By Tom Crawford

News Editor

Staples Motley started off a tough week in a tough way, losing 63-53 to a strong team from Grand Rapids.

The Thunderhawks took contro inthe first half with, erasing a 9-6 cardinallead with a 14 point run that Jordan Riewer finally ended with his first points at the nine-minute mark. The team played evenly the rest of the half, which ended withGrand Rapids ahead 39-26

The ‘Hawks displayed tough defense and a strong bench, shuffling in ten  or more players. They used a 12-3 run covering nearly eight minutes at the start of the second half that left the Thunderhawks ahead 52-29. The Cards never recovered, only closing the gap at the end of the game when Cardinal reserves cut a 20-point deficit with three pointers by Gunner Johnson, Jordan Peterson and Isaac Fuhrman.

Staples Motley, now 17-5, faces Class AA third ranked Crosby-Ironton Friday night at home with a Cardinal win giving them a share of the Mid State Conference. The Cards will also host Pelican Rapids on Saturday.

Feb. 23 

Grand Rapids 63, Staples-Motley 53

Grand Rapids   39 24 - 63

Staples-Motley 26 27 - 53

Grand Rapids (63):  Michael Johnson 12, Dan Wilde 6, Austin Pohlen 11, Eric Stark 13, Kevin Rabbers 9, Matt O’Fallon 6, Brian Akre 2, Mike Spoden 4. FT 5-5 (100 percent), Three-point baskets: 8 (Johnson 4, Pohlen 3, Stark). Overall: 20-2.

Staples Motley (53):  Trevor Wentworth 5, Jason Johnson 10, Jordan Peterson 3, Derek Wolhowe 7, Isaac Fuhrman 3, Jordan Riewer 10, Jon Bristow 15. FT 12-19 (63 percent), Three-point baskets: 5 (Wentworth, Peterson, Wolhowe, Fuhrman, Riewer).