LocalSportsJournal.com
GRANT — The Grant Tigers came through with an early run to top the Fremont girls basketball team in a 57-43 CSAA-Gold win on Tuesday night.
Grant fell behind 5-0 to start, but erased that deficit with a 10-0 run to close the first quarter and finish with a 14-9 lead at the buzzer.
The Tigers outscored the Packers, 12-7 in the second to extend their lead to 10 points, 26-16 at the half.
Grant enjoyed a 16-6 advantage in the third period, raising their lead to 42-22 heading into the fourth period. The Packers outscored the Tigers, 21-15 in the final eight minutes, but it wasn’t enough to make up the ground necessary.
“We were without three key players, but I thought the other girls stepped up and played well,” said Fremont head coach Wes Zerlaut. “We had three girls from the junior varsity team play an extra quarter, and contribute good minutes.
“Sydney Moon moved from her reserve role to a starter and had six rebounds. We gave up a couple runs in the game where we couldn’t make shots, turned the ball over too much, and gave up some offensive rebounds and put backs. Overall, we competed well, but it wasn’t enough.”
Grant had a balanced scoring attack, with Chloe Chase leading the way with 12 points. Sarah Arends tossed in 11 and Julie Ashbaugh and Jaycee Rider scored 10 apiecce.
Haley Zerlaut had a game-high 21 points to lead the Packers, and she also dished out three assists. Kaitlyn Bennett added 11 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
Grant improved its record to 10-7 overall and 8-3 in the conference by snapping its two-game losing streak. The Tigers are next scheduled to see action Friday hosting Newaygo in the conference.
Fremont saw its season record drop to 2-15 overall and 2-9 in the conference. The Packers will next take the court at home Friday night against Howard City-Tri County in conference action.
