The Hopkins girls’ basketball team continues to impress as the season progresses toward tournament time.
The Lady Vikings pulled a 54-42 rabbit out of its hat Thursday night against a highly-regarded Kalamazoo Hackett quintet that entered the contest with an overall record of 18-3. Hopkins, with the win, moved to 18-4. The team has lost only once since Jan. 6, going 15-1 since bowing to Calvin Christian.
These ladies were undefeated on their home court this season. Reegan Helderop and Claire Brenner led the way with 13 points and 11 points, respectively.
Hopkins will play in the Division 2 post-season hoops tournament against South Haven at Hamilton Wednesday night. If the Vikings win that one, they’ll have yet another difficult task, taking on top-seeded Otsego, which has been beaten only once this season and captured the Wolverine Conference championship. But it should not be forgotten that the Lady Vikings, under first-year coach Kennedy Helderop, were co-champions with Calvin Christian for the O-K Silver title.
Battle Creek St. Phillip girls 55 Martin 47
The Clippers gave St. Phil a real tussle until the last quarter. The two teamsa were tied at 12-all atb the end of the first quarter, Martin led 26-24 at the half and they were knotted at 38 at the end of three.
But then St. Phil began to pull away in the fourth period.
“We played a tough and well coached team in St. Philip tonighåt and they pulled out a hard fought win. I thought we played well most the game, but we gave up some easy baskets late and the shots weren’t falling late for us.”
Anna Jager had 19 points, Torryn Harris had 10 points and 11 rebounds, and Kayden Jager had 9 points.
Martin finished the regular season with a 10-10 record overall.
East Kentwood girls 57 Wayland 51
In what one perceptive fan called, “Probably the worst game we’ve played all year! Very winnable game!” the Lady Wildcats finished their regular season with a record of 13-7. They won their first seven contests this season, but then went 6-7 the rest of the way.
Division 1 East Kentwood is 9-9 for the season overall.
Addie Sikorski dropped in 22 points and Marissa Ainsworth 14 for the Lady Wildcats.
They will open post-season tournament play at South Christian Wednesday, March 4.
