LocalSportsJournal.com

MUSKEGON — Jaxson Whitaker turned a lot of heads on Monday night with his shooting prowess.

Whitaker scored 35 points, including nine 3-pointers and led the Reeths-Puffer Rockets to a 75-61 victory over Kenowa Hills. The game was played at Reeths-Puffer.

“Jaxson had the best shooting night of anyone I have every coached or coached against,” Rocket coach Nate Aardema said. “He made 3s off the dribble, off the catch and just about any way imaginable.”

It didn’t look so good in an opening quarter that saw the Rockets fall behind 10-6. However, the second and third quarters were a whole different story as Reeths-Puffer scored 52 points in the middle two quarters and limited Kenowa Hills to 26.

The Rockets led 58-36 heading into the final quarter.

“This was a season high for us in assists and the second-highest scoring game of our season,” Aardema said. “We did a great job moving the ball and finding the open guy. It was a really fun night.”

Adding to the fun besides Whitaker was Travis Ambrose with 20 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Antrel Jones had five points and five rebounds while Brayden Mitchelson had six assists. Marvin Moore  had five points and four assists. Kyle Schlaff had five rebounds and four assists.
 
Kenowa Hills was led by seniors Sutton Tutas with 17 points and Javion Otten with 14.
 
Reeths-Puffer (14-9) has won seven of its last eight games. Next up, the Rockets play at 7 p.m. Wednesday against host Coopersville.
 
All photos below are courtesy of LSJ Photographer Joe Lane II