Rockford shoots lights out in win
Dean Holzwarth | The Grand Rapids Press
In Steve Majerle's 12 seasons as boys basketball coach
at Rockford, he has had plenty of teams that could shoot the basketball
well.
This year's version just might top them all.
The Rams shot a torrid 53 percent (9-of-17) from 3-point range,
and 62 percent (16-of-26) from inside the arc in a 65-56 road win
against Grand Haven on Friday night.
"I think this is the best shooting team that we've ever had," Majerle
said. "We have kids who are capable of getting on a roll and
shooting, and we've been shooting like that for the last three or
four games."
Rockford (9-1 overall, 6-0 O-K Red) pushed its winning streak to
nine games.
Senior Brogan Bibler and sophomore Ryan Majerle combined to make
8-of-9 3-pointers, with four each.
Majerle was a perfect 4-for-4 and finished with a game-high 19 points.
Bibler scored 18 before leaving the game with an ankle injury early
in the fourth quarter.
"We had trouble getting through some screens, but it's just
hard when they have so many (good shooters)," Grand Haven coach
Steve Hewitt said. "Sometimes you can play teams that have one
or two shooters, but they have so many. And then it makes it hard
to guard the penetration. They're solid."
A turning point took place midway through the second quarter when
the Buccaneers (5-5, 2-4) grabbed a 27-22 lead. The Rams took a timeout
and proceeded to go on a 14-0 run.
The surge was triggered by Majerle and Bibler, who scored all 14
points in that span, including three consecutive 3-pointers.
"We talked about getting back to our defense," Steve Majerle
said. "We scored at the same pace, but we stopped them. We got
some stops and that was the problem."
Grand Haven never recovered from the barrage.
"We had trouble inching our way back after that," Hewitt
said. "We felt good in the huddle for a while, but I was disappointed
in that next stretch."
While Steve Majerle was pleased with the shooting, he was concerned
about his team's defense and rebounding.
The Buccaneers out-rebounded the Rams 34-16, including 16 offensive
rebounds.
"I thought we did a great job on (Austin) Harper, but we gave
up too many offensive rebounds, and I was disappointed in our defense," Steve
Majerle said. "Our shooting is going to come to an end somewhere,
and that's when we have to depend on our defense."
Noah Veach led Grand Haven with 15 points and eight rebounds. Nate
VanArendonk added 14 points and seven rebounds. Harper was limited
to seven points.
Gabe VanderJagt added 15 points for the Rams.
