LocalSportsJournal.com

HOLTON–The Kent City Eagles are moving on to the district championship game after getting by the Holton Red Devils on Wednesday, 55-35.

The Division 3 semifinal game played at Holton High School. The victory puts Kent City into the district title game at 7 p.m. Friday against North Muskegon, which defeated Ravenna in the other semifinal.

Kent City (14-8) jumped out to a 19-10 lead after the first eight minutes. The Red Devils narrowed the gap in the second stanza by outscoring the Eagles, 11-9. Kent City took a 28-21 lead into the half.

Holton stayed within striking distance in the third period as the Eagles took a 44-34 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

The Kent City defense limited the Holton offense to just one point in the final eight minutes to secure the victory.

Jaret Jaramillo led Kent City with a game-high 19 points. Seth Vanderwest tossed in 10 points.

“They made key 3-point shots to hang around,” said Kent City coach David Ingles. “Coach Swanson does a good job with them. We didn’t have the energy I would have liked to see. We will have to do better Friday.” 

Jayce McMillan scored 12 points for Holton. Keon McMillan tossed in nine points and had four rebounds and Broderick Fialek contributed seven points, six rebounds and four assists.

“I thought, in many ways, we played a pretty good game tonight,” Holton coach Keith Swanson said. “The guys finished the season with a lot of fight and that’s what makes you proud as a coach.”

Holton finishes the season with a 1-22 record.

Photos courtesy of LSJ photographer Leo Valdez