The Wayland guys have hit a rough patch at this point in the high school basketball season.
The Wildcats, after reeling off seven consecutive victories to start the campaign and being ranked fourth in the Class B Associated Press state-wide poll, suffered their second straight loss by three points, this one 72-69 in double overtime to Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills. The verdict comes on the heels of a 63-60 loss to Middleville Thornapple Kellogg last Friday night and it puts Wayland in the very unsual position in the basement of the league standings at 0-2.
In their defense, the ‘Cats lost to two very good ballclubs on the road. Middleville hiked its record last Friday to 8-0 and Ottawa Hills now is 7-2, with both losses to powerful opponents, Lansing Everett and state-ranked Goodrich. Interestingly, Middleville, coming off that big win over Wayland Friday night, absorbed its first defeat, 69-59 in a nonleague contest Tuesday night at Grand Rapids Northview.
The game at Ottawa Hills was close throughout, with the ‘Cats taking a 14-10 lead at the end of the first quarter by Ottawa up by one, 25-24, at the half and 39-38 after three periods. The two squads were knotted at 57-all at the end of regulation. They both scored eight points in the first extra session, but the Bengals had a 7-4 advantage in the second.
Wayland had four guys in double figures, with sophomore Avery Hudson leading the way with 22 points. Point guard Dilon Aten dropped in 18 points, Zac Nieukoop had 15 and Lacey James 10.
Lance Windom had 24 points and Anthony Macintosh 23 for Ottawa Hills.
The Wildcats will be at home Friday evening at 6 p.m. against Grand Rapids Catholic Central, seeking their first league victory.
PHOTO: Sophomore Avery Hudson scored 22 points in a tough double overtime loss. (Photo courtesy Kenny Ritz)
