By John Jarvi
Local Sports Journal

MUSKEGON – Muskegon’s smothering defense kept Grand Haven’s offense at bay all night long in a 68-28 victory on Tuesday night.

Grand Haven ended the first half with only 15 points and did not score in the third quarter.

“It was one shot in or one shot and get back on defense,” said Grand Haven coach Bob Eidson. “We had shots. If they had went in the hoop, it would’ve helped.”

The Big Reds, now 5-1 overall, did not play a home game until turning back Chicago Curie 71-61 Saturday. Now Muskegon hosts Zeeland East Friday at 6 p.m. before playing at Mona Shores on Jan. 16 and at Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills on Jan. 17.

“The loss (to East Kentwood on Dec. 30) was the best thing that could have happened to us,” said Muskegon coach Keith Guy. “There is so much room for growth with this team. That’s what I’m excited about.”

In spite of the wide margin of victory, Guy said the Big Reds still have work to do.

“I think there are things we need to do better like take care of the ball and play four quarters,” he said. “Still, we didn’t give up a point in the third quarter.”

Grand Haven, now 2-3 overall, missed all 10 of its field goal tries in the third quarter – six for two-point baskets and four attempts from beyond the 3-point arc. Add in five turnovers and a lack of free throws in the quarter, and Grand Haven never found a way to stay anywhere close.  The halftime score was 40-15.

Center Deyonta Davis controlled the play with 16 points, 14 rebounds and three blocked shots for Muskegon. Joeviair Kennedy had 13 points and nine rebounds and Michael Littlejohn Jr. nine points for the Big Reds.

Zac Holman and substitute Zach Sinke each had six points for Grand Haven.The Buccaneers had just six field goals for two points, added four 3-point baskets and finished off by sinking 4-of-6 free throws for the 28 points.

The Buccaneers play the third game in a four-game road trip Friday with the O-K Conference Red Division opener at East Kentwood. Kentwood rallied from a 20-point deficit recently to upset Muskegon 58-57 and end a 31-game winning streak for the Big Reds.

Muskegon, the defending Class A state basketball champion, started the Christmas holiday ranked as the 25th best team in the USA Today’s Sports’ Super 25 national prep poll. The next rankings will be announced Jan. 13.

The Big Reds finished the 2013-14 season as the 20th team in the USA Today poll thanks to their 28-0 season record.