Central Montcalm’s boys basketball team continued their unbeaten streak this season by defeating Big Rapids 65-56 in a closely contested match on January 8, 2024. Senior Evan Rolston led the Hornets with an impressive 31 points, showcasing his skills and composure under pressure.
The Hornets have demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the season, maintaining their perfect record after nine games. They have averaged nearly 59 points per game, illustrating their offensive capabilities and ability to perform in high-stress situations.
In this rescheduled game against Big Rapids, which has struggled this season with a record of 2-7, the Hornets capitalized on the Cardinals’ early shooting inconsistencies. Coach Shea Ingles acknowledged the importance of winning, even when the team’s performance was not at its peak. “It was ugly, but sometimes it’s good to win ugly,” he stated.
The first half saw Central Montcalm establish a 30-23 lead, despite a few scoring challenges. Rolston emphasized the team’s energy and focus, saying, “We knew we had to handle business and not let things get too out of control.” He highlighted that their strong start was crucial for the game’s momentum.
In the third quarter, the Hornets rebounded with another solid performance, scoring 16 points, with Rolston contributing 10. As the game approached its final moments, the Hornets faced increasing pressure from the Cardinals. However, their ability to draw fouls led to crucial free-throw opportunities, enabling them to maintain their lead.
Rolston’s standout performance was complemented by contributions from his teammates, with senior Zayne Cooper and sophomore Daniel Zableckis each scoring nine points. Senior Jamison Johns added eight points, while sophomore Peyton Marks and senior Juno Pierce rounded out the scoring with five and three points, respectively.
Coach Ingles praised his team’s cohesion, stating, “I think how hard we play and how together we play is a huge positive.” The camaraderie among players, many of whom are close friends off the court, has translated into effective teamwork during games.
Looking ahead, the Hornets faced a challenging matchup against Grant, where they suffered their first loss of the season, falling 82-56. This defeat highlighted the need for the team to regroup as they enter a crucial stretch of four consecutive away games.
Rolston reflected on the importance of staying focused, saying, “We know we’re good and we know we can compete with anyone. We just have to go into it knowing that and not rushing shots.”
As the Hornets sit atop the Central State Activities Association (CSAA) White with a perfect 3-0 record, Coach Ingles emphasized the need to remain grounded. “You still have to win your next one and the next one,” he said. “It’s one game and one practice at a time where everything matters.”
With the team’s upcoming schedule and the competitive nature of the league, the Hornets will need to maintain their focus and work ethic to achieve their goal of a conference championship.
