×

Knights nip Rockets in final seconds

RAPID RIVER — Nathan Paulitch’s basket with 11 seconds left in the game lifted Norway past Rapid River 45-43 in boys basketball.

The Knights (1-1) trailed in the fourth quarter after leading 35-29 after three quarters. Norway Coach Jeff Gallino said a Paulitch steal and an ensuing backdoor cut layup broke a 43-43 tie.

“It’s good to have a close one early,” Gallino said. “The kids showed some resilience when we were down late in the game.”

The Rockets had the last shot with five seconds left.

“Everyone covered their assignment,”Gallino said. “I’m proud of the effort.”

Kody Hendricks led the Knights with 16 points and Paulitch added 12.

“Nathan had a nice game for us,” Gallino said.

Tyler Sundling paced RR with 19 points.

“In the first quarter we had a very slow start,” Rockets’ coach Rich Poma said. “We probably had 10 turnovers in the first four minutes. In the second quarter we got some momentum back a little bit but overall Norway took advantage of our inconsistencies.”

The Rockets (0-2) used a 14-10 fourth quarter to threaten.

“We got up by four, but then they made back-to-back baskets,” Poma said. “They made a little run. We got a decent look at the buzzer but just couldn’t convert.”

Tony Demars had nine of Rapid River’s 17 rebounds. The Rockets had 21 turnovers.

“They (Knights) clogged the middle up on us,” Poma said. “We need to do a better job moving the ball.”

Rapid won the junior varsity game.

Norway visits Mid Peninsula on Monday.

Rapid River 3 19 7 14 — 43

Norway 12 16 7 10 — 45

NORWAY: Paulitch 12, VanHolla 7, LeGrave 8, Hendricks 16, Bray 2. FT: 3-6; F: 9; 3-point field goals: Paulitch 2.

RAPID RIVER: Moss 3, Hernandez 2, Olson 2, Orth 2, Demars 3, Sundling 19, Lundquist 9, Micheau 3. FT: 7-9; F: 6; 3-point field goals – Moss, Sundling, Lundquist.

FG shooting: Norway 20-38, RR 16-40.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today