Unified Basketball

Varsity Eagles beat Kenowa Hills 33-30

The Grand Rapids Christian Unified Basketball team ventured out to the chilly westside of the city on Tuesday night to take on the new look Knights of Kenowa Hills.  The past two seasons, the Eagles and Knights contests were decided in overtime and this year’s game looked eerily similar.  However, clutch execution down the stretch propelled the Eagles to a 33 to 30 victory in regulation.

Eagles’ starting Center Max Damstra led the charge early and often increasing his OK Conference field goal leading percentage to over 80% on the year.  With the assistance of partners Esther Kissinger, Jake Koetje, and Graham DeJonge – Max accomplished a perfect night on 8 for 8 shooting from the floor.  Damstra’s best bucket of the night came on a crafty partner-to-partner hook pass from Junior Joash Mallick.  Joash jab stepped the Knight defender and then softly placed the ball over the top of packed 2-3 zone for the easy lay-in.  Not to be outdone on the highlight reel, point guard Yang Feng Wildschut provided a double spin move to the hoop that would make Chris Paul blush.  Utilizing incredible moving picks by partners Micah Small and Jordan Pruitt, YF finished the sequence with a soft lefty bucket off of the high glass.  The varsity officials refereeing the game had no choice but to keep their whistles quiet based upon the crowd pleasing approval.

The second half score continued to see-saw.  A feathery bankshot by baseline specialist Mason Werdon was immediately answered by Kenowa.  Isaac Muller pulled up for a three pointer on a four on zero fast break to give the Eagles the lead but instead of getting back on defense convinced the Kenowa Hills Girls Varsity Team to cheer for him.  This lack of defensive focus resulted in another easy Knights’ basket and the home team was back up by one.  But once again the tide was turned with the substitution of first year teammate Grace Burns into the game.  Veteran partner Kiera Porte helped Grace position herself five feet from the hoop and she netted her first career points as a member of the Grand Rapids Christian Unified Team.  It will be the first of many for Miss Burns.

With the road victory, the Eagles move to 4-0 on the season.  Coach Muller and Coach Slotsema continue to stress staying focused and not to spend time reading the press clippings.  But the post-game snack once again seemed to trump any coach speak and most players were ready to get home and hit the hay for another big “B Day” at the high school.  Looking forward to our matinee game on Thursday at NorthPointe Christian with a 2:45 tip time.  Go Eagles.