Talented & tough Rockford outlasts Forest Hills Central in non-league battle of versatile teams

Saturday, December 8, 2001

By Jane Bos
The Grand Rapids Press

Thanks to a tall pair of Douglas brothers returning from last year's talented team, the Rockford basketball team is tough inside.

And thanks to a talented transfer from West Ottawa, point guard Michael Redell, the Rams are tough outside.

Talented and tough, Rockford held off equally talented-and-tough both inside-and-outside Forest Hills Central 61-56 Friday night in non-league action at Rockford.

"That's the strength of both teams, you can't focus on any one area," said Rockford coach Steve Majerle, whose team is 1-0. "Both have big men and both have good guards. My hats off to them. We came off the better end of this one."

Redell, a 6-foot sophomore, led the way in the first half by scoring 12 of his team-high 18 points. Derek Douglas, a 6-5 senior, took over in the second half by scoring 14 of his 16 points.

The 6-6 junior R.C. Douglas added 14 points, including four 3-pointers, and seven rebounds.

"I thought Rockford made a ton of important contested shots," said Forest Hills Central coach Ken George. "It's a tribute to them for doing that in their own gym. I give them credit for it."

Give some credit to the Rangers' James Telman, too.

The 6-1 junior guard tossed in a game-high 24 points and kept Forest Hills Central (1-1) in the game.

Late in the fourth quarter, with Rockford leading 53-49, Telman sank a 3-pointer then stole the ball and scored on a layup to put his team on top 54-53 with 2:06 left.

But a pair of baskets by the Douglas brothers and a couple of Ranger turnovers helped give Rockford a 58-56 lead. And with time ticking off, FHC was forced to foul.

The Rams made 3 of 5 free throws in the final 28 seconds, enough to hold on for the win.

"We really wanted to take it to the next step and beat them on their home floor," George said. "I felt like we were ready. One rebound here, one shot here could've been the difference."

A healthy Kevin Murphy also would have helped. Murphy, a 6-6 forward who's heading to the University of Michigan on a football scholarship, battled Derek Douglas' tenacious defense and a severe cold Friday. He wound up with five points, well below his 20 points-per-game average from a year ago.

"Kevin had a pretty good game for a guy who can barely breathe," added George.

But Murphy's not the Rangers' only big man. Kyle Visser, a 6-9 junior who just turned 16, added 11 points and six rebounds.

"Forest Hills Central is a very good team," Majerle said. "I'm extremely happy that we came out ahead."

Rockford led 17-15 after the first quarter, 29-26 at halftime and 48-46 after the third quarter. The game featured nine lead changes, and five times the score was tied.

"I thought a couple of times we could've put them away, and we didn't," Majerle said. "We have some things to work on."

The last two years, the Rams ended the Rangers' season in the districts. The two teams could meet up again in a strong Class A district in Greenville this year.

"This win (tonight) means something," said Majerle. "The one that matters will be in March, that much is true. But let's not forget we have the mental edge now. I would much rather be the one coming into districts with a win."