Category Archives: Local Sports

Wyoming basketball coach Thom Vander Klay reaches milestone 400th win; “Wyoming is an important piece of who I am”

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Wyoming Boys Basketball Coach Thom Vander Klay has won more than 400 games from that position on the sideline. (Photo Courtesy, Curtis Holt)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor

While a student at Wyoming Park High School during the early 80s, Wyoming boys basketball coach Thom Vander Klay was influenced by a virtual who’s who of Wyoming Park coaches. It should have been no surprise that some 40 years later Vander Klay reached a coaching milestone when he won the 400th game of his head coaching career.

The only coach the Wolves have ever had for boys basketball and the former coach at Wyoming Park before it merged with Wyoming Rogers to form Wyoming High School, Vander Klay won game No. 400 when the Wolves defeated Holland Christian 51-49 on Jan. 30 this season. He was then recognized for the achievement during Wyoming’s victory against Grand Rapids Union on Feb. 9.

Wyoming Park grad and three-sport athlete

A 1982 graduate of Wyoming Park, Vander Klay was a three-sport athlete for the Vikings playing football, basketball and running track before heading off to Hope College where he played football and basketball.

Vander Klay credits his former coaches at Wyoming Park for getting him started down the path of coaching.

“We just had some fantastic coaches at Park,” Vander Klay said. “We had Jack Verduin for football and Rich Renzema for basketball and Frank Grimm was the track coach. Ron Engels was the baseball coach forever and Dick Locke was another outstanding coach. Those were some really, really good coaches in high school and I knew that I was going to pursue that.”


Coach Vander Klay hoists his team’s 2022 district trophy. (Photo Courtesy, Curtis Holt)


After graduating from Hope College in 1986, Vander Klay returned to Park where he began his coaching and teaching career. His first coaching jobs were with the junior varsity football and basketball teams at Wyoming Park.

“I was really a football guy and I planned to eventually coach the football team,” Vander Klay said, “but coach Verduin kept going and going and then our varsity Coach Kelly McEwen retired so I took over the basketball team in 1995. I worked under Coach Verduin in the fall and Coach McEwen in the winter and I learned tons of knowledge from both of them.”

Vander Klay parlayed that wealth of knowledge into a legacy of success at both Wyoming Park and later at Wyoming when Park and Rogers merged 12 years ago.


Coach Vander Klay talks to his team in 2019. (Photo Courtesy, Andris B. Visokis)


Whether at Park or Wyoming, the style of play has been very consistent.

“We usually have the same type of style,” Vander Klay said. “Our players are usually quite small, but they play quite fast. We have to play fast, shoot well and play hard. We play pressure defense and play up-tempo on offense. We play very fast on both sides of the court.”

During his coaching career Vander Klay has experienced plenty of highlights. A couple, however, stand out after all the years.

1998 team and Mr. Basketball Drew Neitzel stand out

“The run we had in 1998 when we came out of nowhere to win the league is one team that stands out,” Vander Klay said. “Of course, the teams that had Drew Neitzel, who won Mr. Basketball in 2004, stand out. That team was the only team to sell out the Breslin Arena when we played against Detroit Renaissance in the state semifinals.”

Those teams were not alone, however, in making memories that stand out.

“So many teams and players and moments to remember”

“There were so many teams and so many players and moments that you remember,” Vander Klay said. “It’s not only the successful teams either. I remember so many kids and teams. Looking back on all the kids you coach and the success they eventually have as adults. Those memories last with you. The relationships are what make it special. Also, our coaching staff. We have had such a consistent coaching staff throughout the years. The assistant coaches I’ve had have made it so easy for me as a head coach.”


Coach Thom Vander Klay and WKTV Sports Director Cris Greer share a laugh at a recent interview. (Photo Courtesy, Olivia Potter)



The memories flooded back for Vander Klay during the ceremony commemorating his 400th win during the union game.

“It was so nice when they had the little ceremony at the game,” Vander Klay said. “Seeing the former teams and the former players and receiving the plaque. It was surprising and fun. The 400 wins is a longevity thing. I’ve coached a long time so you are going to pick up some wins.

“Wyoming is really important to me. I grew up here and live here, my kids went here, my grandson went here. Wyoming is an important piece of who I am. In so many ways it’s what I was called to do.”

Check out our latest WKTV Friday Night Highlights show (Feb. 23) featuring many cool clips

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By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org



Check out our latest Friday Night Highlights show of the basketball season featuring many area high school teams in action the week of Feb. 19-23.



Every Friday, we’ll bring you several high school boys and girls basketball clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood areas, highlight some top performers and give a snapshot of the latest conference standings. We also have the local boys district brackets inside for next week!



Thanks for watching, and see you next week!

Check out our latest WKTV Friday Night Highlights show (Feb. 16) featuring many cool clips

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By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org



Check out our latest Friday Night Highlights show of the basketball season featuring many area high school teams in action the week of Feb. 12-16.



Every Friday, we’ll bring you several high school boys and girls basketball clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood areas, highlight some top performers and give a snapshot of the latest conference standings.



Thanks for watching, and see you next week!

Wyoming girls basketball team comes up big at crunch time in 47-43 win over Mona Shores in WKTV’s Tuesday Game of the Week

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Wyoming’s La’Anna Griffin steps to the line against Mona Shores. Griffin and Shakya Anderson led the Wolves with 12 points apiece. (WKTV Tuesday Game of the Week)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor

No matter the score or the situation, the Wyoming girls basketball team can never be counted out of a game.

The never-give-up attitude of the Wolves was never more evident than Tuesday when they hosted Mona Shores. Trailing for most of the second half, the Wolves continued to battle and eventually a late flurry propelled Wyoming to a 47-43 win.

“It was just a great team effort,” said Wyoming Coach Jesse Vasquez. “These girls just never quit. They never give up. They play with a lot of grit and toughness. They are hard to count out.”

Mona Shores tried numerous times to pull away from the Wolves in the second half, but could never put Wyoming away. Mona Shores was up 24-20 at halftime and led 34-31 at the end of the third quarter.

Wolves kept battling back

Twice during the fourth quarter the Sailors were up by five points and threatening to pull away, but the Wolves continued to battle back.



Wyoming’s Tamia Gayles prepares to shoot three free throws after getting fouled outside the arc. (WKTV Tuesday Game of the Week)


With less than a minute to go in the game, Mona Shores was up 43-40. The Wolves, however, came up with a big defensive stop and sophomore Tamia Gayles was fouled on a three-point shot on the offensive end of the floor. Gayles connected on the first two free throws, but missed the third attempt. Wyoming senior Ta’tyan Hardiman was there to pick her teammate up as she gathered in the rebound and then converted it for a basket putting the Wolves up 44-43 with 42 seconds remaining.



Wyoming’s Ta’tyana Hardiman gets the rebound off a missed free throw and scores to put the Wolves ahead 44-43 over Mona Shores. (WKTV Tuesday Game of the Week)



The Wyoming defense then came up big again forcing a Mona Shores turnover with 27 seconds remaining in the game. Mona Shores eventually fouled the Wolves and sent Gayles back to the free-throw line with 17 seconds remaining in the game. Gayles then drained both free throws giving the Wolves a three-point lead.

On the ensuing Mona Shores possession, the Sailors were fouled and went to the free-throw line, but missed both shots. Hardiman then split a pair of free throws for Wyoming with five seconds remaining to secure the win.

A total team effort

Like they have all season, Wyoming relied on a total team effort to earn the win. The Wolves had a balanced effort on offense as senior La’Anna Griffin and junior Shakya Anderson led the Wolves with 12 points apiece. Gayles added nine points, followed by sophomore Michaela Moore with seven points, sophomore Myah Nabors, four, and Hardiman, three.

“Sophomore starters relied on a lot”

“We start three sophomores and we rely on them a lot,” Vasquez said. “Michaela Moore, Myah Nabors and Tamia Gayles are young players, but they step up for us each and every night. Like all of our players they keep scrapping and never give up. We also have some great assistant coaches and they do a great job of coaching our players all the way up.”

The Wolves also received a big effort from Anderson. One of several key players who come in and provide big contributions off the bench, Anderson not only scored in double figures in points on offense, but also provided strong rebounding and defense.

“Shakya is a scrappy player,” Vasquez said. “She came off the bench and did a great job for us. We have a pretty deep team. We have a lot of players who can do a number of things for us. Anything can happen with the arsenal of players that we have.”

With the win, Wyoming improved to 14-4 overall and 9-2 in the OK Green Conference. The Wolves are tied for second place in the conference with Zeeland West, two games behind Muskegon who’s in first place at 11-0.

“All the credit goes to the kids,” Vasquez said. “They played very hard. They just kept fighting back. We still have a couple more weeks left and the state tournament left so we have a lot to play for still.” 

Check out our latest WKTV Friday Night Highlights show (Feb. 9) featuring many cool clips

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By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org



Check out our latest Friday Night Highlights show of the basketball season featuring many area high school teams in action the week of Feb. 5-9.



Every Friday, we’ll bring you several high school boys and girls basketball clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood areas, highlight some top performers and give a snapshot of the latest conference standings.



Thanks for watching, and see you next week!

East Kentwood trio helping boys basketball team navigate rugged schedule

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East Kentwood junior Jah Hatchett leads the Falcons from his point guard position. (Photo Courtesy, Cristian Salas-Salinas and Nuha Hussein)




By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor



Playing against one of the most challenging schedules in the entire state, the East Kentwood boys basketball team has needed an “all hands on deck” approach. While the entire team has led the Falcons to an 11-6 record heading into the final couple weeks of the season, a trio of players are carving out outstanding seasons.

Senior Christian Humphrey-Rembert, junior Jah Hatchett and freshman CJ Reynolds are all turning in key contributions for a Falcon team that is also in second place in the rugged OK Red Conference.


East Kentwood’s Christian Humphrey-Rembert provides the Falcons with a steady source of points and rebounds. (Photo Courtesy, Cristian Salas-Salinas and Nuha Hussein)



Humphrey-Rembert, a 6-foot-8 junior wing, is a steady source of points and rebounds for the team. He’s averaging 14 points per game along with 8.5 rebounds and two blocked shots. He also has turned in numerous double-doubles in points and rebounds this season.

“Christian is a 6-foot-8 wing who is very athletic and can shoot the ball,” said East Kentwood Coach Mike Thomas. “He is playing at a pretty good level this season. His biggest improvement has been in his rebounding. His rebounding has been a difference maker for us this season.”

Along with being a standout on the basketball court, Humphrey-Rembert also is a standout in the classroom. With his combination of academics and athletic skills he is being recruited by a number of colleges including Wofford, the University of Chicago Illinois and Brown University.

“Academically, Christian is one of the top students in his class,” Thomas said. “He has a grade-point average of 3.7 or 3.8. He is also a great teammate. He is one of the first guys at practice and one of the last to leave. He is always helping me set up the gym and take down the gym. On his off days he’s always in the gym working on his shooting.”

Hatchett leads the team with 17 points per game

Hatchett also is a team leader in multiple categories. A 5-foot-10 junior point guard, Hatchett leads the team in scoring at 17 points per game. He also is dishing out five assists per game along with five rebounds and four steals per game.


“Like Christian, Jah plays a lot of minutes for us and does a lot for us,” Thomas said. “He is our go-to guy. He can get to the basket, shoot the three and is strong off ball screens. He can also break defenses down and make decisions in the lane.”

Although he has another season yet to play in high school, Hatchett is drawing the attention of college scouts. Currently he has offers from Ferris State, Northwood University and Wayne State and also is hearing from Central Michigan University and Northern Iowa.

“Jah is also good in the classroom and that work ethic shows on the basketball court as well,” Thomas said. “He puts in the hours and that shows in his production. He spends hours upon hours in the gym. As a junior, he is getting close to 1,000 career points and is about at 900 points right now.”


Freshman CJ Reynolds averaged 20 points per game on the junior varsity team. On the varsity squad, he averages 7.5 points, four rebounds and two assists per game. (Photo Courtesy, Cristian Salas-Salinas and Nuha Hussein)



Reynolds making an impact as a freshman

The Falcons also have a young and upcoming player in Reynolds who is making an impact as a freshman. A 6-foot-2 guard, Reynolds began the season on the junior varsity. Reynolds was seeing varsity action by taking advantage of the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s fifth-quarter rule, where a junior-varsity player can play a limited number of quarters on the varsity team each week, and the experience has paid off as he recently was moved up to the varsity team permanently.

“CJ is a long and lanky player who is starting to make a name for himself,” Thomas said. “He started the season on the junior varsity, but his talent level is going through the roof.”

Reynolds was averaging 20 points per game on the junior varsity team. On the varsity squad, Reynolds is already averaging 7.5 points, four rebounds and two assists per game.

“CJ is a guy who can beat you off the dribble or shoot the three,” Thomas said. “He can score in a multitude of ways. He is also a strong defender. I think the sky is the limit for him and he is going to do great things in our program the next few years.”

Reynolds is part of an overall young Kentwood team that continues to grow and improve.

“We have a young team,” Thomas said. “We will only loose three seniors. This is just my second year here and we are still building the program. I have a great staff with coaches like Christian Craft and Scott Rawley. These guys are with me for the long haul and are into developing players.


“We have played a challenging schedule this year and that is by design. We want to play a challenging schedule and it’s a pleasure to see how our guys have been competing.”

Of the Falcons six losses this season, two have been in the conference and four have been in non-conference games. Among those non-conference losses have been games against East Lansing, the No.2 rated team in the state in Division 1 and River Rouge, an honorable-mention team in Division 1. The Falcons also have wins against Warren Lincoln, currently ranked No. 2 in the state in Division 2, and Birmingham Brother Rice, ranked ninth in the state in Division 1.          

Godwin Heights stays in hunt for league title with 76-48 win over Comstock Park

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Godwin Heights’ Jacari Jones (0) applies defensive pressure during Tuesday’s game with Comstock Park. Jones and Isaiah Guyton led the Wolverines with 12 points apiece. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor



The Godwin Heights boys basketball team may be on the young side this season, but future foes need to be aware that this year’s squad of Wolverines is becoming a nasty team to deal with.

Combining a tenacious defense with an explosive offense, the Wolverines have been on the prowl lately. That was evident Tuesday as Godwin Heights turned back Comstock Park 76-48 to stay in the thick of the chase for the OK Blue Conference title.

The Wolverine defense proved tough to crack right from the opening tip while the offense gained momentum as the game progressed en route to its highest point total of the season. With the win, the Wolverines improved to 7-1 in the conference, a half game behind league-leading Sparta who travels to Godwin next Tuesday for a big conference showdown.

“We took a tough loss to Calvin Christian a couple of weeks ago and the one thing I’m super proud of is the way the guys learned from that loss,” said Godwin Heights Coach Bernard Varnesdeel. “Our team learned what our identity is from that loss. First, we realized that we have to hang our hat on our defensive pressure. We apply pressure both full court and in the half court. We put the pressure on with our defense and push the tempo on offense especially after creating turnovers on defense.”

That was the formula the Wolverines used against Comstock Park. The Wolverines used their strong defensive pressure to take a 12-9 lead at the end of the first quarter. Godwin dialed up that pressure in the second quarter as it outscored Comstock Park 26-13 to take a commanding 38-22 halftime lead.

“I feel like we did a lot better job of getting rebounds and I feel we did a good job of passing the ball on offense,” said Godwin Heights junior Jamaan Hastings. “I feel like we are working together better to play as a team and are starting to gel as a team for the March playoffs.”

Teamwork is a major strong point for the Wolverines. Not only do the Wolverines play strong team defense, but they share the ball on offense and have multiple players who can contribute on the offensive end of the floor. Nine different players scored for Godwin during the second-quarter offensive outburst and all 11 Wolverines scored during the game.



Sophomore guard Ka’Res Harris (10) looks for an opening as he moves the ball around the perimeter of the Comstock Park defense. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



“We have 11 really, really good basketball players,” Varnesdeel said. “I tell all the guys that they will get the opportunity to get their run.”

Godwin players continued to get plenty of “run” during the second half as the defense continued to force turnovers while the offense capitalized on the offensive end. Godwin extended the lead to 58-35 at the end of the third quarter as it outscored the Panthers 20-13.

“I think we have a really good team,” said Wolverine senior Ben Dolo. “I think we are a super-underrated team. We can play with the top teams in the area and we can’t wait till March to show what we’ve been working on this season.”

Godwin closed out the game strong outscoring the Panthers 18-13 to end with a 28-point win.

“We’ve made a ton of improvement,” Varnesdeel said. “This is a great group. I’m a new coach here and we had a lot of younger, inexperienced players coming into the season. We only had one guy with a lot of experience and we have four sophomores. Those guys have made a lot of progress this season.


“We are learning each and every day and improving. We still have a lot to work on, but we’ve made a ton of progress.”

Godwin’s depth was evident in the scorebook. Jacari Jones and sophomore Isaiah Guyton were the lone Wolverines in double figures with 12 points apiece. Senior Jace Reid-Anderson added nine points, followed by Marcos Rodriguez and Hastings, eight points apiece; Armani Dedrick, six; sophomores Justin Chan, Ka’Res Harris and Dom Sanders, five each; sophomore Lonnie Sanders, four and Dolo, two.


Godwin Heights guard Ben Dolo brings the ball up the floor against Comstock Park. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


“Jace is our most experienced player and he is doing a great job of leading our young players,” Varnesdeel said. “Isaiah is a sophomore who is doing a nice job for us. Jacari had a really good game tonight and Ka’Res is our sophomore point guard who is doing a really good job. All 11 of our guys did a nice job and it was a great team win.”

With the win, the Wolverines improved to 10-5 overall. Godwin returns to action Friday at Calvin Christian before returning home for the OK Blue showdown with Sparta next Tuesday.        

Check out our latest WKTV Friday Night Highlights show (Feb. 2) featuring many cool clips

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By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org



Check out our latest Friday Night Highlights show of the basketball season featuring many area high school teams in action the week of Jan. 30-Feb. 2.



Every Friday, we’ll bring you several high school boys and girls basketball clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood areas, highlight some top performers and give a snapshot of the latest conference standings.



Thanks for watching, and see you next week!

Catholic Central uses big second quarter in win against rival South Christian Friday

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South Christian’s Jake Vermaas drives the lane against the Catholic Central defense. Vermaas scored 13 points. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor


It was round two of the annual rivalry between the South Christian and Grand Rapids Catholic Central boys basketball teams and the second quarter proved to be the difference as the host Cougars downed South 58-46 Friday to take the upper hand in the OK Gold.

Up 14-13 heading into the second quarter, Catholic Central played a near flawless quarter and built a 33-16 halftime advantage as it gained a two-game lead over the Sailors in the conference standings.

The host Cougars outscored South 19-3 during the second quarter, limiting the Sailors to a single three-point bucket by Sam Weiss. Catholic Central was dialed in from three-point range during the second quarter, scoring 12 of their 19 points from beyond the three-point arc. Senior all-stater Durral Brooks, who committed to the University of Michigan, led the way during the second quarter with eight of his game-high 30 points. Brieland Watkins also scored all six of his points during the quarter as he drained a pair of three-point shots.

“It was a super-intense atmosphere at the start,” said Catholic Central Coach TJ Meerman. “South Christian is an incredible team and we knew we would get their best shot. They jumped on us early, but our guys answered and battled back. I’m just really proud of our guys.”

Sailors quickly up 8-1

South Christian started the game in a big way, jumping out to a quick 8-1 lead. The Sailors controlled the boards early and kept the crowd out of the game. Catholic, however, weathered the storm and by the end of the first quarter took a 14-13 lead.

“We got out to a good start and we looked locked in,” said South Christian Coach Taylor Johnson, “then we started to miss some shots. They played faster, harder and with more confidence. We kept battling in the second half and got back in the game, but at the end of the game the better team won.”

Cougars up 33-16 at the half

Leading 33-16 going into the second half, Catholic Central began to milk the clock at times and shorten the game. The Cougars led 41-25 at the end of the third quarter.

South Christian continued to chip away at the deficit and early in the fourth quarter cut the margin to a dozen when Carson Vis connected on a three-point shot. The Sailors cut the mark to as close as 10 points when Vis scored a bucket with 2:07 remaining in the game, but that was as close as they would get.

Cougars’ Brooks led with 30 points, nine boards

Brooks, who led all scorers with 30 points, scored 16 of those points in the final quarter. Brooks also hauled down nine rebounds.

Catholic Central sophomore Jordan McCoy added 16 points, while Jack Bowen pulled down nine rebounds.

Catholic Central enjoyed a solid shooting night as they connected on six-of-19 three-point shots, were 50% on two-point shots and 78% from the free-throw line.

Carson Vis led Sailors with 14 points

South Christian was paced in scoring by Vis with 14 points and Jake Vermaas, 13. Davis Kemper added seven points, Sam Weiss, six.

“We are disappointed, but we will learn from this,” Johnson said. “We will grow from this. They tried to take Carson away, but he did hit some shots and crashed the boards and we did some good things out there.”


South Christian’s David Kemper puts up a shot during Friday’s game at Catholic Central. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



With the win, Catholic Central improved to 10-3 overall and 8-0 in the conference.

“I think in a game where two opponents know each other so well it comes down to togetherness, hustle and heart,” Johnson said. “We got after it in the second half, but it was just not enough. It was too little, too late.”

South Christian fell to 11-5 overall and 6-2 in the conference. The Sailors return to action Tuesday when they travel to Forest Hills Eastern and then return home on Friday when they host Cedar Springs.  

Tri-unity loses 62-61 heartbreaker to Schoolcraft on last-second tip-in

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Joey Mellon (24) had a career night with 19 points, including a tip-in to give the Defenders a late lead. (Courtesy, Becky Rillema)



By Ty Marzean

WKTV Contributor



Tri-unity and Schoolcraft rekindled their rivalry from a year ago in a game that saw 13 lead changes and ended with a buzzer-beater tip-in by Schoolcraft, securing a 62-61 victory on Tuesday night’s WKTV Truck game.

“We knew it was going to be down to the wire,” said veteran Coach Mark Keeler, whose team moves to 10-3 on the season. “It was last year when we beat them at their place. Nobody got a huge lead. It was quite the game.”

The first quarter ended at 10-apiece as Tri-unity junior guard Keaton Blanker scored seven. Blanker finished the game with 16 points, including four three-pointers, and 10 assists.

“Keaton was amazing; I’d say that was a pretty good game from a point guard,” Keeler said.



Keaton Blanker scored seven of his 16 points in the first quarter. (Courtesy, Becky Rillema)



Defenders up 30-25 at halftime

The first half saw seven lead changes; Tri-unity led 30-25 at the end of 16 minutes.

Schoolcraft controlled the third quarter, outscoring the Defenders 20-10. Eagles senior guard Shane Rykse scored 11 of their third quarter points and ended with a game-high 28 points.

“I was happy we held him to that,” Keeler exclaimed. “He’s unbelievable. He was last year as well.”

Junior forward Tucker Walther added 15 points and two blocks for Schoolcraft.

“We knew those two guys would carry the load, and they did,” Keeler said.

Joey Mellon led Defenders with 19 points

Tri-unity junior big man Joey Mellon had a career night as he tallied 19 points, including a tip-in to give the Defenders a late lead.


“They had us outsized,” Keeler explained. “We were one big man short, Akais (Giplaye) was out with an ankle injury. We knew Joey had to step up, and he did. He’s only a junior, so I’m excited for him.”

Tri-Unity senior leader Jordan VanKlompenberg was held to just nine points as Schoolcraft focused their defense on him.

“They were really keying on Jordan; we thought it would be a lower-scoring game.”

Tri-unity led by one with 10.8 seconds left

The Defenders took a one-point lead with 10.8 seconds left on the clock. Tri-unity had two fouls to give and, in the process, ate up a valuable six seconds.

With 4.4 seconds remaining, the Eagles in-bounded the ball to a double-covered Rykse, who put it up toward the basket, where it was caught and tipped in by senior Jaden VanderWiere as time expired.

“You have to give it to Schoolcraft; they didn’t back down, we didn’t back down, and it was a war to the end,” Keeler said.

The Defenders (10-3 overall) play Lee (7-4) Friday night. The Legends won last year’s game 62-59.

“We need to contain (Marc) Whitfield, he will get his points, but we don’t want him to score layups. We want to make him work for it,” Keeler said.

Check out our latest WKTV Friday Night Highlights show (Jan. 26) featuring many cool local basketball clips

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By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



Check out our latest Friday Night Highlights show of the basketball season featuring many area high school teams in action the week of Jan. 23-26.



Every Friday, we’ll bring you several high school boys and girls basketball clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood areas, highlight some top performers and give a snapshot of the latest conference standings.



Thanks for watching, and see you next week!

Wyoming girls fall just short in battle of conference unbeatens

City of Wyoming, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan,
Wyoming’s La’Anna Griffin steps to the stripe. She had a team-high 11 rebounds. (WKTV/Ty Marzean)



By Ty Marzean

WKTV Contributor

First place in the OK Green was on the line in front of an electric crowd Friday night as Wyoming hosted the Muskegon Big Reds. Both teams were undefeated in the conference coming into the game.  

The Big Reds edged Wyoming in a 32-31 slugfest to take the top spot in the middle stage of the season.

The battle between the top two teams in the conference had a wild ending, including two technical fouls by Muskegon to allow Wyoming to set up a would-be game winner. 

“I’ve never been a part of an ending like that; very crazy,” said second-year Wyoming Coach Jesse Vasquez. 


Wyoming sophomore Tamia Gayles looks for an opening. (WKTV/Ty Marzean)



The first quarter ended at a 5-5 deadlock, with all of Wyoming’s points scored by sophomore guard Tamia Gayles, who finished with a team-high seven points.

Muskegon missed multiple three-point shots in the second quarter, which Wyoming senior forward La’Anna Griffin was able to gobble up off the board en route to an 11-rebound game. Griffin also added two points with 30 seconds left in the quarter to make it a 10-8 game.

Big Reds up 13-8 at halftime

Muskegon sophomore guard Mariah Sain hit a dagger from beyond the arc with one second left to make the halftime score 13-8 in favor of the Big Reds. Sain finished with a game-high 17 points.

Muskegon kept the defensive pressure on the Wolves, allowing only eight points in the third quarter, four of which came from late Wyoming free throws by Shakya Anderson and Myah Nabors to cut it to seven. Both Nabors and Anderson finished with five points.

Wolves grab 32 boards

“We have a deep bench,” said Vasquez, whose team collected 32 rebounds. “We look to stay fresh with the pressure defense we like to show.”

Sain and Nabors exchanged three-point buckets to start an exciting final frame.

Big Reds led by 10 in the fourth

Muskegon sophomore guard Camiyah Bonner put the Big Reds up by 10 with 4:31 remaining with a three-pointer.

Vasquez called a timeout to regroup his squad and the Wolves responded. The Wyoming defense gave up one point the rest of the way.

“The heart from these young ladies is unbelievable,” Vasquez said. “We didn’t have the best offensive showing, but the fact they never quit and just kept going forward shows you the heart they have.”

Hardiman cuts lead to five

Wolves senior Ta’tyana Hardiman hit a pivotal layup to close the gap to five, and that is when the game got interesting. 

Muskegon committed two technical fouls in the final minute to give Wyoming four free shots. The first set of two attempts went down easy for sophomore Michaela Moore. 

Griffin board and bucket cuts lead to one

With 22.2 seconds remaining, Griffin rebounded a Nabors miss and put it back for the score to cut Muskegon’s lead to one.

On the ensuing inbound came the next set of technical shots hampered with confusion. Muskegon’s Bonner was fouled and committed a technical foul on the same play. Moore attempted the first of two shots and missed, but the officials came together to correct the order, and Muskegon needed to shoot their free throws first, waiving off the Moore miss. Muskegon made one of the two attempts.

Moore then regrouped at the charity stripe to hit one of the two shots that made it 32-31 Muskegon.

Next, the Big Reds botched an inbound pass with 1.3 seconds to set up a final shot for Wyoming.

The Wyoming inbound pass put it in the hands of Gayles, who threw up a prayer that missed and sealed the Muskegon victory. 

“We don’t stop till the end of the game and tonight was the definition of that,” Vasquez explained. “I am beyond proud of how we competed till the end.” 

The Wolves have enjoyed an excellent season this year at 11-3. Last year they finished 12-11.
 

“The work the core group put in this summer and fall … they just keep growing closer together,” Vasquez said. “They are everything this program stands for. They play hard, smart and together. This group of ladies are a team, and they come together each and every day.”

Wyoming welcomes Zeeland West (8-4) and Zeeland East (3-10) their next two games (Feb. 2 and 6) to begin the second half of the OK Green schedule.

East Kentwood girls perched atop OK Red after beating No. 1 Rockford Friday; cruising along at 10-1 overall

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, ,
Check out the East Kentwood girls 60-54 win over Rockford last Friday in the WKTV Truck Game.



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor

It was a showdown between No. 1 and No. 5 in the state at the East Kentwood fieldhouse Friday and the host Falcons came away with a statement win by turning back Rockford, the top-ranked team in the state in Division 1, 60-54.

In a game that went back and forth almost the entire way, Kentwood, the fifth-ranked team in the state, pulled away at the end to secure the win and improve to 10-1 overall for the season and remain unbeaten atop the rugged OK Red Conference.

“A very big win for us”

“It was a very big win for us,” said East Kentwood coach Eric Large. “I tell everyone that the OK Red is one of the toughest basketball leagues in the state every year.”

Rams were D1 state champs last season

Rockford proved that last year as it won the Division 1 state title while another OK Red team, Hudsonville, won the Division 1 state title three years ago giving OK Red teams two out of the last three Division 1 championships.

The key for the Falcons in the win against Rockford was playing with a high level of intensity the entire game.

“The key for us was our intensity,” Large said. “We were tenacious on the defensive end of the floor. Rockford is so skilled and shoots the ball so well, we had to make sure that we contested every shot.”

The game flowed back and forth throughout with Rockford up by two points at the end of the first quarter and East Kentwood up by two points at halftime.

Rockford regained the lead in the second half and the game remained tight during the fourth quarter. East Kentwood was up by four late in the game before Rockford hit a three-point shot to cut the margin to one. East Kentwood then countered with a three-point shot by Harmonie Belton to regain the four-point cushion and then closed the game out by converting their free throws at the foul line.

“It was a back-and-forth game,” Large said. “It was a typical East Kentwood-Rockford game. It was like a heavyweight fight and it came down to who could withstand the other team’s big blow.”

Harmonie Belton led with 18 points (4 threes)

Belton led the way for the Falcon offense with 18 points, including four three-point shots. Makayla Porter added 17 points. Santana Eubanks led the Falcons in rebounds with seven, while Kanyla Tyler led with six assists.


East Kentwood’s Makayla Porter (21) scored 17 points in the win over Rockford. (Courtesy, Cristian Salas-Salinas)



The win was the 10th of the season in 11 games for the Falcons who are also 4-0 and in first place in the conference.

“We want to play teams that prepare us for March”

“We started the season by playing some of the best teams in the state,” Large said. “Our non-conference schedule was very tough. We want to play teams that prepare us for March and the state tournament. We know our conference schedule is very tough and we wanted to make our non-conference schedule as tough as it can be.”

Among the teams East Kentwood defeated in non-conference play were Byron Center and Lowell, who are both state-ranked in Division 1 and Grand Rapids Catholic Central who is state-ranked in Division 2.

 

The Falcons have a veteran team this season that features plenty of all-around talent and skill.

“A very speedy and athletic team”

“We play with a lot of grit,” Large said. “We’re also a very speedy and athletic team. We’re not that tall, but we play with a lot of intensity. I describe us as a team full of guards.”

Tyler is the Falcons point guard and runs the offense. Porter leads the team in scoring at 17 points per game. Belton is not only a solid outside shooter, but also is the best on-ball defender. Eubanks leads the team in rebounding.

“Eubanks a Dennis Rodman on the boards”

“Eubanks is like a Dennis Rodman on the boards,” Large said. “She is only 5-foot-6, but she does a phenomenal job of rebounding. She had 20 rebounds in our win against Muskegon and had another game with 18 rebounds.”   

The Falcons also have a deep team. Along with the veteran core of Belton, Porter, Eubanks and Tyler, the Falcons have several more players who are playing key roles.

Wozniak had 5 treys earlier against West Ottawa

“Sophia Wozniak is a phenomenal shooter,” Large said. “She hit five three-pointers in our win against West Ottawa. We also have two juniors who are doing really well. Landen Smith is a do it all type of player. She can rebound, shoot and defend. Jaslynn Ward is a great shooter as well.”

East Kentwood returns to action with a pair of OK Red Conference games this week. The Falcons host Caledonia on Tuesday and travel to state-ranked Grand Haven on Friday.

“We want to continue to play with a lot of energy and stay focused,” Large said. “We want to continue to improve throughout the season.”    

Check out our latest WKTV Friday Night Highlights show (Jan. 19) featuring many cool local basketball clips

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Sports, Sports, , , ,



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



Check out our latest Friday Night Highlights show of the basketball season featuring many area high school teams in action.



Every Friday, we’ll bring you several high school boys and girls basketball clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood areas, highlight some top performers and give a snapshot of the latest conference standings.



Thanks for watching, and see you next Friday!

Mona Shores knocks off host Wyoming 75-53 Wednesday 

City of Wyoming, Local Sports, Sports, ,
Opening tipoff of Wyoming and Mona Shores Wednesday. (WKTV/Ty Marzean)



By Ty Marzean

WKTV Contributor



In a game postponed due to bad weather Tuesday, Mona Shores grabbed their second OK Green win in a row with a 75-53 victory over host Wyoming on Wednesday night.

Wyoming’s Gage Behrenbrinker won the opening tipoff, but the Sailors quickly picked the pocket and converted a three-point shot before 10 seconds left the clock.

The rest of the first quarter was a back-and-forth matchup, with Mona Shores on top 17-11 after one quarter.

“When I think early in the game, we had missed layups and free throws,” said Wyoming veteran Coach Thom Vander Klay, whose team fell to 4-7 overall. “We went 1-6 from the line in the first quarter, and those are wasted opportunities,”

“The shots just didn’t hit”

Mona Shores (8-3 overall) enjoyed a 17-point lead at the half on the back of an off-shooting night for the Wolves. Wyoming shot 6-29 from three-point range on the night. 

“It’s frustrating for everybody; we have some guys that have worked pretty hard on knocking shots down,” Vander Klay explained. “I thought our spacing was good. I thought we made good decisions with the ball and made easy passes; the shots just didn’t hit.”

The Wolves tried to claw their way back in the third quarter as they outscored Mona Shores 25-23 to get within striking distance.

“We cut it down to 13 points in the third, but then they would come back and answer,” Vander Klay said. “We couldn’t chop it down.”

The Sailors took advantage of the missed opportunities by the Wolves and created points on the other end.

“Part of that is Mona Shores’ defense, and they took advantage and finished those shots off in the paint. They had a lot of good looks.”

Mona Shores scored a quick four points early in the fourth and coasted to the final score and 22-point victory.

“That’s when it set in, if we didn’t start lighting it up, we were done, and we didn’t light it up,” said Vander Klay of the quick points by the Sailors.

Mona Shores finished the game with four players in double digits, led by junior forward Jonathan Pittman with 16 points.


Wyoming senior Avonte’ Wiggins led all scorers with 18 points. (Photo from a previous game.)

Wiggins led all scorers with 18

Wyoming senior guard Avonte’ Wiggins led all scorers with 18 points and cleaned up six rebounds.
 

“He was trying to do what we were telling him,” said Vander Klay of his leader. “He was trying to take it inside. He had eight free throws in the third quarter, and that helped us some. Mona Shores had to start playing some defense.”

Wolves’ senior Donavyn Edwards collected 13 points.

“Donny plays so hard; he’s a menace on defense,” Vander Klay said. “He’s pretty banged up right now; he came out from football and hasn’t really recovered from all the nicks and bruises and twists and pulls.”


Wyoming’s Donavyn Edwards shoots a three. (WKTV/Ty Marzean)

Basketball and Friday Night Highlights taking a winter weather break; all area games canceled

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , ,



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org



Due to the winter storm warning and cancellation of all local basketball games on Friday, our WKTV Friday Night Highlights show is taking a break as well.


Our WKTV crew was out getting highlights Tuesday night and we will include those in next Friday’s show! If you haven’t already, please take a look at last week’s FNH show above (Jan. 5).


Every single Friday, unless there’s a winter storm, we’ll bring you several high school boys and girls basketball clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood areas, highlight some top performers and give a snapshot of the latest conference standings.


Stay Safe, and See You Next Friday!


WKTV Friday Night Highlights is Back! Check out our second show of the basketball season featuring local high schools

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , ,



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



Check out our latest WKTV Friday Night Highlights show (Jan. 5) of the basketball season featuring many area high school teams in action.



Every Friday, we’ll bring you several high school boys and girls basketball clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood areas, highlight some top performers and give a snapshot of the latest conference standings.



Thanks for watching, and see you next Friday!

South Christian falls to Catholic Central as last-second shot bounces off rim

Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, ,
South Christian’s Carson Vis (11) looks for an open man during Friday’s game. Vis led the Sailors with 20 points, including four three-point baskets. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor

The South Christian boys basketball team honored the first Sailors to win a state basketball championship Friday and their game with Grand Rapids Catholic Central proved worthy of a state final.

The Sailors and Cougars, who are both among the top teams in the state in Division 2, put on a state-finals worthy performance with Catholic Central hanging on for a 57-54 win as a last-second South Christian three-point shot bounced off the rim.

With many of the team members of the 1988 South Christian Class B state championship team in attendance, the Cougars and Sailors put on a classic of a game. Over the past three years at least one of the schools has played for a Division 2 state title with South Christian reaching the championship game last season. Friday’s contest proved that either team is capable of reaching the title game again this March.

“What a great high school basketball game,” said Catholic Central Coach TJ Meerman. “South Christian is an incredible team. They remind me so much of our state championship team of a couple years ago as they have the combination of guards, shooters, depth, rebounding and size in the middle. Our guys battled tough and they found a way to win.”

The game was an intense, close struggle throughout with both teams filling the hoop with three-point bombs while playing tough defense on the interior. Catholic Central led 13-8 at the end of the opening quarter with South Christian up 27-25 at halftime.


South Christian’s Sam Weiss (23) prepares to drive the lane against Catholic Central. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)

The three-point shot was a main factor for the success of both offenses. South Christian connected on six, three-point shots during the first half, while Catholic Central drained five treys in the first half including all four of their buckets by three-pointers in the second quarter. South Christian finished the game with a total of 12 three’s, while Catholic Central totaled eight.

South Christian utilized the three-ball in response to Catholic Central’s zone defense.

“It was a great game,” said South Christian Coach Taylor Johnson. “Give all the credit to Catholic Central. Their 1-3-1 zone bothered us. On defense we tried to build a wall to take away their drives to the basket. We just came up short.”

Mr. Basketball candidate Durral Brooks gets 21 points

While the South defense slowed down some of the Cougars drives to the basket, they were unable to completely stop them as Catholic Central Mr. Basketball candidate Durral “Phat” Brooks was still able to find his way to the rim when they needed a key bucket. Brooks, who is committed to the University of Michigan, turned in a Mr. Basketball-type performance as he led the Cougars with 21 points, seven assists and seven rebounds.

“Phat is just a special player,” Meerman said. “He is a super leader and just lifts our guys up. We are young, we have five sophomores on the roster, and Phat and our other senior captains, Carter Meerman, Willie VanderBoegh and Matthew Sokorai, are doing a great job of leading our young guys.”

One of the Cougar sophomores, Izaya Larthridge, played anything like a sophomore as he drained four three-pointers and finished with 16 points.

“Izaya is a 6-foot-5 sophomore who has been doing a great job,” Meerman said. “One thing he has really been doing a good job at lately is his rebounding.”

Fellow sophomore Brieland Watkins added four points and six rebounds for the Cougars. Senior guard Carter Meerman turned in a big game as he totaled 15 points, including four clutch three-point shots.

Catholic Central regained the lead early in the second half before South Christian tied the game midway through the third quarter. Catholic ended the third quarter with a 9-5 run to take a 45-41 lead into the final stanza.

Cougars led 55-54 with under two minutes left

The game continued to swing back and forth in the final quarter. The Cougars surged ahead 53-44 in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter before South rallied to cut the margin to 55-54 with 1:54 remaining in the game.

Catholic’s Jack Bowen split a pair of free throws with 1:32 remaining to give the Cougars a 56-54 lead. The Sailors then worked the clock down and took a shot with 30 seconds remaining that rimmed out. Catholic added a free throw with 15 seconds remaining to go up by three and with one second remaining a South three-pointer bounced off the rim giving the Cougars the win.


South Christian’s Jake Vermaas (0) looks for an opening as Catholic Central’s Carter Meerman (11) and Durral Brooks (10) apply pressure. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


Carson Vis led the way for South Christian with 20 points, including four three-point baskets. Davis Kemper added 15 points, including 3 three’s, while Jake Vermaas added 10 points and Caleb Pleune, nine, all three’s.

“Kemper and Pleune hit a lot of big shots and that was nice to see,” Johnson said. “We are getting better. Our defense is continuing to get better and we are playing hard. We still have a long way to go and have a lot to improve on.”

The Sailors, who fell to 5-3 for the season, return to action Tuesday hosting Forest Hills Eastern and then travel to Cedar Springs next Friday.

South girls fall to Catholic Central

The South Christian girls basketball team dropped a 50-40 decision to Catholic Central on Friday. The loss evened South’s record at 3-3 for the season. The Sailors opened the season with three straight wins before dropping a 47-41 decision to Unity Christian and a 43-41 loss to East Grand Rapids. They return to action Tuesday at Forest Hills Eastern and then travel to Cedar Springs next Friday.

Tri-unity Christian boys knock off Potterville 71-16 Thursday

City of Wyoming, Local Sports, Sports, ,
Jordan VanKlompenberg (pictured) and Owen Rosendall scored 11 points apiece in the win. (Courtesy, Becky Rillema from a previous game)



By Ty Marzean

WKTV Contributor


The holiday break couldn’t stop the Tri-unity Christian boys from staying on a roll as they scored early and often in a 71-16 blowout over Potterville on Thursday.


“We were rip-roaring and ready to go,” said long-time Tri-unity Coach Mark Keeler, whose team improved to 7-1 overall.
 

The Defenders proved that readiness as they raced to a 31-5 lead after the first quarter and 48-10 at the half.

Senior captains Owen Rosendall and Jordan VanKlompenberg both had 11 points in the rout, but their defense stole the show.


Owen Rosendall in a previous game. (Courtesy, Becky Rillema)

“They led the way; you are not going to find two better defensive players than those two,” Keeler said. ” I feel sorry for anyone that Owen guards because they are not going to have a fun night. Jordan gets stuck with the bigger kids, and he just does amazing.”



The Defenders are holding their opponents to only 35 points per game in the early portion of the 2023-2024 season while averaging 62 points on offense.



“They played really solid defense, and that’s always been a trademark at Tri-unity.”



Senior big man Akais Giplaye added four rebounds in the winning effort.



Giplaye, Rosendall, VanKlompenberg and Wes Kaman form a solid senior base full of state championship experience.



“Those four are an amazing nucleus and are tough as nails,” Keeler explained.



Even in the lopsided victory, Keeler was impressed with how his team played unselfish basketball.



“I was so proud that they still shared the ball and didn’t worry about their own points or shots,” Keeler continued. “They are all so coachable and playing like men, not little boys. We also got to play a lot of guys quite a bit that don’t usually get as much playing time and give them experience.”


Tri-unity Christian team all smiles during a previous game. (Courtesy, Becky Rillema)



Ranked No. 1 in Division 4, Tri-unity has played a strong schedule as they anticipate their future Alliance League games.



“The Alliance League is strong,” Keeler said. “Lee is going to be tough; Potter’s House is also a good game. You are not going to go through this league unscathed.”



Junior Keaton Blanker led the Defenders on the scoreboard with 12 points, while fellow junior Joey Mellon added 10.



The Defenders (7-1) travel to Lansing Catholic (1-5) on Saturday afternoon. 

WKTV Friday Night Highlights is Back! Check out our first show of the basketball season featuring local high schools

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , ,



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



Check out our first WKTV Friday Night Highlights show of the basketball season featuring many area high school teams in action.



Every Friday, we’ll bring you several high school boys and girls basketball clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood areas, highlight some top performers and give a snapshot of the latest conference standings.



Thanks for watching, and see you next Friday!

East Grand Rapids uses late run to hold off Wyoming in our WKTV Friday Game of the Week

City of Wyoming, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , ,
(WKTV)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor


A fourth-quarter run proved to be the difference as the East Grand Rapids boys basketball team turned back Wyoming 67-52 in a non-league game at Wyoming in our WKTV Friday Game of the Week.

The setback prevented Wyoming from breaking into the win column this season. The Wolves started the new season facing a strong string of opponents. Wyoming fell to Unity Christian and Coopersville in the first two contests and then dropped a five-point decision to Grand Rapids Christian in a game the Wolves led heading into the final minute.

Tied 32-all at the half with EGR

The game with East was much closer than the final score. Wyoming led 14-12 at the end of the first quarter and the contest was tied 32-32 at halftime.

East Grand Rapids pulled ahead of the host Wolves in the third quarter and headed into the final stanza with a 48-41 lead. Wyoming tied the game in the final quarter before East pulled away late with the bulk of its points coming at the free-throw line in the final minutes.

“It was a fairly close game, but we had to put them on the free-throw line at the end,” said Wyoming Coach Thom VanderKlay. “Defensively we broke down quite a bit in the second half. Our field-goal percentage was also not very good. The shots we took were decent and we did get 15 offensive rebounds so we had some second chances, but we just could not put the ball in the basket.”

Wyoming finished the game shooting 27% from the field and also had 16 turnovers. The Wolves did a solid job on the boards with 37 rebounds while the defense created seven turnovers.



Wyoming junior Avonte’ Wiggins from last year. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



Avonte’ Wiggins led Wyoming in scoring with 22 points and Brayden Williams added 10. Wiggins also led the Wolves with eight rebounds.

Shooting woes have been the main drawback for the Wolves this season.

“Coming into the season I expected us to be a pretty good shooting team,” VanderKlay said. “We can spread the floor and do a pretty good job of running the floor. On defense we work hard and can run pretty well and can create a fast pace.”

The Wolves also have more experience this season with several players returning from last year including a trio of returning starters.

Wyoming returns three senior starters in Warren Williams, Donavyn Edwards and Gage Behrenbrinker. Rounding out the starting lineup are freshman Brayden Williams and Wiggins, a junior.

Wyoming also is a deep team this season with 12 players on the roster who are all capable of contributing.

Wyoming also returns seniors Maxi Morales, Buster Cross and Chris Jackson along with senior Brendan Nesbary, who is new to the team. Rounding out the squad are juniors Zy Debose, Tarren Calvert and Duane Droughn.

“We have some good depth this season,” VanderKlay said “Any of the guys on our roster can step in and play well. All 12 of them can play.”

That depth will come in handy during the long 22-game season especially when OK Green Conference play begins. As usual, the league will be solid from top to bottom.

“Zeeland West, Reeths-Puffer and Muskegon are all very good teams,” VanderKlay said. “Mona Shores also looks much improved. I also think we can be in the mix. We’ve had our moments this season, we just have to be more consistent.”  


Wyoming girls basketball team in “mid-season form” with 61-17 win over Comstock Park Tuesday

City of Wyoming, Local Sports, Sports, , ,
Wyoming girls basketball Coach Jesse Vasquez talks to his team during a timeout. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor



It may have been the third game of the season for the Wyoming girls basketball team, but the performance the Wolves put on looked more like a team in mid-season form.

Blending a potent offense with a stingy defense, the Wolves claimed a 61-17 win against visiting Comstock Park Tuesday.

With a host of talented players back from last year’s squad that finished with a winning record along with some promising newcomers, the Wolves started strong and finished even stronger against the visiting Panthers.

Leading 13-8 at the end of the first quarter, Wyoming began to ramp up the offense and lock down even tighter on the defensive end of the floor during the second quarter. Wyoming opened the second quarter going on a 16-3 run to take a 29-11 lead midway through the quarter. Their swarming defense forced Comstock Park into numerous turnovers during the run while the offense was in overdrive.


The Wolves began to heat up from beyond the three-point arc and whatever outside shots were missed were converted into putbacks on offensive rebounds as the Wolves, led by La’Anna Griffin and Michaela Moore, controlled the offensive boards.



Wyoming’s La’Anna  Griffin (15) goes around a Comstock Park defender during Tuesday’s game. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)

Wyoming closed out the first half playing even stingier defense as it held Comstock Park scoreless the remainder of the half while building the lead to 35-11 by halftime.

“All week we’ve been talking about doing the little things,” said Wyoming coach Jesse Vasquez. “About out-working and out-rebounding teams. We have a lot of great shooters on our team and if we dominate the glass and get the loose balls our offense can take over games.”

That was exactly the formula the Wolves used to take the game over against Comstock Park. Wyoming kept the pressure up during the second half. The Wolves outscored the Panthers 14-6 during the third quarter to increase the lead to 49-17.

The fourth quarter was even more impressive as the Wyoming defense held Comstock Park scoreless while scoring 12 points on the offensive end of the floor.



Wyoming guard Myah Nabors (13) sets up the offense during Tuesday’s game against Comstock Park.(WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



Wyoming dictated the pace of play during the game. The Wolves also used every player available during the game as they were substituting like a hockey team rolling out fresh lines. That total-team effort was obvious by looking at the scorebook. A total of 10 Wolves scored with four Wyoming players reaching double figures.

Tamia Gayles led with 15 points

Sophomore Tamia Gayles led the Wolves in scoring with 15 points, while seniors Griffin and Madileena Longoria and sophomore Myah Nabors scored 10 each. Moore, a sophomore, added eight points followed by juniors Shakya Anderson and Ly’Nia King and sophomore Arianna Bennitt with two points apiece.

“We’re a pretty deep team,” Vasquez said. “As deep as we are it’s pretty easy to play at the pace we do. Having two or three fresh bodies to always rotate in makes my job easier.”

Having a strong core of veterans also helps. Wyoming lost just two seniors from last year’s squad. Along with the veteran players returning, the Wolves moved up three sophomores to the varsity along with fellow sophomore Nabors who saw extensive playing time last season as a freshman.

“We have some returning players like Myah Nabors, La’Anna Griffin, Madileena Longoria and Shakya Anderson,” Vasquez said. “Add in the sophomores like Michaela Moore and Tamia Gayles. I really like our guard play. We have three really good guards in Tamia, Myah and Michaela and two solid post players.”

With the win, Wyoming improved to 2-1 for the season. Wyoming opened the season in a big way by scheduling the toughest competition it could find in defending Division 1 state champion Rockford. While the Wolves fell 69-23, the game provided the team with the toughest test available. Wyoming rebounded from that game to defeat Grand Rapids Christian 52-36.

“We wanted to toughen our schedule up,” Vasquez said. “We want to play the tough teams and get to that level. One game does not define a season.”

The rugged non-league schedule also prepares the Wolves for what will be a competitive OK-Green Conference season.

“Our conference is pretty deep,” Vasquez said. “Muskegon is right up there. Reeths-Puffer and Zeeland West are going to be up there and you can’t count out Mona Shores. If we do the things we talk about we will be right up there too.”            


South Christian takes early lead, turns back Holland Christian in home opener Friday 64-40

Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, ,
South Christian’s Isaac Schrotenboer (32) battles for possession of the ball during Friday’s game with Holland Christian. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor


It was the first home game of the season for the South Christian boys basketball team and if Friday’s game is any indication, Sailor fans are going to be in for a fun season.

The Sailors, who reached the Division 2 state championship game last March, displayed plenty of strong defense and a potent offense as they jumped out to an early lead and went on to defeat Holland Christian 64-40.

With some key players returning from last year’s squad and a host of players looking to step up and play larger roles, the Sailors have a squad built to make an impact both in the area and on the state level.

“This is a new group with a lot of new players in new roles,” said South Christian Coach Taylor Johnson. “We have two very good guards coming back so guard play is going to be a key for us.”

Duo Vis and Vermaas a threat on court as well

The guard tandem of senior Jake Vermaas and junior Carson Vis is a familiar duo to South Christian fans. Not only did the duo turn in outstanding seasons last fall, but they were a big part of South Christian’s run to the Division 4 state football finals with Vis as the quarterback and Vermaas at wide receiver.

“Vermaas and Vis are going to lead us,” Johnson said. “They are both outstanding players, but it is going to take a while for them to get their legs after a long football season. A big key for us is we are going to have to rebound well and get extra possessions.”

Vermaas and Vis seem to be shaking off the rust of a long football season well. Vis led all scorers with 21 points against Holland Christian, while Vermaas added 17 points including a pair of deep three-point shots during the fourth quarter. Vis also displayed his big-play skills on defense and dunked an offensive rebound home in the first half.

South Christian came out of the gate playing some stingy defense in the game. The Sailors defense held Holland Christian without a point for the first three minutes and 17 seconds of the game and the visiting Maroons did not record a field goal until the 2:46 mark of the opening quarter.


South Christian’s Caleb Pleune (20), Jake Vermaas (0) and Sam Weiss (23) set up to defend Holland Christian Friday. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



“They (Holland Christian) got some decent shots, but the ball would not fall for them,” Johnson said. “I felt we played a pretty good game. We got out to a hot start. We got out in transition and got some easy buckets and that helped.”

Sailors up 32-12 at halftime

South Christian was up 13-4 at the end of the first quarter. The Sailors kept their foot on the gas in the second quarter as they scored the first nine points of the quarter to take a 22-4 lead. By halftime the Sailors were up 32-12.

The Sailors maintained the double-digit lead in the second half. South led 46-27 at the end of the third quarter and were up by 27 points late in the final quarter.


South Christian’s Sam Weiss (23) and Carson Vis (11) talk strategy during Friday’s game with Holland Christian. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



With four seniors on the roster, the Sailors are a relatively young team. Along with Vermaas, fellow senior Sam Weiss also saw extensive playing time last season. Tanner Raak, a 6-foot-5 forward and guard Drew Bruinsma round out the seniors on the Sailor roster. Raak and Weiss both finished the Holland Christian game with two points apiece.

The remainder of the lineup consists of juniors, who’ll be stepping into key roles for the team this season.

Up front, Isaac Schrotenboer and Davis Kemper are a pair of 6-foot-6 juniors that are being counted on to provide rebounding, defense in the post and offense in the paint. Schrotenboer finished the game with 10 points, while Kemper added six. The duo also turned in strong efforts on the boards and blocking shots.

Junior Nolan Fackler added four points, while 6-foot-5 junior Ty Brinks added two.

“We have some size in Kemper and Schrotenboer,” Johnson said. “Kemper was injured last year and Schrotenboer was on the junior varsity. Weiss gained a lot of experience last year and started in the title game. We are going to need them to step up and provide some rebounding for us this year. Weiss is also a good shooter.”

The Sailors also are counting on 6-foot-3 junior Caleb Pleune at forward and Raak.

“Pleune will be a key player for us,” Johnson said. “He is a real good shooter. Raak is another guy we are counting on to rebound and he is really solid defensively.”

Alliance League champion Lee faces strong non-conference schedule; loses to OK Red champ East Kentwood 80-48 Friday

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Sports, Sports, , ,



By Ty Marzean

WKTV Contributor



The Lee Legends wrapped up last season with their first conference championship in 43 years, but were knocked out of the MHSAA playoffs in the first round by crosstown rival Godwin Heights 83-80 in overtime.


“It was a hostile environment at Godwin,” said Coach Dominic Shannon, in his third year at Lee.


That hostile road environment led Shannon to beef up the Legends’ non-conference schedule for the 2023-2024 season. 


“Being in the Alliance League gives us some flexibility with our non-conference schedule,” said Shannon, whose Legends won the league last year with an 8-0 record and finished 19-2 overall. “We only play conference teams once, so that allows us to schedule more non-conference games. I talked with our athletic director, and he supported the effort.”


The Legends have already faced off against Marshall and Forest Hills Eastern before their 80-48 loss Friday to host East Kentwood.


Marshall won the Interstate 8 Athletic Conference championship and their district championship before losing in the regional finals.


Forest Hills Eastern ended last year with a 17-7 record and finished 8-6 in an OK Gold conference bullied by state powerhouses South Christian and Grand Rapids Catholic Central.

East Kentwood OK Red champs last year

East Kentwood won the OK Red with an 11-3 record, one of the premier conferences in Michigan, and finished 18-7 overall last year.


“I’m an EK guy,” Shannon said. “So it was nice to step into that gym again.”


The Falcons scored early and kept the pressure on for an 80-48 victory over Lee.


“They made some buckets early, and our guys started to get discouraged,” Shannon said. “I stand by the decision to schedule these non-conference games in hostile environments; it will help us grow.”


The Legends missed the presence of their only senior last year, Joe Russau, who’s now playing at Muskegon Community College. 


“Russau was a force for us in the middle getting rebounds,” Shannon explained.


The Legends were outrebounded 32-20 against East Kentwood.


Reigning Alliance League Player of the Year Marc Whitfield paced Lee with 16 points.


Lee’s Marc Whitfield last season.



Ny’Zhem Marshall led the team with 11 boards and three blocks, while senior Clarence Lewis added 11 points.


The 0-3 Legends welcome Kalamazoo Phoenix for their home opener on Thursday, Dec. 14, while East Kentwood travels to Saginaw on Saturday, Dec. 16 for its next game.

Nice start for new South Christian girls basketball Coach Erika Brown; replaces 28-year veteran Kim Legge

City of Kentwood, Local Sports, Sports,
New South Christian Girls Basketball Coach Erika Brown (Courtesy, South Christian)



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



It’s not an easy task replacing a 28-year veteran coach who has experienced great success.



That’s what Erika Brown is tasked to do as the new coach of the South Christian girls basketball team, replacing Kim Legge.



“I am excited to continue building off the success Coach Legge established over her many years of coaching,” said Brown, who was the varsity assistant for the Sailors for three years and coach at Grandville and Davision for four years. ” I am honored to take the lead here at South. Coaching at South gives me the opportunity to share my faith and help encourage young ladies to be the best versions of themselves.



“Teaching them the game of basketball is the icing on the cake.”



Brown kicked off her new role with a 56-40 win over Grand Rapids Christian last Tuesday.



“I am proud of our hard work on Tuesday night,” said Brown, whose husband Danny is South Christian’s football coach. “Grand Rapids Christian has been a tough opener over the years. I felt we played well and I was happy with our energy and effort. We talk a lot about our effort, attitude and our connection with each other. These are things we can control and we put lots of emphasis on them.



“Our leading scorers for the night were Sophia Prins (19 points) and Lizzie Wolthuis (15 points). Sophia is our floor general, and as our point guard she is the extension of the coach on the floor. She embraces this role with everything she has. Lizzie is our shooting guard. When she finds her rhythm we roll with it and great things happen.”


“It’s pretty special to have two players who began their high school career together on varsity, continuing to be great teammates and leaders in their own unique ways.”



The team captains are senior Ashley Thomasma and junior Lily Nitz.  


South Christian captain Lily Nitz (Courtesy, Eric Walstra)



Brown takes over a Sailor team that finished second in the Gold at 10-4, 16-8 overall.



“Our goal this year is to get better each week, to compete at our best each game and to embrace the process and journey we are on together.”




South Christian captain Ashey Thomasma (Courtesy, Eric Walstra)







South Christian Athletic Director David Kool had much to say about Coach Brown and former Coach Legge.



“We are so excited to have someone the caliber of Coach Brown taking over our program,” Kool said. “She has been involved with the program over the last couple of years as an assistant so her familiarity with the girls and our community is top-notch. She brings past experience as a varsity head coach at different programs and a vast array of knowledge in the basketball realm. Coach Brown is a relational coach who’s life mission is to love kids and show them the hands and feet of Jesus every day. She is going to make our girls better as players and human beings and that is very exciting for us.



“Coach Legge is and will continue to be missed. We are very grateful and appreciative of her leadership of our program over the years. She not only won a lot of games, but more importantly, made an impact on so many girls over her 28 years at South Christian. She was a relationship person and a Jesus follower first who did things the right way and her time will always be remembered fondly here. We wish her and her family nothing but success in the next phase of her life.”

Tri-unity boys begin quest to return to Breslin Center

City of Wyoming, Local Sports, Sports,
Last year’s team with their regional championship trophy. (Courtesy, Tri-Unity Christian)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor



The Tri-unity Christian boys basketball team has a goal of making it back to the Division 4 state championship in March, and a tried-and-true formula is what the Defenders are using to accomplish the task.

Playing strong defense, sharing the ball on offense and playing for each other has proven to be a winning formula for the Defenders. Tri-unity has used that recipe to make it to the Division 4 state title game the past three years including a state championship in 2022.

Tri-unity is off to a strong start this season winning its first three games including a 71-41 win against Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart on Tuesday. The Defenders were up by 12 at the half against Sacred Heart before using a big third quarter to break the game open.  

“We have a great group of boys, said veteran Tri-unity Coach Mark Keeler. “They play well together and are unselfish. They are all solid players and amazing young men.”

A team of veterans

Making things even better this season is that Tri-unity also is a veteran team. Nearly the entire team returns from last season and the roster is loaded with senior veterans. Two of the seniors, Owen Rosendall and Jordan VanKlompenberg, are four-year starters who are looking to accomplish a unique milestone this season. Rosendall and VanKlompenberg have been to the last three Division 4 state championship games and are looking to end their career with four trips to the state finals.



Jordan VanKlompenberg. (Courtesy, Becky Rillema)




Rosendall and VanKlompenberg also are team captains this season. Rosendall, a 5-foot-10 guard, is a lock-down defender, while VanKlompenberg is a 6-foot-1 guard who possesses an excellent outside shot and also is a solid defender.



Owen Rosendall knocking down a layup. (Courtesy, Becky Rillema)



Up front, Tri-unity returns 6-4 forward Akais Giplaye who provides strong rebounding and defense. Senior Wesley Kamen (6-1) also is an outstanding outside shooter and defender, while junior point guard Keaton Blanker (5-10) orchestrates the offense.



Akais Giplaye reaches for the ball. (Courtesy, Becky Rillema)


The Defenders also have plenty of depth. Trey Rillema is a 6-foot-5 forward who brings strong rebounding skills and defense to the court. Junior Joey Mellon brings even more size off the bench and at 6-foot-7 is the tallest player on the team. Senior Chris Boileau (5-8) is the backup at point guard while senior Lincoln Eerdmans (5-11) provides more backcourt depth. Rounding out the roster for the Defenders are senior Trusten Bowman (6-2) and juniors Marcus Lokiden (6-1) and Hudson Ghent (5-8) who provide the team with outstanding depth.


  • Trey Rillema (Courtesy, Becky Rillema)
  • Wesley Kaman (Courtesy, Becky Rillema)
  • Jordan VanKlompenberg (Courtesy, Becky Rillema)
  • Keaton Blanker (Courtesy, Becky Rillema)
  • Chris Boileau (Courtesy, Becky Rillema)
  • Owen Rosendall (Courtesy, Becky Rillema)
  • Jordan VanKlompenberg. (Courtesy, Becky Rillema)
  • Lincoln Eerdmans (Courtesy, Becky Rillema)
  • Joey Mellon (Courtesy, Becky Rillema)
  • Wesley Kaman (Courtesy, Becky Rillema)
  • Keaton Blanker (Courtesy, Becky Rillema)
  • Akais Giplaye (Courtesy, Becky Rillema)
  • Owen Rosendall (Courtesy, Becky Rillema)
  • Akais Giplaye (Courtesy, Becky Rillema)




With plenty of depth and a willingness to pass the basketball, the Defenders are a matchup-problem for opponents. In the win against Sacred Heart, the Tri-unity offense generated 17 assists.

“I was really excited about that,” Keeler said. “These guys do a great job of sharing the basketball. We don’t have one big scorer. We have a lot of kids who can score and we’ve had a different player lead us in scoring each game this season.”

Rosendall and VanKlompenberg led the Defenders with five assists apiece in the win against Sacred Heart. Kaman led the offense with 17 points, while Blanker added 10 points and Giplaye and VanKlompenberg added eight points apiece. Rillema led the team in rebounding with six, while Giplaye added five rebounds.



Wesley Kaman led with 17 points against Sacred Heart. (Courtesy, Becky Rillema)



Tri-unity improved to 3-0 for the season with the win. The Defenders opened the season with a 62-22 win against Muskegon Orchard View and then turned back Calvin Christian 64-44.

Another element of the success at Tri-unity is the non-league scheduling. The Defenders annually schedule non-league games against larger schools and the best competition they can find. Last season, Tri-unity ended with a 22-7 record, but that also led the Defenders to the state title game for a third straight year.

“Our regular season is a very tough schedule,” Keeler said. “We tried to play the toughest competition we can to prepare for the state tournament.”

The Defenders are slated to host Godwin Heights Friday and travel to Kelloggsville next Friday before playing Division 1 team Forest Hills Central in the first game of the Cornerstone Tournament on December 21.

Tri-unity also plays in the rugged Alliance League where Lee, Potter’s House and Grand Rapids Aviation are all loading up for title runs. 

South Christian football falls three yards short of state title repeat at Ford Field; Harper Woods 33, Sailors 27

Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , ,
Carson Vis tosses a 12-yard TD pass to Noah Funk to close the Harper Woods lead to 33-27 with under five minutes left in the game. (Courtesy, David Kool)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor



The South Christian football team may not have returned home with the state championship trophy, but its fans will never forget the effort the Sailors gave in the Division 4 state championship.

Despite falling behind early and trailing the entire way, the Sailors never looked to tap out, and in the end came just three yards from winning a second consecutive state championship before falling short 33-27 to Harper Woods in the Division 4 Final at Ford Field in Detroit.

Harper Woods jumped out to a 14-0 lead and led 27-7 midway through the third quarter, but couldn’t put the Sailors away until the final play when they stopped South Christian on fourth down at the Harper Woods three with three seconds remaining in the game.

“It was a heck of a high school football game,” said South Christian Coach Danny Brown. “It was one of those games between two great teams that came down to the final play. They (Harper Woods) took control of the game early and we could’ve folded, but the kids just kept fighting. Ultimately, we found a way to get back in the game and had a chance at the end, but it just didn’t come through.”

Carson Vis with a memorable, state-finals record performance

While the Sailors were stopped short on the final play of the game, the comeback was one South Christian fans will never forget. Junior quarterback Carson Vis was a big part of that comeback as he turned in a memorable performance. Vis completed 30-of-44 passes for a new state-finals record of 441 yards passing along with two touchdowns.

“Carson set finals records for completions and passing yards,” Brown said. “He came through the same way he has all year. The bigger the game the better he played. We ended up putting a lot on him. He threw 44 passes. Even when things were breaking down, he made plays and tried to will us to the win.”

Not only did Vis make plays with his arm, but he used his legs when they needed them. Vis finished the game rushing the ball 17 times for 72 yards and a touchdown.

Memorable game for Jake Vermaas as well; 10 passes for 196 yards

South Christian needed all the offense that Vis could generate as the Sailors were in a 14-0 hole at the end of the first quarter. The Sailors closed the gap to 14-7 early in the second quarter when Vis capped a 90-yard scoring drive by hooking up with Jake Vermaas on a 39-yard touchdown pass. Vermaas, like Vis, turned in a memorable day as he caught 10 passes for 196 yards. Drew Bruinsma added the extra point cutting the deficit to 14-7.

The Sailor receiving crew also had big efforts from Austin Tiesma and Noah Funk. Tiesma caught eight passes for 120 yards, while Funk caught five passes for 61 yards. Sailor running back Charlie Schreur caught five passes for 41 yards. 

Harper Woods grabs 27-7 lead in third quarter

Harper Woods, however, upped its lead to 20-7 late in the second quarter and then expanded the lead to 27-7 with a touchdown midway through the third quarter.



South Christian quarterback hands off to Charlie Schreur who scampers into the end zone for a 1-yd touchdown to cut the Harper Woods lead to 27-14 in the third quarter. (Courtesy, David Kool)



The 20-point deficit, however, did nothing to curtail the Sailors’ resolve as South Christian continued to battle back. South Christian answered that score with a seven-play, 67-yard scoring drive of its own. Running back Charlie Schreur capped the drive with a one-yard touchdown run and the extra point from Bruinsma cut the deficit to 27-14.

South cuts Harper Woods lead to 27-20 in the fourth

The South Christian defense then came up with a big stop and the Sailor offense mounted another scoring drive. This time Vis capped a seven-play, 80-yard march with a 22-yard touchdown run closing the gap to 27-20 early in the fourth quarter.

“We found some things offensively that worked,” Brown said. “Our motion created some plays for us and we were able to sustain some drives. Early in the game we wanted to run to set up the pass but after they went up 14-0, we had to make some adjustments. We had to turn to our passing game and try to extend the game to make it a longer game. We tried to create some things with our passing game.



“Our defense also stepped up and made some stops. I can’t say enough about our kids. They never quit and kept fighting the entire game.”

Harper Woods added a touchdown midway through the final quarter to make the score 33-20.

Sailors keep roaring back

South, however, continued to battle. The Sailors answered that score with a seven-play, 64-yard scoring drive of their own. Vis capped the drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Noah Funk and the extra point from Bruinsma cut the margin to 33-27 with 4:52 remaining in the game.

In a similar situation that South Christian faced earlier in the season, in the Week 2 game against East Grand Rapids, the Sailor defense again came up big with another defensive stand to get the ball back for the offense with 2:45 remaining in the game.

Starting on their own 15-yard line, the Sailors marched the ball down the field to the Harper Woods three-yard line with three seconds remaining in the game. In the end, the Harper Woods defense made the final stand as a heavy pass rush forced Vis into making a hurried throw while being tackled that fell just short of the goal line.

“This game was a reflection of our season,” Brown said. “At the beginning of the year there was the hype of us being the returning state champions, but a lot of people didn’t think we would get that far again. We had an up and down season with three losses and two at the end. No one thought our kids would do it, but every Monday they would show up at practice rip roaring and ready to go.


“They were always ready to go at practice and kept improving throughout the year. They kept believing in each other and loving each other like brothers and when you are able to do that you can accomplish anything.”

South finished the season with a 10-4 overall record after winning district and regional championships along the way.

Defensively, Tanner Raak led the Sailors with 11 tackles including one tackle for loss and a pass breakup. Tiesma finished with nine tackles, while Vermaas and Tyler Brinks added seven apiece. Vermaas and Brinks each also had one tackle for loss. Luke DeJager and Colin Vugteveen both recorded a sack with DeJager totaling four tackles and Vugteveen, three. Daniel Niewiek and Rowan DeKam both added five tackles while Ben Mulder had four tackles and a pass breakup.    

“I’m super proud of our kids and our coaching staff,” Brown said. “Our coaching staff had to do a lot of things in that game to keep us in it. Being down 14-0 and 27-7, everyone had to make adjustments on the fly. At the end of the day the kids executed and we were in a position to win.


“We fell just short, but that happens sometimes. It’s a lesson I hope they can take with them through life. To keep believing and leave it all on the field.”



Sailors stop Portland in state semis; going for back-to-back titles Saturday at Ford Field

City of Kentwood, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, ,
South Christian quarterback Carson Vis connects with Jake Vermaas on a 19-yard touchdown. (Video Courtesy, David Kool)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor



The South Christian football team has turned in some solid defense during this year’s state playoffs, but their effort in the state semifinal game against Portland Saturday was arguably the best of the entire season.

The Sailors defense picked an opportune time to turn in the big effort as the 21-6 win against Portland sends them to Ford Field and a berth in the Division 4 state finals at 1 p.m. Saturday against Harper Woods.

“I’m excited for the kids,” said South Christian Coach Danny Brown. “It’s a credit to their perseverance. We’ve had a lot of ups and downs this season and we seem to be clicking at the right time. I’m excited for the coaches who have put in a lot of time game-planning this season.


“I’m also excited for our community. It’s great to see our community come together for such a memorable community event.”

The South Christian defense played its part right from the beginning of the game. After the Sailors fumbled the opening kickoff, their defense stepped to the plate and kept Portland out of the end zone.

“Our defense stepped up right from the start,” Brown said. “Fumbling the opening kickoff is not the best way to start, but our defense came out and stopped them. That set the tone for the rest of the game. We were very disciplined on defense and had a ton of guys flying to the football.


“Their (Portland’s) lone touchdown came on a long touchdown run off a reverse. Outside of the one long run I thought we limited them pretty good.”


Carson Vis puts the Sailors on the scoreboard in the first quarter with a 5-yard run. (Video Courtesy, David Kool)




Carson Vis gets the first score

South Christian took the initial lead of the game in the first quarter. That was when quarterback Carson Vis capped a scoring drive with a five-yard touchdown run. Drew Bruinsma tacked on the extra point giving South a 7-0 lead.

Portland’s only score comes in the first quarter

Portland scored its lone touchdown on a 66-yard reverse later in the quarter cutting the South lead to 7-6.

South Christian added a touchdown in the second quarter. The Sailors cashed in on the scoring drive when Vis hooked up with Jake Vermaas on a 19-yard touchdown pass. Bruinsma added the point after increasing the Sailor lead to 14-6.

Final TD in the third comes on a 54-yard run by Vis

South Christian padded the lead in the third quarter. Vis provided the points as he reeled off a 54-yard touchdown run. Bruinsma tacked on the final point of the game giving South a 21-6 lead and leaving the game in the hands of the Sailor defense.

Noah Funk “unbelievable” on defense

Noah Funk led the Sailor defense as he totaled six tackles, eight assisted tackles and an interception.

“Noah had an unbelievable game on defense,” Brown said. “He was coming down hill from his safety position and making a ton of tackles. His impact was felt on the field. He was hitting hard and making plays against the run and making plays against the pass.”

Vermaas with three tackles, two assists and an interception

The Sailor defense also received solid efforts from Vermaas, who totaled three tackles, two assists and an interception, Daniel Niewiek, two tackles, six assists, including a quarterback sack, Tanner Raak, two tackles and two assists, and Andrew Baartman, two tackles, two assists, including two sacks.



Vermaas (photo from earlier this season) caught four passes for 63 yards and a touchdown, and had three tackles, two assists and an interception against Portland. (Courtesy, Eric Walstra)



Portland had 232 total yards; 162 rushing and 70 yards passing.

South Christian totaled 248 yards; 132 through the air and 116 rushing.

Vis completed 7-of-13 passes for 102 yards and a touchdown. Vermaas caught four passes for 63 yards and a touchdown. Vis and Charles Schreur both rushed for 60 yards.

“Offensively, we did enough to win the game,” Brown said. “Our offense did enough to win the game and at the end of that day that is all that matters in the playoffs. You just want to win and move on to the next game.”

Brown credited the Portland defense with a big effort of its own.

“It was not our best offensive effort, but part of that is the defense we faced,” Brown said. “They are very physical on defense. They played tough defense throughout the season. They were very tuned in to what we do and they did a good job of slowing our offense down.”

Portland wrapped up the season with a 12-1 record.

South improved to 10-3 for the season. The Sailors face a Harper Woods team in the championship game that also sports a 10-3 record. Like South, the record is deceiving as Harper Woods played a schedule that was loaded with Division 1 and Division 2 schools.


One of Harper Woods’ losses was a 34-28 defeat to a Southfield A & T team that is playing in the Division 1 championship game. Harper Woods also dropped a 28-6 decision to Division 1 Lake Orion who finished the season with a 10-1 record. Harper Woods defeated a Division 1 Clarkston team 34-7, who reached the regional finals after defeating Lake Orion 38-37 for the district title.      

South Christian uses fast start to beat Big Rapids 55-35 for regional title; “Probably best half we’ve played all year,” said Coach Brown

City of Kentwood, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , ,
South Christian quarterback Carson Vis connected with Jake Vermaas on the first touchdown of a 55-35 regional championship win over Big Rapids Friday. (Video Courtesy, David Kool)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor


While there was some rain in the area Friday night, there was definitely some lightning in the Byron Center area. That lightning was provided by the South Christian football team as the Sailors put on a dazzling outburst of points in the first quarter of the regional title game against Big Rapids.

South Christian scored an amazing 41 points in the first quarter en route to a 55-35 win over Big Rapids. The Sailors advanced to the Division 4 regional semifinal next Saturday where they face undefeated Portland at 1 p.m. at Forest Hills Eastern High School.


South Christian chalks up another regional crown. (Photo Courtesy, David Kool)



Familiar fashion; Vis to Vermaas

The points in the regional title game came fast and furious with the Sailors striking with big plays on both sides of the line. South scored their first two touchdowns of the games in familiar fashion. Sailor quarterback Carson Vis hooked up with wide receiver Jake Vermaas on touchdown passes of seven and 13 yards. Drew Bruinsma added both extra points giving the Sailors an early 14-0 advantage.



Jake Vermaas earlier this season. (Courtesy, Eric Walstra)

“We came out with guns a blazing,” said South Christian Coach Danny Brown. “It was a good one. It was probably our best half of football that we’ve played all year. Offensively and defensively, we were just clicking. Defensively we were flying to the football and offensively, we were making big plays. It was a game that was a lot of fun to be a part of.”  

South takes early 21-0 lead

South used a big play via the ground game to up the lead to 21-0 as Charles Schreur broke loose for a 25-yard touchdown run.

Big Rapids answered with a big play of its own as Cardinal quarterback Riley Vennix tossed a 65-yard touchdown pass cutting the deficit to 21-7.

Sailors up 41-7 to end the first quarter

South closed out the first quarter with three consecutive touchdowns to go up 41-7.

Vis tossed a 20-yard touchdown to Noah Funk for the fourth touchdown of the quarter and Schreur added a two-yard TD run. The Sailor defense provided the final points of the opening quarter when Vermaas intercepted a Cardinal pass and returned it 48 yards for a touchdown.



South Christian QB Carson Vis in an earlier game this season. (Courtesy, Eric Walstra)



While the Sailors seemed to do everything right in the opening half, it was the preparation in practices the past few weeks that produced the results on the field.

“Our practices have been so good the past few weeks,” Brown said. “Everyone is so dialed in. We’ve changed some things in practice and the energy at practice is absolutely great. Once you get in the playoffs there is more of a do or die mentality. We won a couple of games and the confidence is really high.”

While the first quarter produced a total of 48 points, the second quarter was a total offensive lull as neither team was able to light up the scoreboard.

The two teams exchanged touchdowns in the third quarter. South scored on a nine-yard touchdown run by Schreur while Big Rapids countered with a 24-yard touchdown pass from Vennix.

Vennix, who passed for 222 yards in the Big Rapids’ district title win against Whitehall, turned in an even more productive game against South Christian. Vennix finished the game completing 22-of-35 passes for 358 yards and five touchdowns. Vennix tossed three of those touchdowns in the fourth quarter when the Cardinals outscored South 21-7 to make the final score 55-35.

“They (Big Rapids) are a real good football team,” Brown said. “We were fortunate in the first half that we were able to get up on them. They have a lot of firepower and they are able to put up points.”

South played everyone on the roster for most of the second half with everyone on the team getting extended minutes.

“That was the fun thing about it,” Brown said. “We were able to play everyone in the second half. Anytime you are able to do that and give everyone playing time in a regional game is pretty special. We were able to play everyone and it was a total team effort.”

South Christian sophomore Kayd Coffman closed out the scoring for South with a 53-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

Balance was the key for the South Christian offense. The Sailors finished with 241 passing yards and 237 yards rushing. Vis led the way in the air as he completed 12-of-19 passes for 185 yards and three touchdowns. Schreur led the Sailor ground game as he carried the ball 17 times for 103 yards and three touchdowns. Coffman added 68 yards rushing on six carries.

On defense, the Sailors received a big game from senior Tanner Raak. Raak totaled five tackles and one assist along with a pass interception. Ben Mulder added three tackles and an assist, while junior outside linebacker Tyler Brinks added three tackles including two tackles for loss. Funk also had one tackle, three assists and a tackle for loss.     




Detroit Tigers legend Denny McLain signs autographs at Lee’s 18th Annual Sports Card Show; nearly $200,000 raised through the years

City of Wyoming, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, ,
(Many thanks to Gary Vande Velde, Phil Moore, Doug Hansen and Mike Moll for making this video)



By Ty Marzean, WKTV Contributor

Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



An 18-year-old Lee baseball fundraiser that has netted nearly $200,000 all began with what Coach Ty Emelander thought was a prank call.

While coming up through the Detroit Tigers farm system, two-time Cy Young winner and 1968 World Series pitcher Denny McLain was coached by former Lee High School graduate Frank “Stubby” Overmire.


Emelander started the annual fundraiser with a couple calls to former players of Overmire and then came The Call.

“Denny McLain called me up and wanted to come and I didn’t even know it was him,” Emelander said. “I thought it was one of my friends just joking around with me on the phone.”



Lee baseball Coach Ty Emelander with Detroit Tigers legend Denny McLain. (WKTV/Ty Marzean)



McLain has donated his time and autographs through 18 years

“Denny was a huge part of getting this event going and keeping it rolling,” Emelander explained. “One day alone in the past he signed over 400 autographs, and has often signed over 200 at our events. And he does it all for free.”

That connection between Overmire and McLain has proven key to starting the great tradition of holding what is now the 18th annual “Stubby Overmire” Sports Card Show and Silent Auction which was held recently at Lee High School.

“Denny has gotten to know our families a little bit,” Emelander explained. “My daughter Amanda wore Denny’s Number 17 from the time she met him at age 10 in Little League through playing softball at Lee.”

Amanda still sits atop the MHSAA record books with five consecutive home runs in a 2014 double header against Hastings. The last homer was a grand slam as Lee claimed a share of the O-K Silver championship.

The event has raised nearly $200,000 over the 18 years

“Denny has gotten many players to come here, including Jose Canseco, Darrell Evans, Mickey Stanley and Dean Chance,” Emelander said. “It’s been a really great experience. Between all the vendors and everybody that helps with this, it’s always been a pretty successful fundraiser.

“The year Dean Chance was here we made $20,000 in one day. We built the building (concession stand/press box/storage area) right behind our baseball field with the funds that have been raised. We named the building after Denny and his wife Sharon. We’ve done very well from this fundraiser.”

Fundraiser honors Stubby Overmire

The annual fundraiser features a vast array of sports cards, memorabilia, collectibles and autograph signing session by superstar McLain, and also honors Overmire, who graduated from Lee in 1936, the same year it won the Grand Valley Conference championship with him pitching. He finished 6-0 that season.

Overmire played for the Detroit Tigers from 1943 to 1949, including the 1945 World Series winning season. He earned two World Series rings; Detroit (1945) and New York (1951). Overmire died in 1977 at the age of 57.

Coach Emelander shared Overmire’s love for youth baseball.

“His daughter Jane said that Stubby was a big supporter of youth baseball, and he would love what we are doing,” Emelander said.

McLain, who earned league MVP honors in 1968 along with a World Series ring, had much to say about Overmire as well.

“Stubby was a gentleman and a half,” McLain said. “He is one of the two people that brought me up to the big leagues. Charlie Dressen was the manager, and Stubby was the pitching coach. When I first came up, nobody could teach me much because all I had was a fastball, so it took a while for that to start to mature, but Stubby was always there to work with you and always gave good advice.”



A photo of Tigers pitcher Denny McLain for sale at the Lee event. (WKTV/Ty Marzean)



The event attracts vendors from across the West Michigan area.

Keith DeBoer has been in the trading card business for over 30 years and has had a table at the Lee show for the past three years. He said he enjoys contributing to the school.

“They draw a good crowd, I do pretty well here, and I like to support the school,” DeBoer said.


Keith DeBoer (left), who’s been in the baseball card business for 30 years, helps a customer at the Lee Sports Card Show. (WKTV/Ty Marzean)



Emelander detailed how this event helps support the growth of youth baseball in the Lee community.

“It’s multifaceted what we do; we help kids with sign-up fees for Little League, we buy gloves,” Emelander said. “One time, I found a sale at Meijer and was able to buy 38 gloves. We constantly supply equipment to the kids to get them to play baseball. We use the funds to keep the high school spring trip affordable for the kids.”

Emelander also stressed how much alums have helped raise money for the baseball program.

“We’ve had dedicated alumni that have brought me to tears with their donations; it’s gone down in recent years, but I hope it can pick back up.”


(Courtesy, Lee High School)





South Christian focused on Big Rapids Friday with regional championship on the line

Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, ,
South Christian wide receiver Jake Vermaas has 79 catches for 1,395 yards and 17 touchdowns. (Courtesy, Eric Walstra)




By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor



After playing a pair of familiar conference rivals to open the playoffs, the South Christian football team is busy focusing on an unfamiliar opponent it will face in Friday’s regional title game that will be played at Byron Center High School.

South Christian, which improved to 8-3 for the season after defeating Forest Hills Eastern 22-14 in the district title game, takes on a 10-1 Big Rapids Cardinals team in Friday’s regional title match slated for 7 p.m. at Byron Center.

Champions of the Central State Activities Conference Gold Division, Big Rapids has been on a roll since opening the season with a 34-13 loss to Paw Paw. The Cardinals flew through the conference season with an unbeaten record. Big Rapids is continuing the winning streak in the playoffs where it defeated Spring Lake 27-20 in the first round before stopping undefeated Whitehall 28-27 in last week’s regional final.

The 10 wins by Big Rapids are the most since the 2003 squad that turned in a 10-3 record before falling in the state semifinals. Big Rapids has an offense that is averaging 34.7 points per game, while the defense is allowing 14.5 points per game. 

Big Rapids is similar to South Christian in that the Cardinals are led by a talented dual-threat quarterback. Senior QB Riley Vennix is coming off a big game against Whitehall where he completed 24-of-35 passes for 222 yards and three touchdowns. Vennix also ran the ball 11 times for 27 yards and scored the game-winning touchdown. Vennix also is a mainstay on defense and provided a game-saving play on special teams at the end of the district title game when he blocked a 32-yard Whitehall field goal attempt on the final play of the game.   

“Their quarterback is really good,” said South Christian Coach Danny Brown. “He is very elusive and is a dual-threat type of player. They know who they are as a team and their kids play hard. They have a group of good athletes and it should be a fun game.”

Big Rapids has a pair of talented receivers in the passing game in senior Kaleb Dubowski and junior Garret Foster. Foster hauled in nine passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns while Dubowski added seven catches for 56 yards and a touchdown against Whitehall.

“They have the ability to run the ball and they also have the ability to throw it,” Brown said. “Defensively, they bring a lot of pressure. They put opposing offenses on edge. We definitely have our work cut out for us.”

Leaning on V Squared: Vis and Vermaas

South counters with an outstanding offense of its own led by junior quarterback Carson Vis, who has completed 127-of-199 passes for 2,244 yards and 28 touchdowns this season. Wide receiver Jake Vermaas is putting up big receiving totals with 79 catches for 1,395 yards and 17 touchdowns.



South Christian quarterback Carson Vis. (Courtesy, Louis Murray)

After closing out the regular season with losses to Catholic Central and Wayland, the Sailors have regained their footing with the two playoff wins. A big part of that success has been the improvement of the defense.

“I think our biggest growth has been our defense,” Brown said. “Our focus has been on defense the last three weeks and they have shown improvement. To keep advancing in the playoffs we have to continue to improve on defense. The key for us is to slow down their offense.”

Athletic Director David Kool says they’re excited and grateful

With a district title in hand, the Sailors are excited about the opportunity to add a regional title and keep the tournament run going. That excitement is spilling over into the school, according to Athletic Director David Kool.

“We are very excited as a school and a community to be playing on Friday nights still,” Kool said. “We are very proud of our athletes and coaches for all of the work they have put in to be in this position again this year. We are also very grateful for another opportunity to make a deep run in football. We know this does not happen all the time so we are enjoying the moment and celebrating with this group of kids, but we also are striving for more.


“This is a group of kids and coaches who have put in tons of work and believe in what we are doing at South Christian so we could not be more proud of them. Everyone believes in each other and special things can happen when you put the other things aside and play for your brother and that is what we do.”

While making a return trip to Ford Field to defend their state title is the ultimate goal, the Sailors are solely focused on the next obstacle in their way.

“Our philosophy is to focus on that week’s opponent,” Brown said. “We bury the outside noise. Obviously, we had a great season last season, but that is no indication on how you will do this season. We put the focus on what we can do now. We have to focus on working hard today to improve.”  



Defense proves key as South Christian tops Forest Hills Eastern to win fourth-straight district title

City of Kentwood, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , ,
South Christian quarterback Carson Vis delivered the game-winning touchdown to Noah Funk, a 23-yard play that gave the Sailors a fourth-straight District Title. (Video Courtesy, David Kool)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor



Offense sells tickets, but defense wins championships. That old adage was certainly the case for the South Christian football team Friday as the Sailors used a big defensive effort to turn back Forest Hills Eastern 22-14 to win a Division 4 district title.

It was the fourth consecutive district title the Sailors have won and sends South to the regional title game where it hosts Big Rapids next Friday at 7 p.m. at Byron Center High School.

“It was one of those games that went back-and-forth the whole way,” said South Christian Coach Danny Brown. “Luckily, we had the ball one last time and put together a good drive to win it. They (Forest Hills Eastern) are a really good team and we knew it was going to be a close game. Our kids stepped up to the plate when they needed to.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game. Forest Hills Eastern knows their identity and does a good job. They have big, strong lines and can run the ball. We knew we had to work hard to contain them.”



South Christian Sailors are District champs again. (Courtesy, David Kool)



The Sailors had first-hand experience knowing what they were in for as South held off Eastern 32-29 in a tight game in week four of the regular season. While the two teams put a few less points on the scoreboard this time, the game was equally as tight and again came down to the end.

“I think this game was a little more cleaner brand of football,” Brown said. “Both defenses have improved since that game and it showed. This game was played a little more defensive minded and there were fewer big plays. It came down to whichever team made the big play at the end.”

Sailors grab 7-0 lead in first quarter

The game was a defensive grind for the first three quarters. The lone touchdown of the first half came in the opening quarter when South’s Charlie Schreur ran in for a touchdown from five-yards out. Drew Bruinsma kicked the point after giving the Sailors a 7-0 lead.

7-apiece in the third quarter

The next time a team reached the end zone was in the third quarter. That was when Eastern running back Will Morgan ran in for a touchdown from three-yards out. The Hawks then tied the game up with the point after.

South regained the lead early in the fourth quarter. The Sailors struck through the air when quarterback Carson Vis connected with wide receiver Jake Vermaas on a two-yard fade pattern. Bruinsma added the extra point putting South up 14-7.

Eastern knots it up at 14 in the fourth

Eastern tied the game back up later in the quarter. The Hawks used the passing game to tie the contest as quarterback Mark Fuehrer connected with Jake Heemstra for a 10-yard scoring strike and they added the point after to tie the game.

With two minutes remaining in the game, the Sailor offense again stepped up to the plate. With Vis spreading the ball around to his talented group of receivers, the Sailors marched the ball down the field. The Sailor passing game capped off the drive with Vis connecting with Noah Funk on a 23-yard passing play that provided the winning points.

“We made the most of our opportunities on offense,” Brown said. “Obviously, it was not our cleanest game on offense, but credit the guys for sticking with it. They found a way to win and advance.”

Carson Vis to Jake Vermaas never gets old

Offensively, the Sailors finished with 270 total yards. Vis completed 14-of-19 passes for 161 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Vermaas caught seven passes for 83 yards, while Funk caught two balls for 33, Sam Weiss caught two passes for 27 yards and Austin Tiesma caught two balls for 18 yards.

Vis led the ground game with 50 yards rushing, while Schreur added 46 yards.

The South Christian defense limited Eastern to 251 yards of total offense. Eastern rushed for 172 yards and passed for 79 yards.

Ben Mulder led with five solo tackles and seven assists

South Christian senior linebacker Ben Mulder was one of the defensive leaders as he totaled `five solo tackles and seven assists.

“Ben is our middle linebacker and he had a nice game,” Brown said. “When your middle linebacker is making a lot of tackles it means that your defensive linemen are doing a real good job of occupying blockers and keeping blockers off your linebackers. We turned in an all-around great job defensively. Our defense has stepped up and played well the last two games. They are playing well together as a unit and doing a good job of chasing the football.

“Like I told the guys after the game, if you’re going to make a deep run in the playoffs you have to play good defensively. Our defense stepped up and did a really nice job.”

The Sailor defense also received strong efforts from Tiesma who totaled five tackles and seven assists, Tyler Brinks who added three tackles, two assists and a quarterback sack, Daniel Niewiek who had two tackles and four assists and Andrew Helmus who added a tackle and three assists.  



Blok and Merriweather helping Lee football reach the next level; 5-4 finish a giant step

City of Wyoming, Local Sports, Sports, ,
The Legends celebrate after the last game of the season. (Courtesy, Shafi Subhan)



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



Without question, two players that helped the Lee football team make a statement this season are sophomore Aidan Merriweather and junior Anthony Blok.



Merriweather caught 48 passes for over 900 yards with 14 touchdowns, and Blok threw for nearly 2,500 yards with a school record 29 touchdowns.


Lee QB Anthony Blok. (Courtesy, Shafi Subhan)



Those impressive stats helped the Legends secure their first winning season (5-4 overall) since 2006, and clear a path for their next step of growth.



The 2022 Legends gave up 60 points per game, while scoring 17 en route to an 0-9 season. The 2023 Legends improved on both metrics, scoring 38 points per game and giving up 32. 



Though they were ineligible for the MHSAA 8-Man playoffs due to enrollment limits, the 2024 Legends look to build upon the gains they made this season, returning many key starters like Blok and Merriweather, among others.



“Aidan is an outgoing kid; he’s vocal … he leads by example,” said Lee Coach Lamar Marshall, in his second year. “He comes in and puts in the work and doesn’t complain.



“Without a doubt, he will be the vocal leader next year. Players tend to get behind him, especially when he’s assertive.



“Anthony is more of a quiet guy … when he needs to be vocal, he most certainly is,” Marshall said. “He takes charge on offense and makes sure everyone knows what to do. He audibles when need be; he makes the right play when we need him too.”



Merriweather, who began playing football around 9 or 10 years old, said a relative got him interested.



“My uncle inspired me to play football,” Merriweather explained. “He said that I had the potential to be the best.”


Lee WR Aidan Merriweather. (Courtesy, Shafi Subhan)

He went on to say the team’s season had to be “one of the best.”


“It was great to see the team get together in the summer practices, conditioning … and strengthen our brotherly bond,” said Merriweather, who also plays basketball. “It felt amazing going 5-4 this season because seeing all the hard work and dedication we put in this past summer pay off, making history for our school.”





As far as his stat-filled season, Merriweather said he’s “extremely proud” of himself.



“I pushed and worked hard for my team … our coaches pushed me to be the best version of myself. Being able to contribute and help this team grow means a lot to me. Overall, our team definitely deserved this praise and glory for all the hard work.”



Like Merriweather, Blok began football at an early age

“I started playing football around the age of 8 to 9,” explained Blok, who also plays basketball and runs track. “My dad used to coach our elementary football team, but I wasn’t old enough to have pads on, so I just practiced.



“I loved many sports, so football was just another one I was trying out, but along the way one of my coaches said I thought I would be a good quarterback, and that was always my favorite position when I was watching football.”

Blok said the Legends’ year was “amazing” coming off a winless season.



“It wasn’t just luck like some people thought,” Blok said. “We were putting in the work through the offseason to come in and make a statement. It felt great as a team and an accomplishment as a player to have that winning season.



“The next step for us is to turn it up even more and make a bigger statement next year. We need to get in sync as a team and get in the weight room.”



Lee QB Anthony Blok. (Courtesy, Shafi Subhan)



Blok said he was adopted at age 6 and his parents are his biggest supporters.



“They come to every game no matter how far, or cold it is,” he explained. “They inspire me to be my best and try hard at what I do.”


As far as his achievements on the field Blok said, “It was cool to know that I would be making a stamp at Lee High School. My coaches knew my strengths and weaknesses, so we improved those weaknesses and perfected my strengths.”


The Legends lose three graduating seniors: Clarence Lewis and defensive standouts Issac Delgado and Kameron Washington. 


“Clarence was huge for us,” Marshall said. “He made plays when we needed him to. He was a vocal and emotional leader.”



Marshall also anticipates significant growth from freshmen Jayden Sanchez and Ziere Feast. 


“I expect Jayden and Ziere to lead us on defense next year,” Marshall said of his young talent.

South Christian expects tough rematch with Wayland in D-4 playoff opener Friday at East Kentwood; hoping second time’s the charm

City of Kentwood, Local Sports, Sports, ,
South Christian prepares to take the field. (Courtesy, Eric Walstra)



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org



In their regular season, high-scoring finale, South Christian fell to Wayland 49-40 in a game where the teams combined for nearly 1,000 yards of total offense. The Sailors had 532 yards, while Wayland posted 453.

One week later, the teams will have to square off again, this time with everything on the line. The Sailors and Wildcats meet in the Division 4 playoff opener at 7 p.m. Friday at East Kentwood’s stadium.

“I would expect them to show up similar to last week,” South Christian Coach Danny Brown said. “It is win or go home time so we expect to get everyone’s best game.”

“We need to clean up some things and get our defensive unit to play 11 strong. We show moments of it, but we haven’t been consistent enough. We seem to lose trust in each other so that is the biggest thing to clean up. Once we lose trust big plays have happened against us.”

Last week against Wayland, South Christian relied on the passing arm of Carson Vis. The junior standout connected on 24-of-44 passes for 373 yards and three touchdowns. Vis also provided a running threat with 117 yards and a pair of scores on eight carries.

“He is a great athlete and has really settled in at playing QB,” said Brown, whose team is 6-3 overall heading into the playoffs. “He has a great understanding of what we are tying to do and has done a great job of executing as the play develops. He can hurt teams with his legs and his arm which makes it tough for teams to game plan for.”


South Christian hopes to lean on quarterback Carson Vis. (Courtesy, Eric Walstra)



While South was passing the ball last week, Wayland countered with an effective running game that gobbled up huge chunks of yardage. Bryce Calkins led the ground game for Wayland with 121 yards on 21 carries and a pair of touchdowns. Wayland quarterback Brady Cassini also was effective running the ball as he rushed for 94 yards on 16 carries. And Kaharrie Pureifoy gave Wayland a three-pronged running attack with 70 yards on seven carries and a touchdown.

Jake Vermaas “best wide receiver in the state,” Brown says

Another big weapon for the Sailors is receiver Jake Vermaas, who had 16 catches for nearly 300 yards and three touchdowns against Wayland.

“Jake is a great athlete and an even better competitor,” Brown said. “He has been the leader of this team and we seem to go as he goes. His game last week was a school record in catches and yards. He is one of the best wide receivers in the state in my opinion.”


South Christian receiver Jake Vermaas is the “leader of the team.” (Courtesy, Eric Walstra)



The Sailors hope to continue their winning playoff ways from last year, where they finished a perfect 14-0 season with a D-4 state title 28-0 win over Goodrich. It was South Christian’s fourth state championship in football.

Legends use record-setting performance to secure first winning season since 2006

City of Wyoming, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , ,



By Ty Marzean

WKTV Contributor




The 2022 edition of the Lee Legends gave up 60 points per game while scoring 17 en route to an 0-9 season.

The 2023 Legends improved on both metrics, scoring 38 ppg and giving up 32. 



Lee football coach Lamar Marshall. (WKTV/Hayden Passig)

Second-year Coach Lamar Marshall stressed execution and growth from last season’s struggles in the off-season.

“Maturity, experience, and knowing how varsity football operates,” Coach Marshall said. “Every down is meaningful. Executing on all three phases of the game is crucial.”

On Friday night, the Legends secured their first winning season (5-4) since 2006 with a record-setting 62-0 win over Bloomingdale. 



The Legends’ defense, led by defensive coordinator Damion Gregory, scored a school-record four touchdowns. 

“My hats off to my defensive coordinator, Damion Gregory,” Marshall said. “He did an incredible job with that unit.”

Sophomore wide receiver Aidan Merriweather showed his defensive skills with two interceptions returned for a touchdown and a recovered fumble for a score.  

Hybrid linebacker Jaden Potts also took an interception 75 yards for a touchdown. 

The Legends set another record in the blowout win.


Quarterback Anthony Blok from an earlier game this season. (Courtesy, Shafi Subhan)


Lee QB Anthony Blok sets passing TD record in a season

Junior quarterback Anthony Blok went 4-for-7 for 154 yards and three passing touchdowns to set a Lee record for most passing touchdowns in a season with 29.

Senior running back Clarence Lewis finished his lone football season with 147 yards from scrimmage and two scores. 

“Clarence was huge for us,” Marshall said. “He made plays when we needed him, too. He was a vocal and emotional leader.”

The Legends will lose three graduating seniors: Lewis and defensive standouts Issac Delgado and Kameron Washington. 

The 2024 Legends will look to build upon the gains they made this season. Lee will return many key starters, including Blok and Merriweather, among others.

“Aidan set the confidence tone this December with his dedication to the weight room. He got stronger, and it motivated the team to follow suit.

“Without a doubt, he will be the vocal leader next year. Players tend to get behind him, especially when he’s assertive.”

Marshall also anticipates significant growth from freshmen Jaden Sanchez and Ziere Feast. 

“I expect Jaden and Ziere to lead us on defense next year,” Marshall said of his young talent.

The Legends are ineligible for the MHSAA 8-Man playoffs due to enrollment limits and will finish the 2023 season with a 5-4 record.