By Craig Beilfuss
LocalSportsJournal.com

BIG RAPIDS–The Kent City Eagles struggled from the field for three quarters before mounting a furious comeback on Saturday afternoon.

But, when the clock hit 0:00, the host Big Rapids Cardinals won the Central State Activities championship game, 46-44.

With the exception of Kent City junior Maddie Geers, the Big Rapids limited the rest of the Eagles to a mere 18 points. Geers kept Kent City within striking distance all afternoon with a game-high 26 points, which included going 11-of-13 from the free throw line. Geers also hauled down 11 rebounds and came up with three steals and two blocked shots.

Senior Lexie Bowers was limited to just eight points. She matched Geers with a team high 11 rebounds while coming up with five steals and two blocked shots. Hailey Kamphuis contributed six points. Bowers and Geers were in foul trouble most of the afternoon. Bowers fouled out midway through the fourth quarter while Geers finished with four fouls.

Photo courtesy of photographer Krisha Wainright

Kent City had issues solving the Cardinals’ triangle-and-2 and 1-3-1 zone defensive looks.

Big Rapids got out to a 11-5 lead after the first eight minutes and led 18-14 at the half. Geers accounted for 12 of the Eagles’ first half points.

Big Rapids extended its lead to 32-25 by the end of the third period by outscoring Kent City 14-11 in the quarter. 

The Cardinals held a 42-28 lead midway through the fourth quarter before Kent City went on a 9-0 run to close the gap to 42-37 with 1:42 remaining.

Kent City trailed 46-44 with 10.4 seconds remaining and had possession of the ball. Big Rapids tripled-team Geers as she attempted to get off a game-winning shot which came up short. Geers scored 14 second-half points.

Photo courtesy of photographer Krisha Wainright

“We really struggled with their triangle and two defensive pressure today,” said Kent City coach Aleah Holcomb. “And, we really didn’t get much going until the fourth quarter. It didn’t help with our two scorers being in foul trouble.

“We like to press and we didn’t press them the first time,” said Big Rapids coach Jessica Haist. “Today, we decided to mix it up with some halfcourt defense and limit what Bowers and Geers could do. They are really good ballplayers and smart ballplayers. We played a little of zone today. Things got a little tighter at the end then what we wanted.”

Kelsie Gorczewicz led Big Rapids with 17 points.

Kent City (18-4) will be back on the court at 7 p.m. Wednesday against the winner of Monday’s Holton vs. Lakeview game.

Photo courtesy of photographer Krisha Wainright