By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
The Kelloggsville High School girls basketball team ended their season this week standing “solid” after tripling their season win total from a year ago and offering a good defensive effort against Wyoming Godwin Heights in the 56-40 loss Wednesday night in the Division 2 District 44 tournament at Grand Rapids Christian.
In the March 6 semifinal game, the Rockets had to rely on young players to provide much of their minutes and scoring due to a short bench. But the team’s coach had nothing but praise for his team’s 12-9 season, its emerging young talent and the toughness of his small senior class.
“We tripled our wins from last year,” head coach Bilal Muhammad said to WKTV after the game. “Last year we had four, this year we had 12. We stand solid and I am excited for the future … I’m proud of the effort they gave tonight, the effort was there. I just want to have the girls keep working hard.”
The future includes the Rockets fielding a team in the district tournament that included three freshmen and two sophomores among a nine-player squad.
Kelloggsville was led by sophomore Nariah Collier’s 12 points, with 10 coming in the second half as she almost singlehandedly kept her team in the game. Junior Mercedes Chandler and freshman Brea’Ana Smalley each added six points. Freshman Sydney Hansma added five points.
“Our youth has stepped it up,” Muhammad said. “We are making strides. The future is looking great.”
The only seniors on the squad, Indonesia Carpenter and Symone Britt, scored four and five points, respectively But coach Muhammad said the pair brought much more than scoring to the Rockets this season.
“The seniors brought toughness to our team, toughness and leadership,” he said. “They have been here before so they can let the girls know what to expect here, but really toughness and leadership.”
Season highlights for the Rockets this season included starting 5-1, with a streak of four straight home wins highlighted by a win over Zeeland West and the title of their own Holiday tournament. They finished 6-4 overall at home and 4-6 in the tough OK Conference Silver.
