Wayland’s signature smothering pressure defense led the way for the girls’ basketball team’s third straight blowout victory in the young season.
The Wildcats defeated Hopkins 52-13, making things miserable for their opponent in simply getting the ball down the court over the timeline. The verdict left the ‘Cats with a 3-0 record while Hopkins had its season mark evened at 1-1.
As usual, senior standout Harmony Laker led the scoring parade with 17 points, this time featuring five three-point field goals. Izzy Johnson tossed in nine points, including a couple of threes, while Addie Sikorsky has a three and seven points.
Martin, however, fell 32-29 to longtime rival Gobles, in yet another defensive battle that usually helps determine the league and district championships. The Clippers now are 2-1 for the campaign overall.
“Tonight was a tough loss,” coach Ben Schipper said. “It came down to us shooting the ball poorly against Gobles zone and free throws.”
Gobles had 28 free throw attempts to the Clippers’ six.
“It was all about offensive aggressiveness,” the coach continued. “We were preaching the whole game that we needed to attack the zone, but we just settled for outside shots way too often.”
Martin was 12 for 42 from the field, including 3 for18 in threes.
“This game will serve as a learning experience for us.,” Schipper said.”We haven’t worked against a zone much yet or done much situational work in practice, and both showed tonight. We’ll be ready to play a much more aggressive game the next time we see them..”
Marybeth Ritchie had a standout defensive performance with 14 rebounds and 7 blocks while scoring 4 points. Macy Thorne led the Clippers with 13 points.
In a neighborhood rivalry contest, Wayland boys defeated Hopkins 66-55.
Cruz Hitzler led the Vikings in scoring with 22 points. Merek Zapolnik added 16, and Seth Marshall scored 8 inside.
Wayland led throughout the ballgame, 13-9 at the end of the first quarter, 30-17 at the half and 47-33 to start the fourth period.
“We battled hard against a hot shooting Wayland team.,” coach Jake Jewett said. “We brought the game within four points late, but just couldn’t get on top. I’m proud of the effort we gave and our no quit attitude, but we need to clean up a lot of our mistakes on the offensive end.
The Vikings will play Hastings at home Tuesday evening.
In the other boys’ basketball contest Friday night, Martin absorbed its first defeat of the season after two wins, 68-30 at the hands of Gobles.
