LocalSportsJournal.com
COMSTOCK PARK — The Fremont Packers overcame some nerves and turnovers early on and went on to defeat Grant, 54-49, on Wednesday night.
The Division 2 district semifinal game was played at Comstock Park. Fremont will play Sparta (15-8) for the district title at 7 p.m. Friday night. Sparta defeated Grand Rapids West Catholic, 63-49, in the other semifinal game.
The Packers advanced on the strength of Jordon McDonald, who poured in 25 points and hauled down 20 rebounds. His 12 points in the pivotal fourth quarter helped Fremont erase a five-point deficit after three quarters.
“I thought we were a little nervous in the first half,” Fremont coach Adam Bowen said. “For most of our players, this is their first experience with playoff basketball. We had a ton of turnovers and just played too fast. Grant played really well and didn’t allow us to get the ball into the post which was our game plan.”
Fremont led 15-7 after one quarter, but trailed 23-21 at the half.
“We settled down a little bit in the second half and took better care of the ball,” Bowen said.
Fremont had some key plays down the stretch to help preserve the victory. Chaz Miller finished with 18 points, including several 3-pointers and three clutch free throws. Ben Mellema also converted a pair of key free throws. Gavin Richards had a big offensive rebound off a missed free throw and a key steal.
Grant was led by Zak Barnhart with 22 points, including four 3-pointers. Oakley Obenauf added 11 points.
