PARK TWP. - West Ottawa coach Jared Redell knew Ben Beetham had the talent to be a difference maker. Now the Panthers' senior guard is showing it.
Beetham had a team-high 19 points as West Ottawa beat Holland 57-49 on Friday night in front of a big crowd at West Ottawa.
"Ben, in the past four games, has been playing at a different level," Redell said. "It's what we knew he could play like. A lot of it is confidence with him. But more than the scoring, I thought his defense was awesome. He was rebounding, too. If he keeps playing like this, our team is going to be different."
West Ottawa already is different. Last season, the Panthers struggled to a 6-18 record. After Friday's win, West Ottawa improves to 5-1.
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"The culture is different," senior Hudson Vellinga said. "Everyone likes to hang out with each other. Everyone just wants to win."
West Ottawa led 29-21 at halftime. Holland pulled within four points in the third quarter, but Vellinga's hot shooting helped West Ottawa pull away. He drained three 3-pointers in the third quarter and another in the fourth.
"It helped us go on a run," he said of his 3s. "We talked about going on runs in the third. We've been pretty slow in third quarters this season. So we wanted to pick it up."
Beetham said he's had to step up this season.
"I just have a bigger role this year," he said. "I have to step up. We have a bunch of young kids. But this year it's just different."
Redell said it is his seniors who are driving this team.
"I'm proud of our seniors," he said. "All three of them, Ben, Hudson and Jake (Gerrits). It was one of those games that we needed some experience and they stepped up and provided that. Jake had five rebounds, three steals. He's like our utility guy. Everyone talks about our youth. And, yes, we're young. And they are talented. But those three seniors are the reason we'll be successful this year."
Arthur Powell led Holland with 23 points and eight rebounds.
West Ottawa led 21-10 in the first quarter. Powell said the first frame was the difference.
"I think the main reason we lost this game was the first quarter," he said. "If we didn't let them get going on that crazy run in the first, we would have a better chance to win that game."
Powell, a powerful forward, can shoot, too. He drained two 3-pointers.
"They're an improved team from last year," Redell said. "I thought Powell was tough to guard. I knew he was tough inside, but It seemed like he didn't miss a jump shot. They're good."
Powell likes his team and his new coach, Andrew Meeuwsen.
"Last year, in my opinion, there was just the five (starters) who could compete," Powell said. "But this year, all 12 guys are around the same level. So practices are really competitive. And with a new coach, it's made it a lot better."