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ZEELAND — For three quarters on Tuesday, the new-look Reeths-Puffer boys basketball team went toe-to-toe with Zeeland East in the season-opening game for both teams.

The score was tied and it looked like the Rockets, with a big point production night from their top two returnees, might end the game on a happy note.

But then a tough fourth quarter, brought on by tired legs, grounded the Rockets, and they went on to lose 72-59 on the Chix’ home court.

The game marked not only R-P’s season opener, but the first on the sideline for new head coach JR Wallace. He said the team competed well, but has some lessons to learn after opening night.
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R-P's Brayden Mitchelson (24) gets off a shot with a screen from Elliot Schneider (23). Photo/Tyler Lirones

One of those lessons is how to manage fatigue, which Wallace said was a factor in the fatal fourth quarter.

“It’s the first game of the season, you’re trying to learn where your sea legs are,” Wallace said. “That was the biggest thing. We made a couple of boneheaded plays because of fatigue.

“The lesson I’m trying to teach our guys is, when you’re tired, let me know so we can get you out and get you right back in. First game of the season, you’re trying to learn those things.”

Defensive rebounding was another area of concern for the Rockets. Zeeland East was able to grab around a dozen offensive rebounds, leading to several second-chance baskets. 

“That’s another lesson that we look forward to learning on film,” Wallace said. 
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R-P's Marvin Moore tries to get past a defender on his way to the basket. Photo/Tyler Lirones

There’s some learning to do for Wallace, too.

His coaching career got off to an unusual start, with the Rockets picking up an administrative technical foul due to a jersey issue at the start of the game. An R-P player was wearing a different jersey number than the one listed in the official scoring book, resulting in the foul.

“It’s something to laugh about at the end of the year banquet,” the coach said. “Last night, one of the players asked me (to change numbers). I thought ‘OK, no problem.’ But then you don’t change it in the (system), and therefore when the athletic secretary sends it out, it’s in there. Again, another beginning of the season thing that you just learn from.”

One very good sign for R-P was the performance of top returning starters Marvin Moore and Brayden Mitchelson, who combined for 42 of the team’s 59 points. 
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R-P's Drew Brooks goes in for a layup. Photo/Tyler Lirones

“Those are our guys,” Wallace said. “We’re going to try to ride those guys out as much as we can.” 

Reeths-Puffer got off to a hot start, using a three-pointer from Elliot Schneider and two triples from Moore to build an early 9-4 lead.

The Chix quickly settled in, though, closing the first quarter with an 18-4 run to lead 22-13 after the first eight minutes. 

Zeeland East led by as many as 14 points midway through the second quarter, but the Rockets closed the gap to just six points, 33-27, by halftime.

Moore led the Rockets with 10 first half points, followed by Schneider with six and Mitchelson with five. 
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Mitchelson dribbles with a ZE defender right on his heels. Photo/Tyler Lirones

After struggling to find his shot in the first half, Mitchelson caught fire in the third quarter. He scored 12 of Reeths-Puffer’s 18 points, with one three-pointer and three converted and-one opportunities.

Mitchelson’s hot hand helped the Rockets even the score at 45-45 heading to the fourth. 

But the final quarter belonged to the Chix. A quick 6-0 start gave Zeeland East a lead it held the rest of the game.

Reeths-Puffer pulled within seven points, 61-54, with 2:40 to play, but a 7-0 Chix run shut down any comeback hopes. 

Moore led Reeths-Puffer with 22 points, followed by Mitchelson with 20. Schneider added nine points, while Drew Brooks and Kamarion Davis had four each. 
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Schneider gets ready to shoot a free throw. Photo/Tyler Lirones

Mitchelson added six rebounds, Brooks had four rebounds, three assists and three steals, and Moore grabbed four rebounds. 

Zeeland East's B.J. Walker led all scorers with 28 points. Caleb Claerbaut added 20 points for the Chix and Will Drnek was also in double figures with 10. 

Reeths-Puffer will host Forest Hills Central on Friday in the team’s first home game of the season. 

“It was good to have 100 or so people come out and support us on the road,” Wallace said. “We look forward to getting home and seeing how that goes for us on Friday.”
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