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Unbeaten Rapid River cruises past Maroons

Boys basketball

Avery Bundgaard | Daily Press Rapid River’s Sam Orth (40) goes up for a layup over Menominee’s Kyle Anderson during the first half Thursday at Rapid River.

RAPID RIVER — The Rapid River boys’ basketball team put on the pressure during the second quarter Thursday that allowed it to secure a 61-52 victory over Menominee.

“I was pleased with the way the intensity level was right off the bat,” said Rapid River coach Rich Poma. “Again they came out with some confidence and were hitting shots.”

The Rockets got out to a 13-4 lead to start the game while shooting 5-for-7 (71 percent) compared to 2-for-7 (29 percent) for the Maroons.

Menominee settled down after that and outscored Rapid River by six to end the first quarter and only trailed 20-17 entering the second period.

“I was proud of the intensity they brought,” said Menominee coach Sam Larson. “Our mental execution wasn’t always there, but as far as intensity goes, we brought a lot of energy tonight and I was proud to see that.”

Avery Bundgaard | Daily Press Rapid River’s Tyler Sundling goes up for a layup against Menominee during the first half Thursday at Rapid River.

The Rockets picked up the defensive pressure in the second quarter forcing 10 turnovers in the period that allowed them to increase their lead to 38-24 by halftime.

Leading the defensive effort for Rapid River was Lucas Sundling who was constantly getting into passing lanes and had five steals for the game.

“I thought Lucas did a great job of jumping the passing lanes,” said Poma. “That little stuff helps get the whole defense fired up.”

Both teams kept pretty even in the third quarter as the Rockets carried a 50-37 lead into the final period.

The Maroons picked up their defense in the fourth quarter and eventually trimmed the deficit to eight but ran out of time before they could do anymore damage.

“Fourth quarter we got a little scrappy and we started to gamble a little bit,” said Larson. “We’re fairly long so we were able to force some turnovers and convert on the other end. It became more of a chaotic game.”

Hardwick led the Rockets with 18 points while other starters Tyler Sundling (13) and Lucas Sundling (10) each scored in double figures.

Sam Orth came off the bench and provided a spark for Rapid River as he was the second leading scorer with 14.

“Sam always gives us a spark and provides good energy,” said Poma. “He moves well and he seals well. He’s kind of like the garbage guy. He cleans up everybody else’s mess. He doesn’t get a lot of touches directly but he gets a lot of offensive rebounds and putbacks.”

Keagan Monroe led the Maroons with 26 points and Kyle Anderson added 11.

Rapid River is off until Monday, Jan. 15 when it travels to North Central.

The summary:

Menominee 17 7 13 15 — 52

Rapid River 20 18 12 11 — 61

Menominee — Monroe 26, Kuester 4, Barrette 2, Snyder 5, Anderson 11, Harris 4; FT: 5-9; F: 18; Fouled out: Harris; 3-point field goals: Monroe 4, Kuester 1.

Rapid River — L. Sundling 10, T. Sundling 13, Hardwick 18, Willemsen 2, Landis 3, Gustafson 1, Orth 14; FT: 13-23; F: 6; Fouled out: none; 3-point field goals: L. Sundling 2, T. Sundling 2, Hardwick 2.

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