WHAT’S HAPPENING/WHAT IT MEANS: Grand Haven girls basketball took on Muskegon in district playoffs action, falling 52-47 in a hard-fought battle. The final seconds ticked off the clock as a few clutch free throws by Muskegon widened the lead just enough to seal the victory. This means that the seniors of the group, one of the best in Buccaneer history, played their final game as a member of the team.

KEY MOMENT: Any game against the Big Reds is always tough, and this one was no different. The squad left it all out on the court to try to move on to Wednesday’s game, but they came up short.

KEY PLAYERS:

• 1st Star – Senior Alli Keyser. Keyser highlighted the game with crucial leadership and exciting half court passes. Even though it was in a losing effort, Keyser finished the game with four steals, a signature of her game.
• 2nd Star – Junior Jolee Houle. Houle brought her accurate shooting from the free-throw line and the three-point line, finishing the game with 18 points. She will be important for the program’s future, essentially acting as the team’s new leader going into next season.
• 3rd star – Senior Esther Byington. Byington brought the defensive intensity that also helped to keep the game interesting, complimented by a solid 14 points.

THEY SAID IT: “We worked our hardest and the ball just didn’t go our way late in the game,” Strom said. “Everyone played with heart and it just didn’t end up our way.”

UP NEXT: The Lady Bucs’ season is over, but that doesn’t mean their hopes for next season are dashed. This year’s juniors set the team up nicely going forward, led by strong veterans such as Houle.