Every few games, the Fruitport girls basketball team shows signs of real improvement, and on Friday the Trojans illustrated just how much they are developing as the season goes by.

Earlier in the season the Trojans lost to Comstock Park by 14 points. On Friday they completely turned the tables, downing the Panthers 40-29 in O-K Silver conference action.

One big sign of growth came in the final scoring stats. Not long ago, the Trojans had little chance of winning a game unless sophomore standout Izzy Hanson-Wilbur had a big offensive night.

Wilbur spent Friday in foul trouble and only scored five points, yet other Trojans stepped up to fill the void.

Lainey Bol scored 10 points while pulling down 13 rebounds, Kenzie Pate had nine points (including two three-pointers) with four rebounds and two assists, McKenzie Beardsley had eight points (including two three-pointers) and Ava Powell added six points.

“Izzy Hanson Wilbur fouled out with five minutes left in the third and we had a six-point lead,” said Fruitport head coach Brian Packard. “Even with her out we stuck to the game plan and the girls hit some big shots down the stretch. Kenzie Pate hit two  of her three triples in the third and McKenzie Beardsley hit one of her two threes in the third.

“Lainey Bol had another huge game with a double-double. She is starting to see what this team needs from her and she’s getting it done.”

Packard was also happy with his team’s defensive effort. The Trojans only gave up three points in the first quarter, six in the second and nine in the crucial fourth quarter.

“Great game defensively as a team,” the coach said. “We had a goal to keep their best player off the scoreboard. She scored 18 against us when we played them the first time. We held her to nine points with only two made threes and three free throws.”

Fruitport led 4-3 after a quiet first quarter, 18-9 at halftime and 34-20 after three quarters.

The Trojans, who started the season with an 0-8 record, are now 3-11 overall and 3-4 in conference play. They will visit Kelloggsville on Monday and host Hopkins on Tuesday.