MONTAGUE – The Montague girls’ basketball team capitalized on foul trouble by Newaygo to put them away 61-49 in the season-opener on Monday.
“Fouls killed us in the first half and throughout the game,” Newaygo coach Nathan Thomasma said. “We also struggled with girls playing positions they weren’t used to, which really played into Montague’s press.”
The Wildcats made some big plays and were consistent on their free throws to stay ahead. The Lions trailed by 11 in the fourth quarter, and though they would cut the lead to just two points a couple of times, the team couldn’t get over the hump.
The Wildcats’ Addison Pranger put up 19 points to lead the way, followed by Braylyn Bultema with 16 points. Addie Peterson and Amanda Cederquist each had eight points.
“Overall, I am very happy with how the girls played tonight,” Montague coach Jess DeBruin said. “Newaygo is a scrappy team and we adjusted well to their trap defenses. It was a great team win tonight.”
Ruby Hughes led the Lions with 12 points and nine rebounds. Naomi Schillman made three three-pointers for nine points, while Amaya Lathrop added eight points and four steals. Morgan Andres scored seven points and snagged five steals.
Montague (1-0) will be at home against Fruitport on Friday.
Newaygo (0-1) is set to travel to Sparta on Wednesday.
