It took overtime for Reeths-Puffer boys to slip by Allendale in season opener

LocalSportsJournal.com

ALLENDALE — You couldn’t ask for much more excitement in a season-opening game.

On Tuesday, the Reeths-Puffer Rocket boys chalked up a narrow 56-54 overtime victory over the Allendale Falcons.

The game was even at 48-all after regulation. Down the stretch in OT, Brayden Mitchelson bagged 3-of-4 free throws to ice the game for the Rockets.

Jaxon Whitaker led Puffer with 21 points. Kyle Schlaff added 10 points and nine rebounds. Mitchelson had eight points, six rebounds and five steals. Antrel Jones had nine rebounds.

“It was a great team win to open the season at Allendale,” Rocket coach Nate Aardema said. “I was proud of the way we played and competed throughout the game. Allendale is a great shooting team.”

The hosts were led by Jacek Haight with 16 points. Jaxon Fitton and Grady Schippers each had 11 points.

Reeths-Puffer will host Grand Haven in its home opener on Friday night.