Big Rapids’ offense came to life Friday night, thanks to an effective transition game and stingy defense to earn a 66-32 win against Reed City.

The Cardinals got out to an early 11-2 lead in the first quarter, scoring off multiple Coyote turnovers. Reed City would respond with points in the paint, cutting the deficit to 18-11 after the first quarter. JaReese Moten would continue his strong start with multiple three pointers in the second quarter, leading the Cardinal scorers with 10 in the opening half. The Coyotes would make some adjustments following an early timeout, but Big Rapids continued to drop three-point shots to take a 40-21 advantage at the half.

Both teams would slow the pace down to start the second half, but a strong effort on the defensive end by the Cardinals would hold the Coyotes to only four points in the third. Big Rapids would lead 55-25 thanks to a last second lay-up from Drue Haist. Caleb Somers and Roan Johnston would score for Reed City to start the fourth, but it was not enough to overcome the large deficit. Big Rapids would finish out the game with the 34-point win, increasing the margin from the 27-point win in the first meeting.

Gabe Njenga and Cole Haist led Cardinal scorers with an estimated 13 points a-piece, followed by Liam McLaughlin with 11, Moten with 10, and Isaac Wilhelm with eight. Cole Haist also added seven assists, Njenga added seven rebounds, and Moten tallied six steals. Reed City was led by Payton Gogolowski with approximately 11 points, followed by Somers with six and Asher Ducham with 5. Jaydyn Irvin added 10 rebounds for the Coyotes as well.

Big Rapids improves to 12-5 and will face Lakeview at home on Tuesday and travel to Newaygo on Thursday for game action. Reed City falls to 4-14 on the campaign and will host Central Montcalm and Grant this coming week.