Fremont is off to regionals after sliding by Sparta for Division 2 district crown

LocalSportsJournal.com

COMSTOCK PARK — The Fremont Packers held off a pesky Sparta team on Friday night and earned a Division 2 district championship with a 57-55 victory over the Spartans.

Fremont (13-11) heads into regional play at 5:30 p.m. Monday against Hudsonville Unity Christian, which won its district title with a 73-60 victory over Wyoming Godwin Heights. That game is at Unity Christian.

Fremont got off to a solid start before Sparta battled back in the second quarter. The Packers continued to hold the lead through three quarters, but in the fourth quarter, Sparta completed the comeback and took the lead. That advantage didn’t last long as Fremont regained the lead on the very next possession and went on to claim the victory.

“It was a crazy game, but one that was fun to be a part of,” said Fremont coach Adam Bowen. “We got off to a good start, kind of like we did against Grant. We were up 13 at one point, but in the second quarter, they came back.”

Fremont led 20-7 after one quarter and 29-24 at the half. The Packers had a 45-39 lead heading into the final quarter.

“You have to give a lot of credit to Sparta,” Bowen said. “They played as hard as our kids did. I credit our kids for hanging in there and pulling it out.”

Jordon McDonald once again was the leader for the Packers with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Gavin Richards had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Chaz Miller had eight points and eight assists.

“Jordon has been great and he really deserves to get a little more attention than he does,” Bowen said. “He is so underrated. He’s a tough player to stop. He’s been just awesome for us the last few weeks of the season and he carried us again tonight.”

But it was more than just McDonald, said Bowen.

“We knew we needed everyone to step up and they did,” Bowen said. “Everyone who played stepped up.”

Now comes a quick turnaround with the regional semifinal game set for Monday night on Unity’s home court.

“That’s all right,” Bowen said. “We’ll enjoy this tonight and tomorrow we’ll look at film and get ready.”