Fremont’s girls basketball team achieved something Tuesday night that hadn’t been done by the program since 2007: The Packers earned a victory over Ludington, snapping a 23-game losing streak vs. the Orioles.
In a battle of teams tied atop the West Michigan Conference Lakes Division, Fremont rallied in the fourth quarter for a 41-35 road victory over Ludington.
That pushes the Packers’ WMC Lakes record to 5-0 and overall mark to 9-2. The Orioles are now 4-1 and 6-6, respectively.
Manistee is tied for second in the divisional standings with Ludington. Fremont visits Manistee (5-5 overall) on Thursday.
Fremont coach Peter Zerfas (Courtney Jimison | CatchMark)
“Our girls battled foul trouble with four starters having four fouls in the fourth and we overcame a poor shooting night, shooting only 27 percent, but our defense was great,” Fremont coach Peter Zerfas said.
“This is a huge win for our team and program, but we understand we are only five games into a (12-game) league season and have a long ways to go. Ludington is the gold standard for girls teams in this area, winning the last five conference championships, so this puts us in a good position, but we will still take it one game at a time.”
The Fremont-Ludington rematch is scheduled for Feb. 27 at Fremont, the Packers’ second-to-last game of the regular season.
On Tuesday, Fremont and Ludington were tied at 17 at halftime. The Orioles outscored the Packers 12-6 in the third quarter and extended their lead to eight points early in the fourth.
“But we have no quit,” Zerfas said.
Fremont senior Jessica Bennett made three big 3-point baskets with 3 1/2 minutes, 3 minutes, and 2 1/2 minutes to go, and junior Mia Clemence scored eight of her game-high 16 points down the stretch.
The Packers took the lead with about 2 1/2 minutes remaining and led the rest of the way.
Bennett finished with 15 points, while freshman Taylor DeKuiper added five points.
Elianna Jeruzal and Madelyn Kenyon paced Ludington with nine points apiece, while Peyton Welch scored eight.
Fremont senior Jessica Bennett (Courtney Jimison | CatchMark)
Fremont junior Mia Clemence (Courtney Jimison | CatchMark)
