Senior Ali Sparling drives to the basket in the Friday, Dec. 2 game against Big Rapids.
Photo by K. Alvesteffer/R. LaLone
The Cedar Springs Girls Basketball Team capped off a busy eight-day stretch by defeating Holland West Ottawa 53-41 on Friday night, Dec. 9. The win marked the Red Hawks fourth straight victory after losing their season opener. Senior Ali Sparling led the team with 19 points, including five three-pointers. Sophomores Brighton Miller and Baylie VanDyke followed with 12 and 10 points respectively.
“West Ottawa was a good test for us,” said Coach Brandon Miller. “They were big and athletic. I am very proud of the girls and the way that they stepped up and executed our game plan. This team has set their goals very high and they are working extremely hard to reach them. We had a very busy week of basketball and it would have been easy to lose focus. Our leadership and work ethic from top to bottom has been great.”
The eight-day stretch began the previous Friday, Dec. 2, when the Lady Red Hawks defeated Big Rapids 44-41. Ali Sparling again led the way, scoring 18 points and hauling in 6 rebounds. Classmates Aaliyah Sargent and Maddie VanDusen chipped in 8 points each. Sargent also led the team with 9 rebounds.
The middle two games of the four game stretch saw Sparta and Grant come to town. The Lady Red Hawks defeated Sparta 45-35 on Monday, Dec. 5. The Red Hawks built a 21-point lead after three quarters. Baylie VanDyke recorded her first double-double of the season netting 10 points and hauling in 10 rebounds. Brighton Miller led the team in scoring with 12 points. Maddie VanDusen chipped in with 9 points.
The team was back at it the next night battling Grant. Cedar Springs held a slim 7-point lead going into half but pulled away for a 55-28 victory. Senior Aaliyah Sargent led the team with 17 points and 6 rebounds followed by Ali Sparling with 11 and 6 rebounds. Ashley Wise and Morgan Shevock also contributed 8 points each in the winning effort.
The Lady Red Hawks next game will be this Friday, Dec. 16, at Comstock Park. Game time is 7:00 p.m.
