MUSKEGON TWP. - A sure sign of youth is inconsistency, and that seems to be where the developing Reeths-Puffer boys basketball team is at right now.
An impressive win one day, then a learning loss on another.
The Rockets, featuring a number of sophomores playing key roles, have definitely shown some life lately, winning three of their last five games heading into Tuesday’s non-conference matchup against Grandville.
But the taller and athletic Bulldogs handed the Rockets their latest learning loss, 69-56, at R-P’s Dan Beckeman Arena.
R-P's Artis Williams drive toward the basket. Photo/Tyler Lirones
It’s all part of the growing process, according to R-P head coach JR Wallace.
“Trying to get (the sophomores) some good minutes and good wins, and just gain some confidence playing our brand of basketball at the high school level,” the coach said. “Now you’re seeing some of the fruit, but you’re also seeing the inconsistencies of being a young team.
“We’re trying to teach them in real time what it takes to be good players, but most importantly, good men, and how to show up every day and be consistent.”
The victory was big for Grandville, which has had a strange season with a 10-0 start, followed by a nine-game losing streak, and now three straight wins.
The Bulldogs play in the very tough O-K Red conference, with state powers like East Kentwood, Rockford and Hudsonville, and are a good. battle-tested team, according to Wallace.
R-P's Marvin Moore goes up to block a shot. Photo/Tyler Lirones
The coach said he was happy to play the Bulldogs at this point in the season, with the postseason starting in less than a week.
The Rockets, now 5-16 on the season, will close out the regular season at home on Friday against Jenison, then will meet rival Mona Shores in a Division 1 district tournament game next Monday.
“They’re a really good team and have played tough competition,” Wallace said about Grandville. “It’s good to have this on the schedule late, and it’s good to have the film to break down for our young guys, so they can see where we’re not boxing out or communicating.”
Wallace specified several things the Rockets need to do better moving forward.
R-P's Justin Chan tries to find his way through two defenders. Photo/Tyler Lirones
“The biggest thing is offensively being shot-ready,” the coach said. “There were times we caught it and just held it. Defensively, we’ve got to talk and communicate in real time. And with our lack of size, we have to box out and carve out space, not just be inside of guys, but push them out.”
Grandville set the tone in the first quarter, attacking the rim repeatedly for layups and a dunk while racing out to a 21-9 lead.
Senior Marvin Moore accounted for the bulk of the Rockets’ offense in the opening frame, answering with a pair of tough finishes and a fadeaway jumper and scoring seven points.
The Bulldogs continued to capitalize on second-chance opportunities and transition buckets in the second quarter, stretching the margin to 37-23 at halftime, despite a late 3-pointer from Moore as the buzzer sounded.
Moore had nine points in the second quarter.
R-P's Hank Mitchelson plays defense. Photo/Tyler Lirones
Grandville opened the third quarter with an 11-4 run and led 57-36 heading into the fourth. Moore led the Rockets with seven points in the third.
The Rockets battled in the fourth, trimming the deficit behind aggressive drives from sophomore Rodney Walker and timely finishes from fellow sophomores Artis Williams and Hank Michelson, but Grandville’s interior scoring and free-throw shooting were enough to seal the win.
Moore led all scorers with 25 points, while Walker added 16 points and Jamichael Williams chipped in seven for the Rockets.
Carter Wade paced the Bulldogs with 20 points.