Lions Sink Vikings

Photos by Alexis Mercer
Story by Ken DeLaat

Newaygo  46 Tri-County 32
The first half it was Grace Painter who provided the fireworks, firing in 4 triples including a half ending missile that staked the Lion to a 26-11 lead at intermission. After the second half opened with a Viking bucket, the Lions ran off 6 points as Painter and Naomi Schillman notched field goals with Toth sinking a pair from the line stretching the lead to 19. The teams played evenly through the final quarter and a half and for the first time this season the Lion win streak extended to 2. The Vikings have struggled on offense for much of the season and the Newaygo defense proved to continue that trend shutting down the passing lanes effectively and controlling the defensive rebounding.

Coach Thomasma: “Good win for the girls tonight.   We battled foul trouble the whole game but were able to hang in and get the win.  The girls jumped out to a great start behind some good shooting and execution by our offense.  Our two seniors Painter and Toth stepped up with some great shooting and our younger girls continue to gain experience.”

Painter finished a stellar night with 19 points 6 boards and 5 steals. Toth tossed in a dozen points while  snaring 3 rebounds and Schillman popped in 5 points. Leah Ruehmeier, Addison Goodin, Kija Westbrook, Olivia Robeck and Maria Riddering each notched 2 points.
Newaygo (3-6, 6-13) will host conference leader Big Rapids on Friday.