After a rough few weeks in January and early February, it looks like the Reeths-Puffer girls basketball team is getting back in rhythm.
The Rockets posted their second consecutive double-digit win on Friday, topping Byron Center 53-43 in an O-K Green conference road game.
“It was a complete team win, with contributions across the roster, and another important conference victory that has shown the growth and resolve regarding our young Lady Rockets,” said R-P head coach Rodney Walker.
Coach Walker said the team’s defensive effort was a difference-maker. 
Raquel Walker
“Our defense dictated the pace all night, closing off driving lanes and forcing Byron Center into contested looks from beyond the arc,” he said. “By taking away their interior options and slowing the tempo, we limited high-percentage drives and turned in a disciplined, collective effort on the perimeter.”
Offensively, eight different Rockets scored, with five collecting six or more points.
Raquel Walker led the way with 21 points, including nine in the third quarter, when R-P opened up its lead with a 16-8 edge. She also had 12 rebounds, five assists and four steals.
“Our offense ran with purpose, executing our ball movement and spacing to a high level,” Coach Walker said. “We moved the ball really well and found open teammates and trusted each other to make the right reads.”
Reeths-Puffer led 12-10 after the first quarter and 21-20 at halftime. The Rockets extended the lead to 37-28 after three quarters and used a 16-15 edge in the fourth to close out the win.
R-P was 12-for-15 at the free throw line for the game, including 9-for-11 in the fourth quarter.