Zerlaut scores 21 in Fremont loss to Central Montcalm

Including an 8 of 17 performance from beyond the 3-point arc, the Hornets shot a sizzling 54 percent from the floor overall on 22 of 41 makes.

Fremont still managed to stay within striking distance through the first half, trailing only 17-14 after the first quarter and 30-27 at the half after scoring evenly with the Hornets in the second period, 13-13.

But the Packers experienced trouble getting their shots to fall in the third quarter, and the Hornets outscored them by a whopping 21-4 margin to open up a 51-31 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

The Packers kept on battling, however, and got the margin down to 10 points in the fourth quarter thanks to an effective full court press. But they couldn’t get any closer.

“Credit to Central Montcalm, they shot the ball extremely well,” Packers head coach Wes Zerlaut said.

“We thought our advantage would be our pressure defense, and picking up the pace of the game.

“But, we were a step slow tonight, and weren’t able to dictate the pace of the game until the fourth quarter, and the deficit proved to be too much for us to overcome.

“We need to be able to win games that we score 55 points, but we were just not good enough defensively tonight.”

Haley Zerlaut fired in 21 points to pace the Packers. She also dished out six assists. Mia White contributed 16 points.

Maia Sexton led the Hornets with 22 points, while Emily Putnam added 20.

Fremont fell to a 2-13 record overall and 2-7 in the conference. The Packers are next scheduled to see action on Friday, Feb. 11 on the road at Newaygo.