Click the thumbnails to see videos from the game, and to hear post-game comments from Makenna Hendrickson and Coach James Fassett. Also click the AUDIO button to hear Jillian Fraser's player spotlight interview
MUSKEGON---The Bay College Norse women's basketball team cruised past the Muskegon Community College Jayhawks, 77-60, on Saturday, to stay unbeaten in conference games.
After leading just 19-15 after the first quarter, the Norse clamped down on defense in the second quarter. Bay allowed just six points in those ten minutes, while scoring 23 points of their own to build 42-21 halftime lead that was never reduced.
“I think the reffing was a little inconsistent,” Norse Coach James Fassett said. “It was just hard to play through that. I told our team, when it's like that, things don't always go right. It's nice when there's a choppy game like that, to have a lead. We had a great second quarter, which carried us the other three quarters. They don't have as much depth as he (Coach Jason Cooper) has had in the past, so we could just wear them down.”
And defense was the key.
“We were kind of down at first, but I think that was because of a lack of energy, and once we got moving,” Norse point guard Makenna Hendrickson said. “Coach kind of got on us. It was tough with the refs, because at first, like, every little thing was getting called, and then nothing was getting called at the end. It's frustrating, but we just kind of played through it. When it's constantly changing, then you don't know if you can play rough or not. It was weird (atmosphere) vibes.”
McKenzie Hoffmeyer had a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds in 28 minutes of play, and she had five steals on defense. Lauren Zawada also had a double-double of 13 points and 14 rebounds, and Nina Bower came off the bench to turn in another great performance: 15 points in 18 minutes, making three triples.
And the fourth Norse player in double figures scoring was Hendrickson, with 12 points. She grabbed eight rebounds, dished out four assists, and had two steals.
Muskegon (5-8 overall, 1-2 MCCAA North) got 18 points from Shamari Hamilton, and Anna Lundquist added 14 points and ten rebounds. Paige Seely-London contributed 12 points and she dished out five assists.
“Their main point guard, she was really quick, so it was definitely challenging to guard her,” Hendrickson said. “As long as she didn't get a first step, I was kind of fine containing her. But it was definitely difficult. She was fun to play against.”
And on the other end of the court?
“They came out playing a lot of man (defense) and then switched to a zone to try to slow us down a little bit,” Fassett said. “His (Cooper) teams are always prepared. He's a great guy. He says his team is a little bit down this year, but I know it won't be for long.”
Bay's defense forced 27 turnovers, and the Norse out-rebounded the Jayhawks, 50-40. The Norse were good at the foul line, making 20 of 27 shots (74-percent).
Bay College (14-3 overall, 3-0 MCCAA North) will be back in action on Wednesday night with a home game against the Alpena Lumberjacks.
“We've compiled a great record so far, but we want to keep it going,” Fassett said. “Two home games. Come out and watch!”
Wednesday's game against Alpena starts at 5:30 and Saturday's game against Delta College will start at 1:00. Both will be broadcast live on Maverick 106.3 FM, the Voice of the Norse, and on-line at www.radioresultsnetwork.com.
