Onekama vs. Brethren – Game 7
January 15, 2010

The 2008-09 season started with this very same match-up to kick off the year for both teams.  The end result was a victory for the Portagers with a last second basket by Lindsay.  It was a game with a close score going back and forth for each squad.  This year’s game would prove to be just as exciting. 

The Portagers came out firing and took a quick lead.  By the half the lead was 9 points in their favor.  The third quarter would be the turning point which made a huge difference in the outcome of the game.  The Bobcats cut the 9 point lead to nothing in a 2 minute run and ended the quarter with a 37-33 lead.  The third quarter would also end Danielle’s game as she fouled out.  The Portagers didn’t give up though.  A hard fought fourth quarter would bring the final minute with the Bobcats leading 50-49.  Nicki was fouled and sent to the line for a pair of free throws.  She made 1 of the 2 to tie the game up.  Nicki continued to hustle and made a steal on the Bobcats ensuing inbound, but was called for travelling with 11 seconds left in the game.  The game ended in a mirror fashion of the previous game played at Brethren.  They inbounded the ball, quickly passed it down the floor, and took a shot from the middle of the paint.  The ball hit the rim and bounced a couple times before falling in and the buzzer sounded.  The Bobcats went away with the win 52-50.

The Portagers played a very well balanced game.  The offensive leader of the game was Lindsay who finished with 17 points.  Nicki improved on her season high scoring with 11 points.  Danielle put in 9 points and Emily finished with 8.  Kelly would close out the scoring with 5 points.  The Portagers passed the ball around and took advantage of what was given.  This was their best offensive performance so far and it was against a tough defense.

Defensively, Lindsay led the team in rebounds with 9, and also contributed with 4 steals and a block.  Danielle finished with 8 boards and a steal while Nicki had 5 boards and 7 steals.  Kelly added another 4 rebounds and 5 steals and Kaylan pulled in two rebounds.  Emily’s first game of the year set a season high record with 8 steals.  She also had a rebound in the game. 

It was a back and forth battle the whole game, but the Portagers played hard and never quit.  The next meeting should be just as exciting and the team can’t wait for it.

The Portagers host Manistee Catholic Central on Wednesday, January 20, 2010, and the game will start at 6 pm.  The Portagers look to close out their season with the Sabers and make it a clean sweep and improve their record to 6-2.  Hope to see you there!

Go Portagers!

Coach Torrey