LocalSportsJournal.com
GRAND RAPIDS – The Holton girls basketball team’s solid season came to a close with a tough 45-30 loss in the Division 3 regional semifinals to Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian on Monday evening.
The teams were tied at 9-all after the first quarter and Holton trailed 23-19 at the halftime break.
“We battled and played as hard as we could, but had some foul trouble for two starters that we worked through in the first half,” said Holton coach Robert Jordan. “I was very happy to be sitting where we were going into the locker room.”
However, issues began to arise that slowed the Red Devils’ production after the break. A key starter for the Red Devils quickly picked up her fourth foul and was forced to sit until the fourth. That aided in NorthPointe Christian using a 12-5 scoring run to take a 35-24 lead with a quarter left to play.
NorthPointe Christian changed up to a zone defensive scheme that limited the Red Devils’ opportunities in the fourth quarter to seal the deal.
“We knew that NorthPointe Christian had two girls that we had to stop, and thought we had a decent game plan to do that, but they still scored 39 of the 45 points,” said Jordan. “We didn’t give them any open looks. Most of the damage came off of rebounding and putbacks.”
Ryann Robins posted a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds. Abbie Fowler chipped in five points, six assists and five steals.
Holton finished 15-10 for the second most victories in school history.
“Our season ended tonight, but as a coach, I’m more than proud of what the team was able to accomplish this year,” said Jordan. “It was an absolute great group of girls to be around and coach. A special group of ladies that I will miss.”
