MUSKEGON TWP. - You know your young team is definitely improving when it plays pretty badly in a very ugly game, but still finds a way to beat a rival for the first time in two years.
The Reeths-Puffer girls basketball squad did not perform particularly well for most of Friday's home conference game against Muskegon, missing lots of shots, turning the ball over way too often and struggling badly on the defensive boards.
But the Rockets managed to pull themselves together in the second half with good defense and just enough offense to emerge with an exciting 30-27 win over the Big Reds in O-K Green conference action at Dan Beckeman Arena.
It was the third victory in a row for Reeths-Puffer, which started the season with an 0-5 record, but is now 5-8 overall and 3-2 in the O-K Green conference standings.
R-P's Ashlyn David (33). Photo/Tyler Lirones
It was the R-P girls' first win against Muskegon since Feb. 3, 2023. The Rockets lost to the Big Reds three times last season.
The fact that the Rockets have taken some time to start playing with more confidence is not surprising, considering most of their regular rotation is comprised of freshmen and sophomores who are still adjusting to the varsity game.
That youthful inexperience was painfully obvious on the offensive end for much of Friday's game
"We had one freshmen, four sophomores and one senior on the floor," said R-P head coach Rodney Walker. "This was a huge game where they kind of had an opportunity to grow up."
R-P's Raquel Walker drives in for a layup. Photo/Tyler Lirones
Coach Walker also noted that unlike most teams, his girls don't play together much over the summer, because so many of them compete in other sports and are tied up on travel teams.
As he put it, "Our first three games this year were the first time that any of our kids had played together. They are just starting to learn what each other can do."
Despite those circumstances, the Rockets have gone from looking all-but-lost in their first few games to a team that knows it can make adjustments, overcome adversity and win.
They overcame a lot of adversity on Friday.
The Rockets struggled offensively, particularly in the first half, when they had trouble against the Big Reds' defense, made only 3 of 17 shots from the floor and had 13 turnovers.
R-P's Mya Swain (25). Photo/Tyler Lirones
Luckily Muskegon was nearly as bad, and only led 4-2 after one quarter and 13-10 at halftime.
The game looked like it might get away from the Rockets in the first two minutes of the third quarter, when they committed four quick turnovers, allowing Muskegon to pull ahead 19-10.
But then R-P suddenly calmed down, outscored Muskegon 11-4 over the rest of the third and only trailed 23-21 heading into the fourth.
Ashlyn David started the rally with a layup, then Raquel Walker added a steal and layup less than a minute later, making the score 19-14.
R-P's Joslyn Kops (2). Photo/Tyler Lirones
Grace Tindall added a big three-pointer with 3:30 left in the quarter, then David hit two free throws and Walker added a layup with 17 seconds left, pulling the Rockets within two points.
Coach Walker noted that in the second half, the Rockets were attacking the end of the court where their bench was located, so he was close by to shout instructions.
"In the first half we were like deer in the headlights," he said. "No offense was being run at all. At halftime, I told them, you guys are on my end now, so listen to the play calls and settle down."
The Rockets managed just enough offense in the fourth quarter to gain the win.
David drives in for a bucket. Photo/Tyler Lirones
Walker tied the game at 23-23 just 25 seconds into the quarter, then Jaslynn Kops hit a jumper to give R-P its first lead of the game, 25-23.
Muskegon tied the score at 25-25 with two free throws, then David fed Chloe Brainard a beautiful pass, and Brainard hit a layup with 3:27 left, making the score 27-25.
The Rockets got their last three points on a free throw by Walker with 3:06 remaining and a layup by Tindall with 2:03 left..
Muskegon made two more free throws but could get no closer.
Walker at the free throw line. Photo/Tyler Lirones
The Big Reds were actually a big help for the Rockets down the stretch, missing all 21 of their shots from the floor in the fourth quarter.
Many of those missed shots came from very close range, after Muskegon pulled down offensive rebounds.
The Big Reds could not get the putbacks to go, and settled for four points in the fourth quarter, all from the free throw line.
They attempted a three as the clock ran out, but it missed the mark and the Rockets emerged with the close win, despite committing 13 more turnovers in the second half, bringing their game total to 26.
Walker finished with 11 points, David had seven and Tindall scored five for Reeths-Puffer.