After a big 58-37 win over the Grandville Bulldogs last Tuesday, the girls varsity basketball team took on the East Kentwood Falcons in another non-conference showdown. The girls, unfortunately, could not get the win, as they fell to the Falcons 73-45. Juniors Brittney Probst and Zoe Lipke were key in scoring the basketball tonight, and they also got some help from senior Ally Ringler. 

The Rangers started out strong in the first half. Against a very good defensive team in East Kentwood, FHC was able to get some early baskets to put some pressure on the Falcons. Brittney was able to force some turnovers and get layups while Ally hit some mid-range shots to help FHC keep pace with EK. 

With East Kentwood’s size inside, FHC’s game plan was to take charges on the defensive end to put the Falcons in foul trouble. The plan worked for the most part in the first half, as East Kentwood was in foul trouble in the opening quarter. However, the Falcons were able to adjust to this by crashing the offensive glass and getting many second-chance points. FHC went into the half down 31-21 to EK.

East Kentwood’s offense came alive in the second half, as they scored 40 points compared to FHC’s 24. Turning the ball over became a struggle for the Rangers, and the Falcons were able to get many steals and turn them into points in transition. Another issue for FHC was rebounding the basketball. The Falcons were able to get many second-chance points in which the Rangers could not capitalize on. The clock expired, and FHC lost the ball game 73-45.

The loss puts FHC at 3-2 overall on the season. The Rangers now focus on the annual Cornerstone Holiday tournament this Thursday, where they will take on the Grand Rapids Christian Eagles in the first round. Last year, FHC won the Holiday tournament by defeating Rockford in the championship game, so the team will hope to do the same this time around.