LocalSportsJournal.com
FREMONT – Riley Chase scored 22 points and had a strong defensive game with seven steals and led the Fremont girls’ basketball team to a 51-37 victory over Newaygo on Wednesday night.
Fremont (21-2) will take on Big Rapids with a Division 2 district title on the line. Big Rapids defeated Ludington in overtime in the other semifinal game.
Fremont jumped out to a 16-6 first-quarter lead and led 31-11 at halftime. Newaygo went on a 12-9 third-quarter run to cut the deficit to 40-23 heading into the fourth.
Mia Clemence nearly added a near triple-double for the Packers with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and seven steals while Taylor DeKuiper pulled down 10 rebounds and had five steals.
Fremont’s bench was led by Khaila Noordyk with five points and nine rebounds.
“The first game in districts is always the toughest,” said Fremont coach Peter Zerfas. “Playing a very well coached Newaygo team made it all the tougher.”
The Lions were led by Ruby Hughes with 11 points and 11 rebounds while Naomi Schillman added eight points and three rebounds. Kija Schultz had four points, six rebounds and six steals.
“Disappointing loss tonight for the team,” said Newaygo coach Nathan Thomasma. “I was happy with the way we responded in the second half and kept battling to the final horn.”
