League-leading Reeths-Puffer holds off Mona Shores in overtime

LocalSportsJournal.com

NORTON SHORES — The visiting Reeths-Puffer Rockets are holding on for dear life to the top spot in the OK-Green girls’ basketball race.

On Tuesday night, the Rockets needed overtime to dispatch the Mona Shores Sailors, 64-59.

The Rockets were led by Sophia Hekkema, who poured in a game-high 21 points. Arial Walker added 18 points while Brooklyn Tornes had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. She also had six steals.

The Sailors grabbed the early momentum and raced out to a 20-12 lead after the opening quarter. The Rockets didn’t make much of a dent in the deficit in the second quarter and trailed 32-26 at the half.

Reeths Puffer’s Ariel Walker on the drive with Katie Phillips defending. Photo/Eric Sturr

Reeths-Puffer came out firing after halftime and used a 23-10 scoring advantage to take a 49-42 lead after three quarters.

In the final quarter, the hosts tied the game and forced the overtime to decide a winner. Reeths-Puffer outscored Shores 11-6 in OT to earn the victory.

Khaleeya Cook led the Sailors with 15 points. Lauren Hylland added 11 points and Maddie Russell had nine.

Reeths-Puffer (16-5,12-1) hosts Holland on Friday.

Mona Shores (12-9, 7-6) hosts Muskegon on Friday.