The Fruitport boys basketball team continued its winning ways Tuesday, holding off a late rally from Godwin Heights to claim its fifth win in a row, and eighth in its last nine games.

Fruitport led the whole game, but had to hold on at the free throw line down the stretch – both offensively and defensively – to claim a tight 56-54 win.

A free throw by Fruitport’s Grade Anspach put the lead at three points with five seconds left. However, the Trojans fouled a three-point shooter on the next possession, giving the Wolverines a chance to tie.

The first free throw was good, but the shooter missed the second. He then missed the third intentionally in an attempt to get the rebound, but a lane violation gave the Trojans the ball.

Fruitport then successfully inbounded the ball to run out the clock.

“This was a big road win in the conference,” said Fruitport head coach Steve Erny. “I’m proud of the group for maintaining composure in some stressful moments throughout the game.”

The Trojans led 15-5 after one quarter, 24-22 at halftime and 41-38 after three quarters.

Freshman Dexter Lillmars led the way for Fruitport with a career-high 26 points.

“We were shorthanded tonight and had to deal with some foul trouble,” Erny said. “Dexter Lillmars stepped up big time tonight. While he’s only a freshman, this team has full confidence in him and tonight showed why.”

DayDay Williams was also in double figures for the Trojans with 13 points. Anspach scored seven, Hudson Hazekamp added four and Trevor Rusnak chipped in three.

Fruitport is now 9-2 on the season and 4-0 in O-K Silver conference play. The Trojans will next take the court Friday against Calvin Christian, which entered Tuesday tied atop the conference standings with Fruitport.

“We need to get back to work tomorrow and get ready for a big game Friday night vs Calvin Christian,” Erny said.