Make it five wins in a row for the suddenly very fun Reeths-Puffer girls basketball team.
The Rockets played Grand Rapids Christian even for one half on Friday, then used a big third quarter from sophomore Raquel Walker, great free throw shooting in the fourth quarter, and great defense to nail down a 51-35 victory in the Cornerstone University Holiday Showcase.
The Rockets, how 5-1 on the season, will play GR South Christian on Tuesday in the tournament championship game.
The game was tied 22-22 at halftime, then Walker took over, exploding for all 14 of R-P’s points in the third quarter, highlighted by a pair of three-pointers. The Rockets had a 14-8 edge in the third and led 36-30 heading into the fourth.
Raquel Walker
R-P nailed down the victory by hitting 11 of 12 free throw attempts in the final quarter. Addison Mitchelson led the effort by going 4-for-4.
The Rockets had a 15-5 edge in the quarter and turned what had been a close game into a comfortable victory.
Overall Reeths-Puffer was 14-for-18 from the line.
Addison Mitchelson
“In the second half, our defense flipped the script, smothering GR Christian and forcing them into contested possessions with just one clean look per trip,” said R-P head coach Rodney Walker. “The unit’s disciplined rotations and relentless pursuit produced timely steals and fast break opportunities, fueling our momentum on the other end.
“A standout teamwide effort at the free throw line highlighted significant improvement and poise, sealing the win and signaling that our road to continued success goes through defense, transition, and clutch free throw shooting.”
Raquel Walker finished with a career-high 25 points and was named MVP of the game. Grace Tindall added eight points, including two triples.
Ashlyn David snagged five rebounds for the Rockets and Walker had four. Jaslynn Kops had four steals.