After two very impressive road wins over Traverse City Central and Grandville, the boys JV basketball team looked to avenge one of the four losses it had last year to the Forest Hills Eastern Hawks. Unfortunately, the team suffered a heartbreaking loss in overtime last night 50-46.

Sophomores Jonah Spates and Dallas Hopson led the way offensively, scoring 12 and 11 points, respectively. In his first game returning from a wrist injury, sophomore Chris Battiste also added a nice stat line with 8 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals, and a pair of blocks. 

FHE got off to an extremely hot start in the first half, and FHC struggled to stop the fast pace of the Hawks. An early disadvantage for the Rangers came in the first minute of the game, when one of their key defenders and rebounders, sophomore Matthew Mahoney, picked up 2 quick fouls. FHE continued to get many points in transition, and the Rangers struggled to get back on defense and get consecutive stops.

The second quarter was much better for FHC, as the team cut the previous 8-point deficit to tie the game at the half. The second half resulted in many forced shots and turnovers from the Rangers; however, some big threes down the stretch from Jonah, Dallas, and sophomore Peyton Bush gave the Rangers a spark. FHC found a way to get consecutive stops, and the Rangers and Hawks found themselves tied at the end of regulation.

In overtime, the turnover problem for the Rangers continued and FHE got out fast in transition to get some key early buckets. The Hawks made a big run towards the end of OT, and what didn’t help was that the Rangers found themselves in a shooting drought during that run. The Rangers suffered a tough loss to the Hawks in OT 50-46 while only shooting 28.6% on the night.

This loss puts the Rangers at 2-2 with a big chance to avenge themselves at the Cornerstone Holiday Tournament next weekend. The teams featured in FHC’s bracket will be Covenant Christian – who they will play next Friday – Godwin Heights, and the Rockford Rams. FHC is only familiar with Godwin out of this pool, as the Rangers defeated the Wolverines last year in a thriller 50-49. If FHC can cure its shooting woes along with the key offensive and defensive players performing at top level, look for the Rangers to go 2-0 next weekend.