Fremont saved its best basketball of the season for the right moment.
At the very least, it was some tough-minded basketball.
Fremont defeated a solid Sparta squad in a 57-55 thriller Friday night at Comstock Park to seize a Division 2 district championship.
“It was a very special night for our team and our program,” Fremont coach Adam Bowen said. “I am so proud of how hard our team competed and fought. We played one of our best games of the season against a very good Sparta team.
“Everyone contributed and it was truly a great team win.”
Fremont (13-11) advances to Monday’s 5:30 p.m. regional semifinal against host Hudsonville Unity Christian (16-9). Spring Lake (14-8) and Grand Rapids Christian (19-5) square off in the other regional semifinal Monday at Unity Christian.
Friday night at Comstock Park, Fremont got another big performance by senior Jordon McDonald, who led the way with 21 points and 12 rebounds for his second double-double of the district.
Gavin Richards also posted a double-double for the Packers with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Will DeBlake hit some big shots and two key free throws down the stretch in his nine-point, four-rebound night. Chaz Miller turned in a strong performance on both ends of the floor en route to eight points and eight assists. Ben Mellema also made some big plays and finished with nine points and two steals.
Trailing 57-55 with 0.9 seconds left and inbounding the ball under Fremont’s basket, Sparta heaved a deep 3-pointer that was off the mark. A wild celebration by Fremont’s players and fans ensued.
Sparta closes the season with a 15-9 record.
“This was a great night and a memory that this team will have forever,” Bowen said.
Watch the video below to see the final shot and Fremont’s celebration, as well as the trophy presentation.