Grant rallies from halftime deficit to beat Newaygo

LocalSportsJournal.com

GRANT–Newaygo gave Grant a scare on Tuesday evening in a Central State Activities Association Tournament contest. Eventually, the Tigers pulled out a 51-40 win.

Host Grant got out an 11-10 lead after the first eight minutes. Grant’s two biggest offensive weapons, Julie Ashbaugh and Jayci Hance, got into foul trouble in the second quarter and Newaygo outscored the Tigers 12-4 to take a 22-15 lead at the break.

“We had a decent first quarter, but a terrible second,” said Grant coach Josh Delamater. “Jayci Hance and Julie Ashbaugh got in foul trouble and we struggled to get our composure. Credit to Newaygo for putting the pressure on and making a run. We made some adjustments at half and it led to a big run in the third quarter to get the lead back.”

Indeed, Grant had a huge third period where they racked up a 21-7 scoring advantage and took a 36-29 lead into the fourth quarter. They secured the win with a 15-11 scoring edge in the last quarter.

Newaygo head coach Nathan Thomasma (Photo/Brittlynn VanSingel)

“It was a good first half for the girls,” said Newaygo coach Nathan Thomasma. “We had a scoring drought in the third quarter that put us into a big hole. In the fourth quarter, we just didn’t get our hands on the rebounds and Grant did. That was the big story of the game. We have to a better job on the glass to beat a team like Grant.”

Ashbaugh led Grant with 17 points (14 in the second half). Hance had seven points. Alexa Obenauf tossed in six points and Emma Thompson scored five points.

Addison Goodin led Newaygo with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Naomi Schillman had 11 points and three steals. Grace Painter tossed in six points and grabbed six rebounds.

Grant (14-7) and Newaygo (6-15) are both scheduled to see action on Thursday evening. Opponents and sites of games have yet to be determined.