Rockford Rams 70, Jenison Wildcats 53

Rockford boys hit 10-pointers, beat O-K Red rival Jenison
Kelly Hill | The Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS -- How does Rockford coach Steve Majerle define Rockford basketball? Hard, smart and together.

The Rams played hard, smart and together -- and hit 10 3-pointers -- Monday night as they trounced Jenison 70-53 in the Jam at the Van.

Rockford (6-4 overall, 4-2 in the O-K Red) jumped out to a 10-point lead (18-8) at the end of the first quarter, led by 12 (39-27) at halftime and extended its lead to 24 (60-26) by the end of the third.

"This is the way we should have been playing since the beginning of the year," Majerle said. "We had a good effort tonight, our defense is back to where it used to be, we shared the ball and we shot well."

The Rams shot 52 percent from the field and 40 percent from beyond the arc.

"This is two games in a row when we have played Rockford basketball: hard, smart and together. If you do that, the basketball gods will reward you," Majerle said.

The Rams dumped Forest Hills Northern 59-35 in its previous outing.

Junior guard Ryan Majerle and senior forward Robert Pierson led Rockford with 14 points apiece. Jenison (6-5, 3-3) was led by senior forward Kyle Hoek who scored 11 points and junior center Jason Pretzer who had 10.

"They came into a neutral arena and shot the ball well early," Jenison coach Brett Dyke said. "It didn't matter who shot it for them, they were making them. We talked at halftime about coming out with energy but they answered the bell and were the aggressors. They play really good defense too, but things are easier when you make shots."

Rockford is scheduled to play at Muskegon on Friday night and will host Warren De La Salle on Saturday.

Jenison is scheduled to host East Kentwood on Friday night.