Rockford Rams 69, Creston Polar Bears 32

Rockford boys basketball team takes early lead to earn 69-32 Class A district semifinal victory over Grand Rapids Creston
Tara Aday | taday@mlive.com, March 07, 2012 10:24 p.m.

ROCKFORD — Rockford took control in the first quarter and outscored Grand Rapids Creston 34-12 in the first half in its Class A district semifinal win.

Creston coach Shannon Baker said the early lead, which extended to 14 points in the first quarter, made it hard for his team to stay in the game.

"We tried to stay close to them, but once (Rockford) started making those shots, we knew it was going to be a long game," Baker said. "They jumped on us early.

"Once they started scoring on us, that momentum they had going really got to us."

Alex Durkin led Rockford with a game-high 12 points and had six rebounds.

For Rockford coach Nick Allen, it was all about putting forth an entire team effort, a message that translated to his team.

"It was a team-oriented win tonight, and that's a great feeling going into Friday's game," Rockford senior Mark Pearson said. "We were really feeling each other on offense, and overall, we have some great guys, one through 15.

"It's not just the players you see out there on the floor, it's one through 15 that are working really well tonight and at practice."

Allen said his team knew and understood the importance of Wednesday's game.

"If you lose, you're done," he said. "The guys really understood the gravity of this tournament, and they are going to give it everything they got."

Scott Nikodemski and Kyle Short contributed eight points apiece for Rockford.

Marcus Vander II led Creston with 10 points.

Halfway through the third quarter, Rockford pulled five players off the bench to relieve its starters, which gave the Rams an even larger lead.

"When shots are dropping, everything is a bit easier," Allen said. "And shots were dropping for us tonight."

Rockford outscored Creston 25-8 in the third quarter.

"We moved the ball well and played as a team," Allen said in regards to his team's performance in the third quarter. "As a team, we were able to shine tonight."

Rockford will play Grand Rapids Northview at 7 p.m. Friday in the district finals.

"Scoring on (Northview) and being able to stop them will be all we can handle," Allen said.