By Justin Haggerty
Local Sports Journal

FRUITPORT – When Fruitport and Orchard View square off in girls basketball, there is likely to be a scoring battle between Iyana Brown and Jayshonna Blackshire.

But that battle never materialized Friday, because Blackshire, Orchard View’s standout senior, got in early foul trouble and spent time on the bench.

Iyana Brown dribbles off the baseline for Fruitport. Photo/Jason Goorman

Iyana Brown dribbles off the baseline for Fruitport. Photo/Jason Goorman

Brown, Fruitport’s star sophomore, had no such problems.

She pumped in 29 points, including 11 from the free throw line, as the Trojans downed the Cardinals 51-38 Friday in Lakes 8 Conference action on their home court.

Brown also had seven rebounds, four steals and three assists.

Fruitport improved to 2-0 on the season and 1-0 in the conference. Orchard View fell to 0-2 and 0-1.

“One of the things that hurt us really bad early was Blackshire getting in foul trouble in the first quarter,” said Orchard View Coach Rodney Walker, who only has Blackshire and one other senior on the team. “It really took some steam out of the team.”

Fruitport Coach Bob German said his team did a good job of containing the explosive Blackshire when she was on the court.

“We went into it to go to the 2-3 zone and kind of pack it in a little bit,” German said. “We tried to limit Blackshire’s presence, she can be a one woman show.”

Amari Brown drives in the lane for Orchard View. Photo/Jason Goorman

Amari Brown drives in the lane for Orchard View. Photo/Jason Goorman

Fruitport led 13-9 after one quarter and 27-16 at halftime. The Cardinals pulled within six points in the third quarter but could get no closer.

Orchard View had its share of opportunities from the free throw line, but missed 17 of 22 attempts.

“You hit your free throws, you’re still right there in the game,” Walker said. “For the most part, I take my hat off to Fruitport. They played a well executed game. Iyana (Brown) just played unbelievable, so hats off to her.”

Fruitport’s Alyssa Veihl owned the boards all night, grabbing 15 rebounds with Delaney Bennett pulled in nine of her own.

“Anytime you put a W up there, I’m happy,” said German.

Blackshire finished with 13 points and eight rebounds for the Cardinals.