Local Sports Journal

Reeths-Puffer couldn’t overcome a rough third quarter and fell to Zeeland East 78-62.

The Rockets trailed 40-31 at halftime, but East went on a big run taking a 62-38 lead after the third.

“We just got in the habit of individual play and we forced shots,” said Reeths-Puffer head coach Dave Ingles.

Reeths-Puffer made a run in the fourth quarter and cut the deficit to nine points with three minutes remaining, but could get no closer.

“We shared the ball in that stretch,” said Ingles. “If we did that the whole game, we would have been OK, but it’s a whole game effort.”

Quinzell Pinnell led Reeths-Puffer with 16 points and five rebounds while Kevin Polk added 14 points. Jalen Benton scored 10 points and grabbed five rebounds while Deede Blake added eight points, five assists and five steals for the Rockets.

Zeeland East was led by the combo of Mike Custer and Tyler Smith. Custer finished with 23 points and Smith scored 17.