December 9, 2011
Zeeland East came into Hudsonville on Friday night looking to prove something. A victory in this match against an Eagles squad many are picking to contend for an OK Red title could set an early tone for the Chix 2011-2012 basketball season. The Chix found themselves in a ten point hole midway through the third quarter, but Zeeland East never lost the fighting spirit, eventually walking away victorious, 53-51, against the host Eagles.
Hudsonville started its scoring with a bang– literally. Seconds after the Eagles scored their first points of the night a loud POP! came from the Hudsonville student section, as the kids simultaneously popped brown paper lunch bags that had been blown up. Zeeland East, however, didn’t seem fazed by the Hudsonville students, whom were numerous and loud throughout the entire contest. As the first quarter of play ended, the Chix held onto a narrow 14-12 edge over the Eagles. Despite allowing Zeeland East to get into the bonus rather early in the second, Hudsonville found its stride, doubling up the Chix 16-8, to take a 28-22 lead into halftime.
The Eagles started the third quarter seemingly where they left off at the half, starting on a 4-0 run to take a comfortable ten point lead, 32-22. Hudsonville’s lead remained hovering around nine points for most of the quarter, as the Eagles led 35-26 with just under two minutes left in the third. It was at this point that Zeeland East began to make its charge, and in just under one minute of play, the Chix were now only four points behind, 35-31. This is where the score remained as the final seconds ticked away in the third. Zeeland East’s momentum continued to flow, and the Chix managed to take their first lead since the end of the first, with 3:54 in regulation, 40-39. Hudsonville was deflated, and never managed to mount a comeback, even falling behind by six at one point, 47-41. The Eagles did pull within three points with a minute left on the clock, but for every basket Hudsvonille made, Zeeland East was able to counter. When the dust settled and the final buzzer went off, Zeeland East stood on top, 53-51.
Zeeland East had three players in double-digits for scoring– Zac VanBeek (18), Riley Arendsen (17) and Josh Groenhof (16). Blake Hibbits led all Hudsonville scorers with 13 points, and BJ VanLoo chipped in with 12.
Zac VanBeek puts up a shot.
Jake Bull snatches a rebound out of the air.
BJ VanLoo (right) and Tyler Smith (left) race after the loose ball.
Josh Groenhof with the layup.
Hunter Prince muscles his way up for a shot.
Josh Groenhof (right) and Jake Bull (left) battle for a rebound.
Tyler Smith sails in with his shot.
Blake Hibbits drives toward the hoop.
The Chix improve to 2-0 on the season with tonight’s victory. They will travel to Hamilton on Tuesday the 13th, to face the 1-1 Hawkeyes. Hudsonville opens the new season 0-1. Their next game will come on December 20, as they play on the road at Catholic Central.
Matt Philpott Photography was proud to bring you coverage of tonight’s action. Please visit his website to learn more about photography services he provides!
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