Holland West Ottawa Panthers vs. Muskegon Mona Shores Sailors
WEST OTTAWA 47 MONA SHORES 40 A slow start cost the Sailors in non-conference action. The Panthers struggled to improve to 3-2 while the Sailors evenutally pulled it together and played better than their 1-4 mark. Both teams started…
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Continue ReadingWEST OTTAWA 47 MONA SHORES 40
A slow start cost the Sailors in non-conference action. The Panthers struggled to improve to 3-2 while the Sailors evenutally pulled it together and played better than their 1-4 mark. Both teams started out slow with the first points coming 3 minutes into the game. West Ottawa had a cinderella season last year making it to the Class A state championship game. The Panthers have the players to make a push this year but need to limit mistakes. Mona Shores is lead by senior guard James Gilbert and will be a tough out as the year continues.
The Panthers led 11-4 after the first, but the Sailors were able to chip away at the lead and narrow the score to 22-18 at the break with Gilbert going the length of the court for a lay in. Momentum was on Mona Shores side.
At the the start of the third quarter the Sailors upper their energy level on defense and contained the Panthers. But Mona Shores DaVaius Carter got into foul trouble early and had to sit. Once again the Sailors offense stalled, going scoreless in the first three minutes. But the Panthers couldn’t put them away. The 3rd quarter ended on a Blake Pedersen floating three pointer for West Ottawa, which put them ahead 32 to 28.
Mona Shores turned the ball over on four consecutive possesions at the start of the 4th and the Panthers dropped into a 2-3 Zone. But the Panthers were not going to go away. Ben Rosenthal from Mona Shores hit 2 free throws to tie the game but Gilbert got called for a technical and Jason Fairfield hit both free throws. The Panthers then milked the clock and converted at the free throw line. Tanner Wiegerink hit 4 big free throws in the closing minutes.
MVP: James Gilbert (Mona Shores)
Gilbert kept the Sailors in the game. He controlled the tempo and made some nice passes and scored 18 points to go along with a couple good blocks and leadership.
Play of the game: Technical foul called on Mona Shores
With the game tied at just over the 3 minute mark in the 4th quarter, James Gilbert was called for a technical and West Ottawa converted and took possesion of the ball. This provided the spark for the Panthers that carried them to the win.
Best offensive performance: James Gilbert ( Mona Shores)
Gilbert finished with 18 points and made a couple clutch threes and hit some big free throws for the Sailors. He also drew the attention of the Panthers defense everytime he touched the ball leading to some open lanes for his teammates to score.
Best defensive performance: Tanner Wiergerink (West Ottawa)
Wiergerink had 5 blocks and disrupted several shots. He had two steals and was an irritant on the glass.
Best guy off the bench: Shawn Trammell (West Ottawa)
Trammell finished the game with 5 points but made a big basket at the end of 3rd thwarting the Sailors momentum. He also made some nice dishes especially one late in the 4th to Weirgerink that turned into a And One.
Best intangibles: Jason Fairfield ( West Ottawa)
The 6 ft senior guard Fairfield was all over the court. He finished with 8 points and had 6 assists. His biggest play was a steal at the end of the game that lead to a soul crushing easy lay up. His leadership and energy was clearly on display. His block of James Gilbert and his buzzer beater 3 pointer was just the shot of adrenaline the Panthers needed to win the game.
Best under-the-radar performance: Jaylen Hopson (Mona Shores)
The junior guard was a stabilizing force for the Sailors. He scored 10 pts and forced several turnovers. His court vision and ability to find the open man was evident. As the year progresses and other teams gear up to shut down Gilbert, don’t be surprised to see Hopson step up. Has nice footwork and has the ability to shut down the other team’s top offensive threat.
Best underclassmen: Blake Bosma (West Ottawa)
Bosma, a sophomore is following in the footsteps of his older brother Tyler, who lead the Panthers to the state championship game last year. As Bosma gets more experience look for him to gain more confidence offensively. He seals defenders off well in the paint and has a high basketball I.Q.
Best aspect of the environment: The West Ottawa Band
The Panthers have a teriffic gymnasium to go along with a spirited core band. Their zeal provided an enthusiastic atmosphere to the game.