Rockford Rams take down Northview Wildcats in Wild Finish. Rams Punch Their Ticket to the Breslin!

Dylan Gross celebrates after a three on tuesday night.  Photo by Nathan Fears

Rockford Rams take down Northview Wildcats in Wild Finish, The Rockford Rams and Grand Rapids Northview Wildcats battled through a physical contest that came down to the final seconds. Rockford opened strong, ending the first quarter with a 19-15 lead. Northview’s Cameron Ryans gave the Wildcats a spark late in the period, knocking down a contested buzzer beating three to close the gap. Northview responded in the second quarter. The Wildcats came out with energy and eventually grabbed the lead after a powerful transition dunk that helped shift the momentum. Northview carried that push into halftime, heading to the locker room with a 30-26 advantage. The Wildcats continued to stay steady in the third quarter. Another thunderous dunk from number 12 kept the momentum alive as Northview finished the period on top 38-34.

The fourth quarter was pure chaos.

Rockford clawed its way back and cut the lead to just one with 1:37 remaining. With the pressure rising and the clock winding down, the Rams stayed aggressive and found a way to take a 2 point lead. In the final seconds, Rockford fouled Northview star Cameron Ryans. Ryans knocked down the first free throw to bring the Wildcats within one, but the second attempt rimmed out.

Jake Bascom Walks down the court tuesday night Photo by Nathan Fears

Rockford secured the rebound as time expired, sealing a dramatic 48-47 victory.

Team statistics 

Rockford (Q1) 19 points

Northview (Q1) 15 points

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Rockford (Q2) 7 points

Northview (Q2) 15 points

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Rockford (Q3) 8 points

Northview (Q3) 8 points

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Rockford (Q4) 14

Northview (Q4) 9 points

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Final Score 48-47