Trojans'

girls exceed last year's win total

Wed, Jan 6, 2010    to del.icio.us

Thanks to its stifling defense on its full-court trap, Fruitport was able to frustrate visiting Coopersville early and often during the Trojans' 48-42 non-conference girls basketball victory at Fruitport High School on Tuesday.

Fruitport forced Coopersville into 36 turnovers, but the Trojans could never pull away because they also turned the ball over 31 times and shot 12-of-24 from the free throw line.

The Trojans built an 11-0 first-quarter lead, but had to withstand a late Broncos rally that saw the visitors trim the hosts' lead to two points with a minute left.

"I gave a lot of our girls playing time, several of them six minutes or more," Fruitport coach Rachel Kent said. "My staff felt I was playing our subs way more than they would have, but I felt it was an opportunity to award some time to some girls who haven't had many opportunities to play this season."

Fruitport built a 37-30 lead after three quarters, but the Broncos were within striking distance with a minute to play with several Trojans' reserves still on the floor. Kent re-inserted her starters and they responded with a pair of quick buckets. Senior guard Amaris Vest also sank 3-of-4 from the free throw line to ice the victory.

Vest scored seven for the Trojans (3-4), while junior Beka German led the way with 12 points. Sophomore Bre Geile was a force in the Trojans' press, as she collected six steals and also added 11 points.

Darcy Jenna scored a game-high 17 points for Coopersville (2-5).

Kent said her team is excited after already surpassing last season's win total of two. They hope to keep the momentum going on Friday, as Fruitport hosts rival Spring Lake.

"I scouted Spring Lake during their game at Montague and I feel we can compete with them," Kent said. "We need to hustle for all 32 minutes, because we know Spring Lake will.

"The girls are excited," she added. "We feel we're starting to become a force to be reckoned with."

FRUITPORT BOYS REMAIN WINLESS

Fruitport was in contention for its first victory on Tuesday against visiting Coopersville, but some key misses down the stretch prevented the 0-6 Trojans from pulling an upset.

"We played tough," Fruitport coach Bill Andree said following the 55-49 loss. "We were down 12 with five minutes to go and we cut it to one with about 1:30 left.

"Our biggest problem from since the start of the season has been our ability to handle the ball. The second half of this game was much better, which along with getting some steals, allowed us back into the game."

With the Trojans down one, sophomore guard Mike Reyes rebounded his own miss off a free throw, but an opportunity for a go-ahead bucket was off the mark. The Trojans also had three solid looks from 3-point land to tie with under a minute to play, but they couldn't convert.

Andree said the Broncos were able to build a double-digit lead in the second half due to their aggressiveness rebounding the basketball.

"Ultimately, we got hurt on the boards," Andree said. "We missed a couple of key boxouts which gave them extra opportunities.

"But I couldn't be prouder of this group of boys. They've been leaving it on the floor."

Senior Mario Flores had a big night with a game-high 23 points, including four 3-pointers. Reyes finished with nine points.

Trevor Brinks led the Broncos with 20 points.