Lions Fall In Final Stellar season comes to an end as Falcons avenge last year’s loss Photos by Alexis Mercer Story by Ken DeLaat Everyone knew this was going to be a tough one for the Lions. The Falcons have been flying high all season with the only blemish on their record - a 4 point loss to the D1 Rockford team currently preparing to play a Quarterfinal game after knocking off top ranked Hudsonville. In a pre-game discussion with Editor Mercer we figured the Lions would have to limit turnovers, hit some threes, convert free throws and by all means not fall behind early. In other words, play a near flawless game to pull this one out. And that didn’t happen. The ball simply would not fall for the Lions on this night. Part of it was the Falcon defense but a couple of easy put backs failed to drop and the first couple of distance shots missed the mark and suddenly it was a 14-0 WC lead. Jaxi Long finally got them on the board and was answered by Elisha Dykstra and the first ended with the Falcons in control 16-2. In the second they held WC to 11 but their shots still could not find the bottom of the net. The Lions were held to a Long triple and a bucket by Kayla Fisk who put an exclamation point on the half by swatting away a Falcon attempt and intermission arrived with WC up 27-7. Coming out of the locker room Long spent the warm up draining shot after shot from various places beyond the arc and the team took the floor with determination. They were down 20 but ready to rumble. Early on Falcon Abbey Kimball, a Ms. Basketball finalist who had been mostly held in check by the defense of Emmerson Goodin and Fisk, engaged in a bit of taunting after a WC basket that drew a technical. The Newaygo defense kept playing tough but without points falling on the other end the Lions fell further behind and by the time they entered the fourth WC had the game in hand with a 47-19 advantage. As is their way the Lions battled to the buzzer as if the score was even. Goodin continued to scrap underneath, Fisk’s in your shirt defense caused Kimball to lose her cool and toss an elbow toward the Lion defender and soon after went to the bench for the remainder of the game. Meanwhile Long found room in the paint to hit a few floaters. But it was too late and the season came to an end for the Lions. Coach Thomasma: “It just wasn’t our night. We didn't play very well, had some early turnovers, missed some layups. “But hey I couldn’t be prouder of these girls. They won with class and lost with class, but they didn't lose very often. Just a tough team… mentally tough and I love them to death. “I’d go to battle with them any day.” This is a team that has exuded class and dignity. They are a tight knit group who have believed in themselves and believed in their teammates all season long and remain hands down the most entertaining high school team I have ever covered. Unlike the Regional final they won last year that saw the losing team walk out during the trophy presentation, the Lions stayed on the bench to witness the presentation of the award they took home the year before and honor the competition between the teams. In the past three years the Lions are 13-2 in tournament games, tonight’s loss and last season's setback in the State Final being their only defeats in the postseason. They held the Falcons to their second lowest point total of the season and while there’s little consolation in doing so it says a lot about the grit of this team. For Long, Goodin, Fisk and Lily Swinehart it would be their final time wearing the unis of Lion basketball. Each will move on to play spring sports and each will go on to graduate and pursue whatever post secondary endeavors they have chosen. "Can't say enough positive things about our Seniors,” added Coach T. “They have played a large role in helping build the program up. Making three straight regional finals (with a State Final appearance last year) is a difficult task to say the least. They have provided great leadership for our young kids."
"This team was a special group. All 10 of them really came together and made this season a great one. The girls really bought into their roles and I am excited for next year and the future of this program. We have not only a good group of talented girls but good people too." “Lastly, I would like to say thank you to the community for all of the support this year. It has been helpful and unbelievable." This team won’t soon be forgotten. Their style of play, their relentless spirit and the miles and miles of heart captivated an entire community. As well as an aging sportswriter. Well done ladies. Well done indeed. “Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It’s courage that counts.” - John Wooden
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