ONEKAMA
— By DYLAN SAVELA It took more than four quarters for
Onekama to keep their undefeated streak alive as they squeaked past Big
Rapids Crossroads Charter Academy in a 66-61 overtime victory on Tuesday
night.
The score was knotted up at 61 at the end of regulation and the
Portagers were able to hold the Cougars scoreless in the extra four
minutes.The
Portagers (3-0, 3-0) started out the game strong by scoring 21
first-quarter points, but with a scoring surge late in the quarter, the
Cougars were able to end with 18 of their own.
CCA (0-4, 0-4) took its first
lead of the game with 38 seconds left in the half, and walked into the
locker room with a 37-34 halftime lead. The lead was traded back
and forth throughout the second half, as each basket, foul, steal and
call served as an intense boost of momentum for each team as the end of
regulation drew closer.
Onekama had control of the ball
in the final seconds of the fourth and was almost able to put away the
Cougars with a prayer-answering finish, as senior guard Hunter Slade
drew iron on his half-court launch to beat the buzzer. The missed
miracle left the teams tied and headed into overtime. |
The Portagers were able to score six
points in overtime, which would be enough to hold on and put the Cougars
away. Onekama senior Levi
Capper led the Portagers with 17 points, 11 of which came in the first
quarter. “We’re getting better every game,” Capper said, and noted the
team’s intensity, confidence, and chemistry as their strongest traits.
Also for Onekama, Slade had 14
points, Ryan Miller had 11 points, Joe Kosiboski scored 10, Skylar Kimpel had eight, Adrian Norman
four, and Jordon Zupin two.
Roger Smith, coach of the
Portagers, was also pleased with the team’s intensity and effort. “We
have to stay more consistent on defense,” Smith said, “but neither team
quit out there tonight and I’m always pleased with a win.” As the
Portagers managed to avoid their first loss of the season, the Cougars
are still left looking for their first victory.
Despite the tough loss, Big
Rapids coach Jason Kostecki said he couldn’t have been more pleased with
the way his team played. “We are a good team,” Kostecki said, “we’re
just a few less turnovers and a few more baskets away from being a
winning team.”
Manistee News
Advocate reporter Dylan Savela |
