Will Doezema

Parents: Kip and Carrie Doezema

Will is a 2-year varsity basketball player and plans to play his fourth year of varsity baseball this spring. Will would like to thank his parents for being so supportive in his athletic career. In all situations, they supported him full heartedly and pushed him to be the best he could be. Will would also like to thank his grandparents for never missing a game. Lastly Will would like to thank all of his coaches and teammates who shaped him and helped him understand what it means to be a man of God. Will will be attending Hope College to play baseball and plans to study business. 

Will’s favorite Bible verse is Psalm 28:7 "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.".

Ajak Gieu

Parents: Racheal Moses and Deng Reng

Ajak is a 2-year varsity basketball player. Ajak is extremely grateful for the never-ending support from all the coaches and his parents who helped him grow as a young man. Ajak would also like to thank his teammates for all the memories, laughs, and moments that have shaped his journey. Ajak’s favorite basketball memory was the team's Winterim trip to Florida. Ajak has yet to decide where he’ll attend college but hopes to play at the next level while majoring in engineering with a minor in business. 

Ajak’s favorite Bible verse is Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” 

Connor Johnson

Parents: Ann and Jason Johnson

Connor is a 2-year varsity basketball player. Connor has greatly enjoyed the experience of the Grand Rapids Christian basketball program and is very appreciative of the support of the school and knowledge from the wonderful coaches he has had. Connor would like to thank his parents for their nonstop support throughout his athletic career. Connor also would like to thank his teammates and coaches for helping make him the player he is. Lastly, he is thankful for everyone who supports the basketball program. Connor’s favorite basketball memory was going to Florida with the team to bond and grow closer. Connor will be attending Northern Michigan to play basketball where he plans to study business management (and hopes to stay warm). 

Connor’s favorite Bible verse is Galatians 6:9 which reads “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Jordan Pruitt

Parent: Jadon Fowler

Jordan is a first year varsity basketball player, . He played JV basketball with Coach KJ Klaasen in his sophomore year and has been part of the Unified basketball program. Jordan also played football this fall and will dorun track this spring. Jordan would like to thank all of his coaches throughout his athletic career for pouring so much time and effort into him. He would also like to thank his teammates for making all the early mornings and late nights worth it. Jordan's favorite memory is beating Catholic Central and celebrating in the locker room. Jordan plans to attend college and plans to become a chaplain in the United States Air Force.

Jordan’s favorite Bible verse is Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Oliver Strater

Parents: Kate and Sam Strater

Oliver is a 2-year varsity basketball player, Oliver is grateful for the many coaches and teammates he’s had over the years who have helped motivate and encourage him to continue on his journey as a player. He also is very grateful for his parents who have stayed by his side throughout every up and down, not only during the season but in all aspects of  his life. He would not have made it here without the support of all those around him. Oliver’s favorite basketball memory is getting breakfast with the team at Wolfgangs and enjoying the good food there. Oliver's college plans are indefinite, but he plans to study kinesiology.

Oliver's favorite Bible verse is Romans 12:21 "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Carl Thompson

Parents: Carl Thompson II and Christina Santos

Carl is a 3 year varsity basketball player,.  Carl is extremely grateful for the Grand Rapids Christian school community and the support he has received. He’s also super thankful for his coaches and the countless hours and effort they have poured into him, and for the knowledge they have given him. Carl would also like to thank his teammates for the many great memories, learning moments, and accomplishments that have shaped him. Lastly he is thankful for his parents and the support and love they have given him throughout his basketball career. Carl’s favorite memory from the basketball team was going to Florida for Winterim. Carl will be attending Purdue Fort Wayne next year to play basketball and plans to study business. 

Carl’s favorite scripture verse in Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding,. In all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.”  

From Coach Taylor

We want to thank these young men for their dedication and commitment to the basketball program. Grand Rapids Christian basketball continues to be successful because of young men like these six senior student athletes. We've celebrated victories, and endured losses, forging a bond unlike any other. We've learned valuable lessons that have prepared us for life beyond basketball.  Most importantly we’ve learned to persevere through challenges and setbacks while giving glory to God in all that we do.  In the end, there’s only one thing left to say "Trust The Process".