Tag Archives: District Finals

Kentwood students take top honors at political debate competition

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, , ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The East Kentwood team that competed in the We the People District Finals last week. (Courtesy, Kentwood Public Schools)

East Kentwood’s American Political Thought students brought home top honors from the We the People District Finals which were hosted at Kent ISD last week.

The school’s team, which includes 21 seniors, finished second overall with several groups within the team also receiving first and second place awards.

Lucy Fornetti, Mary Johnakech, and Owen Lawrence received first place for their analysis of the American version of the rule of law and international perceptions of the system.

 

Taking second place were Bianca Bancifra, Maggie Fisher, Keaton Nguyen, and Sarah Chapin for their explanations of the philosophical underpinnings of American constitutionalism. Also taking second place are Andrew Dame, Rebecca Moore and Mike Nguyen for their understanding of the evolution of Congress’ powers and limitations on them.

To prepare, the East Kentwood team accumulated 55 hours of practice time with coaches outside of the school day in addition to time spent preparing for those sessions on their own. Coaches volunteered their time to help prepare the team for the variety of aspects of the competition — which includes presentation and public speaking skills along with an incredible depth of knowledge in constitutional law, philosophy, politics, American history and current events.

The team is currently working on new content in preparation for Jan. 6 when they will travel to Michigan State University’s College of Law for the State Finals. The first place team at the State Finals will earn an invitation to represent the state of Michigan in the National Finals in late April. For the 2021-2022 school year, the East Kentwood team took second at the State Finals with East Grand Rapids taking the top spot.

District games offer heart stopping finishes

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MHSAABy: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

The boys tipped off the postseason with fireworks in the first round of districts. Heart stopping plays, incredible performances, and down-to-the-wire finishes were the standard.

 

Two area girls teams prepare for their upcoming regional tilt.

Boys Recap

Class A

 

Ottawa Hills – 58
East Kentwood – 56

 

East Kentwood and Ottawa Hills battled all night, and then some, in a tight game from start to finish. With the score knotted up at 50 at the end of regulation, both schools needed an extra period to battle it out.

 

With the score tied at 56, East Kentwood missed a pair of free throws that would’ve given the Falcons the lead. Following the missed free throws, Bengals guard Ojani Echevarria took the ball the length of the court and made a shot as the buzzer sounded.

 

It was a tough way for East Kentwood to end the season.

Thom Vander Klay - Wyoming Basketball

 

Wyoming – 60
West Ottawa – 58

 

In a game as tightly contested as this one was, making the freebies at the charity stripe can decide a winner and a loser. Wyoming ended up a perfect 9-9 from the line. Contrast that with West Ottawa who struggled, 3-for-8, from the free throw line in the final 2 minutes.

 

The game was back and forth all night with both teams making plays and answering back. Wyoming senior Edwin Martinez made a three-point play in the final 15 second to put the Wolves up two. West Ottawa had a chance to tie things up but couldn’t get a bucket to fall as the clock wound down.

 

With the win, Wyoming will play Hudsonville in the District Semi-finals on Wednesday night. Hudsonville has won six-straight district championships.

 

Class B

Godwin Heights – 65
Wayland Union – 52

 

Up 34-29 with the final second waning down in the third quarter, sophomore Markeese Hastings picked up a ball underneath his own basket and fired it towards the other end. The ball looked pure from the moment it left it left his fingers and hit nothing but net with the buzzer sounding. The gym erupted and the shot gave Godwin Heights three points to add to their lead entering the final stanza.

 

Behind the play of their strong first half defense, Wayland Union entered halftime with a three-point lead, stifling a potent Wolverines offense and holding them to only 16 points. Then came the third quarter where Godwin Heights put things together and outscored Wayland Union 21-10.

 

With the win, Godwin Heights is one step closer to defending their Class B State Championship. They play South Christian in the District Semi-finals on Wednesday night.

 

A replay of this game will be aired on WKTV on Wednesday, March 9 at 5:00pm

 

Grand River Prep – 65
West Michigan Aviation Academy – 44

 

Shahadah Camp scored a game-high 34 points as Grand River Prep defeated West Michigan Aviation Academy. Camp drained six 3-pointers and scored 32 points before the 4th quarter.

 

Grand River Prep will play Kelloggsville on Wednesday night in the District Semi-finals.

 

Class D

 

Potter’s House Christian – 81
West Michigan Lutheran – 6

 

The game was close when it was tied 0-0 at the opening tip. Potter’s House plays Tri-Unity Christian in the District Semi-finals on Wednesday.

Girls Preview

Class B

 

South Christian (21-2) vs Williamston (19-3)

 

After scoring 31 points in the District Final, Jennifer DeBoer looks to keep the wind in South Christian’s sails. They play Williamston, winners of 11 of their last 12, in the Regional Semi-final.

 

Class D

 

Tri-Unity Christian (19-4) vs Athens (16-7)

 

The Crusaders look to keep their season alive in the Regional Semi-final against Athens. They ended 2015 in the Regional Final, they’re looking to take the next step in 2016.

 

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (15-67) Wayland Union

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (7-79) South Christian

 

South Christian – District 48
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union
Regional 11
March 8
Regional Semi-Final – Williamston

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House
Regional 25
March 8
Regional Semi-Final – Athens

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semi-Final – Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semi-Final – South Christian

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semi-Final – Kelloggsville

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep

 

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights

 

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Grand River Prep

 

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semi-Final – Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House

Girls Wrap Up Districts as Boys Prepare for Postseason

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MHSAABy: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

Five Wyoming-Kentwood area girls basketball teams entered the District Finals looking for a championship, two went home with a trophy intact.

 

Tonight marks the first round of districts for the boys as they begin their march to glory.

Girls Recap

Class A

 

Grand Rapids Christian – 54
East Kentwood – 39

 

East Kentwood struggled shooting all night, especially from the free throw line where the Falcons only converted 11-27 free throws. The game was close at halftime with the score at 25-20, but a lackluster third quarter saw East Kentwood get outscored 22-6.

 

After a successful 2016 campaign, the Falcons lose three seniors and look to reload heading into next season. Grand Rapids Christian heads into Regionals on an 11-game winning streak.

 

Hudsonville – 50
Wyoming – 28

 

Wyoming has dealt with a lot of adversity this season and still made it to the District Finals. However, for the second straight year, the Wolves fell to Hudsonville in the finals. The Eagles were never threatened.

 

With a healthy Claire Hendrickson next season, look for Wyoming to be a solid contender.

 

Class B

South Christian Girls Basketball

 

South Christian – 63
Wayland Union – 42

 

South Christian move onto Regionals thanks to a huge performance by Jennifer DeBoer. DeBoer poured in 31-points and also rewrote the record book at South Christian for most points scored in a season.

 

The Sailors improved to 21-2 on the season and will face Williamston in the Regional Semi-finals on March 8.

 

Class D

 

Tri-Unity Christian – 54
Potter’s House Christian – 38

 

Tri-Unity Christian defeated Potter’s House for their 11th straight victory and is eyeing that elusive Regional Championship. After finding themselves down three at halftime, the Defenders exploded into the second half with a 25-point third quarter. Potter’s House couldn’t mount a comeback.

 

Tri-Unity will play Athens in the Regional Semi-final on March 8.

Boys Preview

Class A

 

East Kentwood (15-5) v Ottawa Hills (11-9)

 

East Kentwood comes into the playoffs having won 8 of their last 9 since the start of February. Can they keep the good vibrations going into the postseason?

 

Don’t let the 11-9 record fool you, Ottawa Hills can play with anyone. Their regular season consists of close loses to two of the better teams in the area – Wayland Union and Hudsonville.

 

Winner is set to take on the winner of East Grand Rapids/Middleville Thornapple Kellogg in the District Semi-Finals on March 9.

 

Wyoming (14-6) vs. West Ottawa (17-3)

 

Wyoming is coming off their first ever conference championship in the OK Bronze. As winners of 7 of their last 8, Coach Vander Klay has the Wolves playing well. They’re in a tough district with West Ottawa in the first round and Hudsonville in the semis.

 

After winning their first 15 games, West Ottawa hit a slight dry spell to close out the season. One loss quickly turned into three as the Wildcats looked to rebound heading into the playoffs. After righting the ship by winning their last two regular season games, and taking a share of the OK Red for the first time since 2004, West Ottawa looks to keep their special season cruising along.

 

Winner will face Hudsonville in the District Semi-finals on March 9.

 

Class B

 

Godwin Heights (17-3) vs. Wayland Union (18-1)

 

Two of the best teams in the area are set to face up in round 1. Godwin Heights is on their usual tear through the regular season. The Wolverines high-flying and athletic offense is too relentless for most teams to handle. Their three losses – Hudsonville, Grand Rapids Christian, and Portage Northern – are nothing to be ashamed of.

 

Wayland Union dropped a game way back before the start of 2016. Since the New Year, it’s been all Wildcats as the team has rattled off 15 straight victories.

 

Whichever team escapes this dogfight will have a date with South Christian on March 9 in the District Semi-finals.

 

Grand River Prep (13-5) vs. West Michigan Aviation Academy (9-8)

 

Grand River Prep has won 9 of their last 10 games. The lone loss in that span? A one point defeat to Kalamazoo Heritage Christian Academy.

 

It’s been an up and down year for the Aviation Academy with the largest win and loss streak extending to 4 games. They’ve struggled to find consistency as a team.

 

Winner plays Kelloggsville on March 9 in the District Semi-Finals

 

Class D

 

Potter’s House Christian (15-4) vs. West Michigan Lutheran (2-16)

 

The last time these two teams faced off, Potter’s House Christian won by a convincing score of 84-7. Could be a long game.

 

Winner plays Tri-Unity Christian in the District Semi-finals on March 9.

 

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (15-67) Wayland Union

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (7-79) South Christian

 

South Christian – District 48
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union
Regional 11
March 8
Regional Semi-Final – Williamston

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House
Regional 25
March 8
Regional Semi-Final – Athens

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – Ottawa Hills

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – West Ottawa

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Wayland Union

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – West Michigan Aviation Academy

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep/West Michigan Aviation Academy

 

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights/Wayland Union

 

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Grand River Prep

 

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – West Michigan Lutheran

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House/West Michigan Lutheran

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – Potter’s House

Five area teams, Four District Finals

Sports, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

MHSAABy: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

It’s a dogfight to get through districts. The bracket is littered with teams familiar with one another; A team’s strengths, weaknesses, game plans, and counters. Tonight, five Wyoming-Kentwood area teams have the opportunity to bring home a District Championship.

 

One championship game will be filmed an aired on WKTV.

Class A

 

East Kentwood (14-8) vs. Grand Rapids Christian (16-5) – District 5

 

Things weren’t looking pretty for East Kentwood at the beginning of February. The Falcons stumbled through the first month of the new year with a 4-4 record, but the girls were able to dig deep and find a second gear that has propelled them to the District Finals.Basketball in Hoop

 

Since the start of February, the Falcons have won 8 of their last 9, including a revenge win over East Grand Rapids – the teams only loss in February – in the District Semi-finals on Wednesday. This team is rolling right now, but they’ll have their hands full in the finals.

 

On the other bench sits a team that has traveled a very similar path. Grand Rapids Christian is currently riding a 10 game win streak after dropping 4 of their first 5 games in January. Their last loss? The same Caledonia team they beat in a rematch in the District Semi-Finals.

 

East Kentwood beat Grand Rapids Christian in the first game of the season. With the way both teams have stormed into the playoffs, it’d be silly to look at that first game for any indication about how this one will go. A champion will be crowned tonight.

 

Wyoming (7-14) vs. Hudsonville (19-3)

 

The teams haven’t changed, but what was a clash of two titans in last year’s District Final has morphed into an uphill battle for Wyoming.

 

At the turn of the new year, the Wolves suffered a potentially fatal blow with the loss of MSU-commit Claire Hendrickson to a knee injury. In the aftermath after the injury, it looked to be the end to a once promising season. The Wolves lost 12 straight games to limp into the postseason. The playoffs are a new season, a slate wiped clean, and Wyoming sits at 1-0.

 

Hudsonville has been going full throttle since the season started. The team sits at 19-3 with win streaks littered throughout. Those three losses include two early in the season by a combined 7 points and a loss late in the season to East Kentwood, another District Final participant.

 

It’s going to be a tough game for Wyoming, but hey, they call it March Madness for a reason.

 

Class B

 

South Christian (20-2) vs. Wayland Union (9-11)

 

Both squads laid down the hammer in the District Semi-finals, winning by a combined point total of 124. Now they’re matched up with a team of equal caliber.

 

This District Final is also a rematch from last season. Last year, Wayland Union came in as the favorite and won handily, 59-39. This year, the roles are reversed.

 

South Christian is sitting on two losses by a combined 9 points. The Sailors are not only looking for revenge, but further down the line as well. This team has potential and very little weakness. Wayland Union will have to relish the underdog role.

 

Don’t let the under-.500 record fool you, the Wildcats have some pretty impressive games on their resumè. They currently own wins over District Final participants Wyoming (before the Hendrickson injury) and Hudsonville, and they’ve played Caledonia and Grand Rapids Christian to close losses. This is a dangerous team.

 

South Christian has already beaten Wayland Union twice this season, but it’s hard to beat a team three times. The game will be filmed live and aired tonight on WKTV.

 

Class D

 

Potter’s House Christian (7-13) vs. Tri-Unity Christian (18-4)

 

The theme of districts so far has been a rematch in the finals, this one is no different. Last season Tri-Unity beat Potter’s House handily to a tune of 21-points.

 

The Crusaders are currently on a 15-1 run in the last 16 games and don’t show any signs of slowing down. They won their last playoff game by 72(!) points and this one might play out similarly. Tri-Unity won the first meeting between these two 61-19.

 

Potter’s House will need to play some flawless basketball and force Tri-Unity into an uncharacteristic amount of turnovers. Regionals await.

 

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – Grand Rapids Christian

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (15-67) Wayland Union

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (7-79) South Christian

 

South Christian – District 48
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – Wayland Union

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – Potter’s House

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – Ottawa Hills

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – West Ottawa

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Wayland Union

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – West Michigan Aviation Academy

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep/West Michigan Aviation Academy

 

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights/Wayland Union

 

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Grand River Prep

 

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – West Michigan Lutheran

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House/West Michigan Lutheran

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – Potter’s House