Hardware Stays in Holton, 4th Quarter Drought Sinks Pack

Photo by David Crowell

Holton 75 Hesperia 15
This year the two schools began a tradition with a traveling trophy going to the winner of the Battle of M-120. The Red Devils claimed possession after a win on the Panther home court earlier this season and on Thursday they sought to keep the hardware in Holton.
Needless to say the trophy isn’t going anywhere as the battle turned into more of a rout. With the score tied at 5 early in the first quarter the Devs exploded for a 30-0 run that extended into the second quarter and by halftime the hosts held a commanding 45-13 lead.
Coach Jordan: “We tried a few different presses in the first half and had great success with them, but we haven't played many complete games this year so the message at half time was to maintain the energy and pressure in the half court set as we wouldn't be pressing in the second half. We held them to 2 points in our half court defense, but it was the relentless effort from everyone on the D end that I'm most happy about. Scoring 75 is great and rare for us for sure, but  only giving up 2 in the second half that I'm most happy with.. it's easy to coast when you’re up big but we didn't. We maintained the energy for the full 4 quarters.  My favorite play might be Aubrey Goyings diving on the floor with 5 seconds left for a loose ball when we were up by 60. That’s the mindset we want. I've been preaching to "do the little things" all week and I felt like tonight we did. Only had 4 turnovers  which is a season low for us by far.
“A lot seemed to go well for us tonight, we shot the ball well, made 9 3's which is another  season high for us.  9 girls got in on the scoring action including Alexis Nichols , which was a great thing for us as that was a goal tonight.  Looking to take this momentum into White Cloud on Tuesday which will always be an emotional game  for me as I coached every girl on that team in JV just 2 years ago and I know they will bring their best effort for that game so we have to be ready.” 
Abbie Fowler lit it up dropping 19 points and dishing out 10 dimes while adding 7 rebounds and 5 steals for good measure. Aubrey Goyings was a beast on the boards taking a game high 15 off the glass to go with her 9 points. Courtney Boes collected 5 steals and 10 points, Layla Cannady knocked down a dozen points and Kenzie Greene hit for 8.
Holton (4-5, 8-8) will visit White Cloud on Tuesday. 

Oakridge 40 Fremont 37
A seesaw battle in the Lakes Division went to the Eagles who put on a late run to secure the win. Visiting Oakridge came out strong taking a 16-8 lead after one but the Packers battled back and the teams reached intermission with the Eagles clutching a one point edge 22-21.
The hosts came out of the locker room on fire taking the lead and building an 8 point advantage before Oakridge regrouped and the teams entered the final frame with the Pack holding a 32-26 advantage. The Eagles went into their pressure defense and Fremont struggled to score, tallying just a single point in the final 8 minutes while the Eagles scored 8 to pull ahead and stay ahead.
Coach Zerlaut: "We competed very well. We played hard. The girls continue to give great effort and energy. They really got after us defensively in the fourth quarter and we struggled to get shots."
Jessica Bennett once again paced the Packer scoring with 12 points while Lily VandenBerg hit for 8. Mia Clemence had 5 rebounds to go with her 7 points and Maite Corbal Romera tossed out 6 assists and grabbed 5 boards.
Anna Lundquist scored a game high 18 for the Eagles.
Fremont (2-6, 5-13) continues conference play on Tuesday when they host the Wildcats of Montague.