Packers Punch Finals Card With Win Over Broncos

McDonald knocks down 27; Defense shines in Packer win.

Photos by Mike Gesler

Fremont 65  Coopersville 52 
The Packers came to play.
Facing a physical Bronco squad and with a chance to make it to the District finals Fremont came up big behind a strong defensive effort that led to an outpouring of transition scoring.
The Pack jumped out early taking an 11-2  lead before a Coopersville timeout and held an 18-6 advantage after one but the Broncos would not go away and hung around the 10 point margin occasionally making a few mini runs to cut into the lead. Fortunately the Packers answered each run and the defense was able to hold Coopersville at bay for the rest of the game to secure the win. 
Coach Zerfas: ”They were pressing hard and double teaming but we were able to find the open man and score in transition often in the 4th.  When we did not score in transition I thought we ran a very patient and efficient offense which made it hard for Coopersville to come back.
“I really liked our defense tonight. They came in with 3 good scorers capable of putting up 30 points and we were able to contain them. Our offense was as efficient as I’ve seen them all year.”
And now the Packers move on to face Comstock Park, the team that knocked the 19-1 Fremont team out of the tournament in the opening game last season coming back from a 7 point deficit in the last 2 minutes to win in overtime.
The game still stings some of the Packer players who were on that squad last year.
And now is their chance to avenge that loss.
Braiden McDonald led the Packers  with 27 points and 13 rebounds. Tristan Campbell hit for 11 points and 9 rebounds, and Chris Kennedy dropped in 11 points. Joshua Zerfas dished 9 assists to go with his 4 points and Carter Moon had another all around game with 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 points.  Martin Curiel once again provided a big boost of the bench with 8 points.
District Finals: Fremont vs, Comstock Park @ Grant. Friday 7pm.