The Martin boys’ varsity basketball team evened its overall season record at 3-3 with a 67-34 victory Tuesday night over Gobles.
The girls, however, ran into a bizarre defensive struggle at Gobles, scoring only two points in the entire second half and losing 24-14, a score that appeared to be more like a football game. Their record now is 3-3 as well while Gobles is 5-2.
Coach Ben Schipper said, “Tough night for us… played with only seven girls and struggled mightily to put the ball in the hoop.
“Very proud of the way Bri Warner defended Amanda Barber and held her in check. We did a much better job rebounding in the second half. Liz Reinke also gave us some great effort plays off the bench.”
The boys’ squad put together a splendid effort, leading at all period stops, 15-6, 29-20 and 55-24.
“We came out that first half trying to do some different things on the defensive end… some of them worked and some of them did not, but it was nice to get some game time to work on them,” said coach Brad Moelker. “We really pulled away during a huge third quarter. We went on a 26-4 run during that quarter and established some nice defensive intensity.”
Gabe Meyers led the Clippers with 15 points and 7 rebounds, Brayden Eckman added 13 points and 4 rebounds, Mitchell Jager 13 points, Collin Coburn 11 points, 5 assists and 7 rebounds, and Cole Altman 6 points and 7 rebounds.
“We really discussed stepping up as players, and the guys responded,” the coach added. “Gabe found some nice gaps in their zone and made just about every he shot going six for eight from the field. Brayden had one of his best games as well shooting five for six. The two worked all night and rebounded hard for guards.
Moelker said he was pleased that the two guards combined for seven offensive rebounds and the Clippers combined for 18 offensive rebounds as a team.
“The entire team really played within ourselves throughout the game,” the coach said. “We pushed when it was there and then slowed it down at other times. I thought we played well as a team and did not turn it into an individual event.
“The best moment of the night was seeing one of our guys on the ground for a loose ball. After the whistle all four players on the court sprinted over to help him up. I think that shows we are starting to grow a little closer as a team.”
Both Clipper basketball teams will play at Kalamazoo Christian Friday evening.