2016 Class A Semi-Finals Game Recap

Hudsonville vs. Warren Cousino

Friday, March 18, 2016

Breslin Center

In game two of the Class A semi-finals, Hudsonville (23-3) would match-up against Warren Cousino (21-4). Hudsonville would win the opening tip, but that would be all they would win in the first quarter. Junior guard Kierra Fletcher would open the quarter with 8 straight points and one assist to Mackenzie Cook for a three point shot, making Fletcher either directly or indirectly responsible for all of Cousino’s 11 points. After the 11-0 run, Hudsonville calls a timeout. With 3:52 left in the first, the Eagles finally get on the board with a layup from junior post Chloe Guingrich. Kate McArthur would add to the Patriots run by knocking down back to back three point shots. The Patriots would lead 21-8 at the end of the quarter.

Hudsonville seemed to finally wake up and started the second quarter off with a lay-up and foul from Addison Iris. She wasn’t able to convert on the free throw, but the Eagles got the offensive rebound for another shot opportunity. Sophomore guard Kasey DeSmitt drove the ball coast to coast for an impressive take to the basket, but Cousino’s McArthur answered with her third 3 pointer of the half. During the last two minutes of the half, Fletcher would once again take over, giving the Patriots thier last six points, scoring just as much as Hudsonville’s team combined and taking her team into halftime with a 32-18 lead.

Opening the third quarter, Hudsonville would feed their senior post Shaina DenBesten. DenBesten would make two great power moves to score consecutive layups. Her energy would spread through her team. The Eagles turned up the defense and got to the free throw line. This success would be short lived has Fletcher would get fired up again and go on a 6-0 run by herself. With 2:34 left in the third quarter, Fletcher had 27 points…Hudsonville had 25. Hudsonville’s scoring drought ended with 20 seconds left in the quarter, when Guingrich was able to snag an offensive rebound and put back the layup.

Ironically, Guingrich would start of the fourth quarter with another layup for Hudsonville. Fletcher would get an “and one” play to keep the Patriots’ momentum going. Addison Irish answered right back with a three point bucket, but shortly after would foul out of the game. Despite being down by 14 points, the Eagles would continue to fight, giving one hustle play after another. Their effort seemed to be paying off when they received back to back layups from DeBesten, and caused Fletcher to get her 4th foul. Cousino would not crumble or be moved. They stayed focused and their leader continued to get everyone involved, resulting in two easy layups from Mackenzie Anderson. Cousino continued to play smart basketball and closed out the game. They will face Detroit King tomorrow at noon for the Class A state championship.

Leaders: Hudsonville – DenBesten 15, Guingrich 12, DeSmit 5; Warren Cousino – Fletcher 37, McArthur 13, Anderson 6.

Game Highlights

Hudsonville:

• Hudsonville started the game sluggish and seemed to be a little shell shocked. They are a young team with only three seniors. Look for them to be a contender next season.

• The Eagles post players were their backbone today. Both DenBensten and Guingrich played their hearts out today on both ends of the floor.

Warren Cousino:

• Kierra Fletcher is Cousino’s golden goose. She did everything for her team today, including outscoring Hudsonville in the third quarter. She was fun to watch.

• The Patriots moved the ball well and allowed their offense to come together. Even when Hudsonville made a run, they never wavered from their game plan.

**Follow R. Simone on Twitter @LBI_RSimone**