite a bit of success in the last couple of games, winning three in a row,
and I just thought that our girls didn't do what they were supposed to
do as far as preparation and playing and matching energy," Walker said. "Once you have a big win like the win against Muskegon, teams
understand that you're not the same team that you were at the start of
the season. You have to realize that you have a target on your back now,
and if you don't play
like you have a target then It's going to be tough for you."
The game was fast-paced early, with neither team shy about racing out on the break. However, the Pirates were more effective in the system, grabbing a nine-point lead early in the second quarter. The Rockets (5-9) responded with an 8-0 run, including a three-pointer by Savannah Lockwood, but couldn't take the lead.
They finally did grab a 29-28 advantage early in the third quarter when freshman Raquel Walker scored back-to-back quick baskets, but Hart immediately took the lead back and called timeout, and a three-pointer on its next possession kept the Rockets at a distance the rest of the way. A lack of patience on offense kept the Rockets from getting into a rhythm.
"I thought we could have done a better job offensively as
far as rebounding and getting stickbacks," Walker said. "We were just taking quick shots, I thought, and then didn't do a good job of getting
those second chance opportunities."
Raquel Walker scored a game-high 15 points, but she ran out of energy late, with coach Walker saying she was battling illness and a back injury, so she did not finish the game. Jenna Terpstra hit a couple of shots late to try to get R-P back in it, but to no avail.
Coach Walker said he hopes his team benefits in the long run from the result of the game, believing it will re-energize the roster.
"Sometimes humble pie is not a bad
thing, so let's get back to the drawing board and do the things we need to do as far as preparation," Walker said.
