By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
OTSEGO—It truly was a team effort for the Otsego boys basketball squad in its Wolverine Conference clash with Three Rivers on Thursday, Dec. 21.
All 11 players on the Bulldogs’ active roster score at least three points and played at least seven minutes as Otsego posted the 78-52 victory.
It was the kind of game that brings a smile to the face of Otsego coach Matt Dennis.
“This was a great team effort,” said Dennis, whose team improved to 6-1 and extended its winning streak to four. “Our team defense was extremely effective, and we were able to have every player score.”
In his most extensive action of the season, Jase Wanamaker came off the bench to knock down a pair of 3-pointers and finish with six points.
“It was great to have Jase hit a couple of shots for us,” Dennis said.
Dennis also praised the play of subs Scottie Durr (four points and two rebounds in 10 minutes) and Landon Eastman (three points in 13 minutes).
“Scottie pushed the tempo of the game when he was out there and Landon was strong on both ends of the floor with a 3-pointer and a steal,” Dennis said.
“This is exactly what I want to see when I sub, players ready to play and keep our momentum going.”
Blake Marks and Nick Lopez led the scoring attack for Otsego with 13 points each. They also had three steals each.
Nolan VanderRoest was next with eight points, followed by Callum Wesseldyk, Louis Digrandi and Brevin Gabos with seven each. Jack Holmes joined Wannamker with six points, while Kyle Lingbeek joined Durr with four.
VanderRoest also had a team-high seven rebounds.
The Bulldogs got off to a bit of a slow start and trailed 14-12 after one quarter. But a 19-5 edge in the second quarter gave Otsego the 31-19 lead, which was extended to 58-35 entering the final frame.
Following a week off for the Christmas break, the Bulldogs return to action Thursday, Dec. 28, to face Byron Center in the Cornerstone University Holiday Classic.
“That will be our biggest challenge yet against a Division 1 opponent,” Dennis said. “If we continue to be unselfish and play hard for each other, it should make for a great game.”