Cards Top Lions With Late Game Rally Story by Ken DeLaat photos by Alexis Mercer Big Rapids 69 Newaygo 65 In a classic back and forth battle the Cardinals outlasted the Lions Friday night in a game filled with physical play, a lot of emotion and, as those in attendance would attest, some truly intriguing officiating. Setting aside the occasional striped shirt confusion, these teams put on an exciting show of talent from the get-go. Josiah Long opened the scoring with a bomb from long range and was answered by Dawson Dunn who also ripped one from beyond the arc. After a Dyllan Bazzett bucket Bryce Decker scored but the Cards tied it up with 2 from the stripe and a basket. The teams exchanged blows to finish the first knotted at 18. BR scored the first 9 points of the second but behind the scoring prowess of Decker and Long along with a tightening defense the teams hit halftime with the hosts trailing by just 2 at 37-35. After the break Gabe Schillman tied it up and Dyllan Bazzett made a thunderous block of a Cardinal attempt. The lead went back and forth and as the third was ending Mason Dunn hit a three that Remy Wells answered then Owen Gammons hit for 2 to put the Cardinals ahead. Just at the buzzer Decker let loose a missile from the top of the key and it got all net, putting his team up 52-51 entering the final frame. The fourth was wild as Decker seemingly could not miss while Dyllan Bazzett and Jaden Osawabine contributed key buckets. After Zander Prince hit a 2, the score was 62-60 Newaygo with a littleover 3 minutes left.
A minute later Decker fouled out followed soon after by Long and while the Lion bench held their own the Cardinals were able to make the shots as time wound down and secure a hard fought conference win. “I think we’re on the upswing of where we need to be,” said Coach Long. “We have a lot of players new to varsity ball who are stepping up and filling some key roles.” Bryce Decker had a monster night as he poured in 30 points including his 3 point barrage evoking memories of Bill Laimbeer the Pistons big man who could also can it from distance. Decker also pulled down a dozen boards. Long finished with 16, including 15 in the first half, and Dyllan Bazzett added 7. Newaygo (1-1, 2-2) will resume play after Christmas break when they travel to White Cloud January 4th.
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