Newaygo boys rally from a 19-point halftime deficit to down Hesperia 85-79

Local Sports Journal

The Newaygo Lions didn’t let a 19-point Hesperia halftime lead stop them from rallying to gain an 85-79 win in boys basketball on Tuesday.

The Lions trailed 50-31 at halftime but used a second half full-court press to pull back into the game. Newaygo outscored Hesperia 30-10 in the third quarter to take a 61-60 lead, then pulled out the win down the stretch.

The Lions had five players in double figures, including Reo Heinzman, who led the team with 19 points. Adam Holeman added 16 points (including 10-for-10 shooting from the free throw line) all in the second half.

Cole Chelsea had 14 points, Jack Boyd chipped in 13 and Ben Wolford scored 10 for the winners.

“Turnovers hurt us, so did our shot selection in the third quarter,” said Hesperia coach Randy Gordon. “It was nip and tuck in the fourth but Holeman not missing at the line and our turnovers at the end kept the win from us.”

Hesperia’s Adrian Castillo led a first half rush for his team with 15 points, including four 3-pointers. The senior guard finished with 25 points, including five 3’s, and four assists.