Grand Ledge MI — In a December basketball battle that had more twists than a pretzel factory, the Grand Ledge Comets escaped Holt's gym with a 67-64 victory that was closer than a Michigan winter is long.
Fresh off their win over Dewitt, the Comets brought their momentum into hostile territory for a CAAC Blue conference clash that went down to the wire.
And when the final buzzer sounded, Grand Ledge fans were so excited they flooded the court like it was the state championship — proving that December hoops can hit different when your squad's finding its groove.
The highlight reel started early when Braden James Hunter threw down a dunk that got the traveling Comets faithful on their feet.
But this wasn't going to be easy — Holt had other plans, and by the time the scoreboard showed four minutes remaining, the game was knotted at 55-55.
With six minutes left in the fourth, junior Maddox Newberg decided to show off his inside moves, twisting through traffic for a bucket that gave Grand Ledge a three-point cushion.
The lead was shakier than your hands after three energy drinks, though, as Holt senior Michael Amory answered back with a drive to the basket that kept the Rams in striking distance.
But here's where it gets family-friendly in the best possible way: Maddox Newberg, playing point guard like he had GPS coordinates to the basket, found his freshman brother Brilan Newberg for a clutch shot that would make even the Ball brothers jealous.
Nothing says "brotherly love" quite like a perfectly timed assist when the game's on the line.
When the final seconds ticked away and the Comets secured the 67-64 road victory, the scene was pure jubilation — fans storming the court like they'd just witnessed March Madness in December.
"I'm really proud of our guys for fighting and weathering the storm," the coach said afterward, his pride evident.
With a young roster featuring only a couple of players with varsity experience, the Comets took their "lumps early in the season," but they're clearly starting to figure out the recipe for success.
At 2-2 on the season, Grand Ledge is proving that growing pains are just part of the journey. If the Newberg connection keeps clicking and guys like Hunter keep bringing the thunder from above, this young Comets squad might just be dangerous come tournament time.
Final Score: Grand Ledge 67, Holt 64