Big Rapids got back on track Friday, as the Cardinals defeated Chippewa Hills in a defense dogfight at home.

It was the first game in seven days for the Cardinals due to the snow day postponement of the Morley Stanwood game on Tuesday. While both offenses struggled to get going, Big Rapids was able to hold Chippewa Hills to single digit point totals in three of four quarters on the game. 

The Warriors started the game hot, hitting consecutive shots to take a six-point lead in the opening minute. Big Rapids would bounce back, making a 9-0 run to take the lead back and eventually hold it the rest of the way. The first half was summarized by good three-point shooting from Cole Haist, Liam McLaughlin, and Gabe Njenga. Defensive stops were also crucial using a full court trap, forcing double digit Warrior turnovers on the contest.

In the second half, Chippewa Hills was held off the three-point line thanks to a 1-3-1 zone look defensively by the Cardinals. The Warriors would bounce back with some points in the paint, but it would not be enough to overcome a double-digit deficit early in the fourth quarter. 

Cole Haist led the Big Rapids offensive attack with an estimated 17 points, followed by Gabe Njenga with eight. Ty Gielczyk added five rebounds, McLaughlin tallied over three assists, and Njenga also added six steals. For the Warriors, Maverick Chapman led with nine points.

Big Rapids moves to 10-3 on the season, including 5-1 in CSAA-Red play. The Cardinals will travel up north to face Traverse City St. Francis next Tuesday. 

Chippewa Hills falls to 4-8 overall and 2-3 in conference action. They will face Grant on the road on Jan. 28.