Boys Varsity Basketball 3/3/2008 Regional 1st Round GR Catholic Central

GR Catholic Central 68 Fremont 57

by Matt Hendrie

The Packers were taking the same route as the girls program and faced the Cougars in opening round action of Regionals on Monday night. Fremont beat GRCC earlier in the year and the Packers were hoping that much the same game would provide the same turnout. The Cougars had other plans, however, and were going to give that extra effort this time around for all the marbles.

Fremont came out strong and opened the game with a 20-14 first quarter. It looked as if the Packers found their rhythm and were clicking. GRCC turned up the defense in the second quarter and the Packers’ shots didn’t find the mark as they were limited to nine second quarter points, but still held a 29-28 halftime lead. Jeremy Gerth scored 19 of his 25 points in the second half, but it was not enough to overcome the momentum switch that GRCC found. The Cougars took a four-point lead into the fourth quarter and got some quick baskets to open the quarter and extend the lead. GRCC held a 24-19 field goal advantage for the difference in the game. Fremont shot just 17% from behind the arch and was limited inside by the Cougars’ size. The Cougars outrebounded Fremont 53-28. Following Gerth, Sean Hendon netted 13 points and Cody Tubergen tossed in eight points, five steals and five assists.

The Packers had a great season, one to be proud of. They came together as a team and, despite a slow start, finished the season with 15 wins in a row, won a Lakes 8 Championship, and brought home a District title. The team went 18-5 and went out playing hard and fighting for more. Good season Pack.