February 17, 2012
East Grand Rapids came into tonight’s showdown riding a four game win streak, during which they outscored opponents by an average of twelve points. If keeping the streak alive wasn’t enough motivation, the Pioneers were also looking to avenge a loss at home against Northview during their earlier match-up this year. With emotions running high for both squads, the Pioneers and Wildcats both put on an offensive show, and in the end East extended their winning streak to five, with a 72-62 victory over host Northview.
The Pioneers found themselves in an 0-2 hole before tip, after Northview was awarded two free throws to start the game, but that was the only time East would trail. East quickly fought their way back as play began, and the Pioneers ended the first quarter with a 14-10 lead. Northview was not about to go quietly, however, as tough defense kept the game within reach. The Wildcats had hoped to end the half without giving up much ground to the Pioneers, but a last-second turnover near mid-court resulted in a dramatic buzzer-beating bucket by East, giving them a 15-12 edge for the quarter, and a 29-22 overall score.
Both offenses came out hot in the third quarter. Emotions were hot, too, with East’s Brandon Belke getting ejected from the game. According to comments overheard by referees, Belke was caught throwing a punch at a Northview player. The Pioneers managed to extend the gap yet again during the third, outscoring the Wildcats 20-19, and going into the final quarter of play the score was 49-41, in favor of East Grand Rapids. Offense again was on showcase as the game entered the home stretch, with both teams putting up over twenty points on the scoreboard, but Northview was unable to outscore the Pioneers for the fourth straight quarter. As the final horn blew, East celebrated a ten point 72-62 win.
East’s Marcus Hall led all scorers tonight with 25 points. Freshman Deleon Brown chipped in 21 points for the Pioneers. Leading the way for Northview were Kevin Rich, with 23 points, and Ryan Ruschmann with 17 points.
With the victory, East Grand Rapids improves its record to 8-10, 4-5 in the OK White. The Pioneers will head toward the lake shore on Tuesday, when they play Reeths-Puffer on the road. Northview falls to 10-7 on the season, 4-5 in the OK White. The Wildcats take the court next on Tuesday when they face Forest Hills Central on the road.
Matt Philpott Photography was happy to bring you coverage of tonight’s game. Please visit his website to learn more about the services he can offer you!
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