Belvidere North 52, Freeport 49: Freeport’s troubles behind the 3-point line were like one of the Pretzel cheerleaders’ flips down the court in the fourth quarter — the form was dead-on, but they couldn’t stick the landing.
A Ryan Hickey 3-pointer, with more than two defenders contesting the shot, fell short just before time expired in a 52-49 boys basketball loss to Belvidere North. The Pretzels finished 5-for-26 from behind the 3-point line, including 1-for-9 by Hickey. The Blue Thunder were 3-for-12.
Freeport (9-8, 4-5 NIC-10) never led, but was in position to tie or even take the lead throughout the game. That was especially true after the first half, which ended with the Pretzels down 26-15.
“I think we were playing with a little bit more urgency because we were down by 11,” said Austin Davis, who had 11 points, six blocks and seven rebounds. “We just came together and said that we have to get this done.
“We were finally able to get back in it, but we just weren’t able to finish it.”
Hickey scored 12 of his 13 points in the second half, including nine in the third quarter, to lead Freeport’s rally. The senior hit a 3-pointer, drew fouls as he penetrated to the hole and went 4-for-4 from the free-throw line during that stretch.
“That’s what Ryan is on the court to do — hit open shots and get up and down the court to give us good energy,” said Josh Lewis, who led Freeport with 14 points. “He’s a good player.”
Belvidere North’s Jack Adams (nine points) was again held to single digits against Freeport, but made pivotal buckets and defensive plays before fouling out with 3:10 left.
Kyle Dovenmuehle (a game-high 15 points) and Jack Billon (seven points) made several tough shots to foil the Pretzels’ best defensive efforts.
“It’s frustrating,” Davis said. “You’re playing so hard and they’re making some of those wild shots and you’re just like, ‘wow, I can’t believe it.’ ”
Dominique Hall (eight points) also fouled out, but the Pretzels still had their hands full. The Blue Thunder led 50-43 with just 1:35 left in the game, but Davis and Lewis scored Freeport’s next five points. Davis had a block and save before Lewis put up a jumper to give Freeport a three-point deficit from which to come back.
Lewis made two free throws with 11.4 seconds left in the game, but Alex Gomez returned the favor after he was fouled on a trap.
“I thought we ended up getting the trap but we ended up getting a foul called,” Davis said. “We ended up bailing them out with some fouls.”
-GateHouse News Service
