Tag Archives: High School Basketball

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




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 (Jan. 26) featuring many cool local basketball clips



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!

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



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!

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



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



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!

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

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. 

After knocking off Niles Monday, South Christian boys in regional final tonight against Hamilton

Nate Brinks led the Sailors with 15 points in a regional semifinal win over Niles Monday. (Courtesy, Eric Walstra)



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org


South Christian boys basketball Coach Taylor Johnson said he’s expecting a very physical game tonight with Hamilton in a regional final in Vicksburg.

“They are very sound and play so hard,” Taylor said. “They travel super well; it’ll be a packed environment.”

The Sailors (22-3) face Hamilton (22-4) in a regional final tonight at 7 pm in Vicksburg. The teams will fight for a spot in a Division 2 quarterfinal on Tuesday.

In a 72-33 win over Niles Monday, South Christian had 10 3’s. Nate Brinks led the way with 15 points.

Boys Basketball: South Christian, Tri-unity advance to regional finals Wednesday

Tri-unity’s Jordan VankKlompenberg led the Defenders with 20 points in his team’s regional semifinal victory. (Courtesy, Tri-unity)


By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org


Division 1

Regional 3 at West Ottawa

Semifinal: Hudsonville 55, Rockford 50

Semifinal: Muskegon 68, East Kentwood 48

Regional Final: Muskegon vs. Hudsonville at 7 pm Wednesday at West Ottawa

Division 2

Regional 12 at Vicksburg

Semifinal: South Christian 72, Niles 33

(SC: Nate Brinks, 15 points. The Sailors had 10 3’s.)

Semifinal: Hamilton 63, Marshall 62

Regional Final: South Christian (22-3) vs. Hamilton (22-4) at 7 pm Wednesday at Vicksburg

Division 4

Regional 29 at Fowler

Semifinal: Tri-Unity Christian 79, Baldwin 36

(TU: Jordan VanKlompenberg, 20 points; Roy Fogg, 16; Wesley Kaman, 15; Akais Giplaye, 10 points, 8 rebounds; Fogg and Keaton Blanker, 5 assists apiece)

Semifinal: Lansing Christian 51, Fruitport Calvary Christian 40

Regional Final: Tri-unity (19-6) vs. Lansing Christian (16-9) at 7 pm Wednesday at Fowler

Check out the local boys basketball district brackets for First Round and Semis

First Round of the local boys basketball district tournaments on Monday, March 6. (WKTV/Scott Baisden)



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



Semifinals of the local boys basketball district tournaments on Wednesday, March 8. (WKTV/Scott Baisden)

Watch our latest WKTV Friday Night Highlights show HERE, March 3!



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



Take a look at our latest edition of WKTV Friday Night Highlights right now, Friday, March 3!


Check out our local girls district final highlights here (East Kentwood, South Christian and Potter’s House) and our boys district bracket preview.



Thanks for watching, and see you next Friday!



Tuesday night boys basketball scores and team leaders, February 28

Ny’Zhem Marshall had 33 points and 10 rebounds in Lee’s win over Benton Harbor Countryside Tuesday. (Photo Courtesy, Lee High School)



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



Lee 76, Benton Harbor Countryside 50

(LEE: Ny’Zhem Marshall, 33 points, 10 rebounds; Marc Whitfield and Joe Russau, 10 points apiece; Whitfield, 11 boards and 15 assists; Russau, 10 boards)


Jake Vermaas led South Christian with 23 points in a win over East Kentwood Tuesday.



South Christian 64, East Kentwood 48

(SC: Jake Vermaas, 23 points; Jake DeHaan, 21; Carson Vis, 12. EK: Marshaun Flakes, 14 points; Christian Humphrey and Darryl Thompkins Jr., 11 apiece)







Tri-unity 63, Fennville 40

(TU: Roy Fogg, 11 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists; Keaton Blanker, 10 points)



Unity Christian 69, Wyoming 61

(WY: Alyjah Chandler, 22 points; Avonte’ Wiggins, 17)


West Michigan Aviation’s Luke Riebel led with 20 points in his team’s win over Allegan Tuesday. (Courtesy, Austin Riebel)


West Michigan Aviation 74, Allegan 42

(WMAA: Luke Riebel, 20 points, 2 steals, 4 turnovers; Ethan Dyksterhouse, 18 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, 5 blocks; Heath Tamlyn, 16 points, 1 steal, 2 turnovers)

Girls District Tournament Update: East Kentwood, South Christian, Potter’s House Advance to Finals

(Courtesy, pxhere.com)



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org

Division 1

District 12 (at Wyoming)

East Kentwood 72, Caledonia 56

East Grand Rapids 65, Wyoming 50

Semifinals: East Kentwood 61, Thornapple Kellogg 27

Semifinals: Byron Center 63, East Grand Rapids 39

DISTRICT FINAL: East Kentwood (16-7) vs. Byron Center (20-3) at 7 pm Friday at Wyoming

Division 2

District 42 (at West Catholic)

Sparta 59, Lee 7

District 43 (at Kelloggsville)

Godwin Heights 60, Grand River Prep 23

Semifinals: Grand Rapids Christian defeated Godwin Heights

Semifinals: South Christian 42, Kelloggsville 16

(SC: Lizzie Wolthuis, 11 points; Emerald Hoekwater, 9)

DISTRICT FINAL: South Christian (16-7) vs. Grand Rapids Christian (17-5) at 7 pm Friday at Kelloggsville

District 44 (at Lakewood)

Hastings 61, West Michigan Aviation 16

Division 3

District 75 (at Grandville Calvin Christian)

Potter’s House 43, Saranac 32

Semifinals: Potter’s House 57, GR Covenant Christian 54 (Double OT)

(PH: Anyieth Nhial, 20 points; Emily Baez (freshman), 18 points; Isabelle Baez, 9 points and 5 steals; Joy McClendon, 9 points and 6 rebounds)

Semifinals: NorthPointe Christian 48, Grandville Calvin Christian 45

DISTRICT FINAL: Potter’s House (18-6) vs. NorthPointe Christian (16-7) at 7 pm Friday at Grandville Calvin Christian

Division 4

District 115 (at Decatur)

Zion Christian 41, Decatur 29

Semifinals: Martin 45, Zion Christian 35

Watch our latest WKTV Friday Night Highlights show HERE, February 24!



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



Take a look at our latest edition of WKTV Friday Night Highlights right now, Friday, February 24!



Every Friday, we’ll bring you some great 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!

Friday night basketball scores and team leaders, Feb. 24

(Courtesy, pxhere.com)



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org


Friday, Feb. 24 Boys Basketball

South Christian 80, Cedar Springs 41 WKTV Game of the Week

Sailors OK Gold Champions

(SC: Jake DeHaan, 25 points; Sam Medendorp, 20)

East Kentwood 61, Hudsonville 49

Falcons OK Red Champions 11-3

(EK: Marshaun Flakes, 20 points)

Wyoming 59, Zeeland East 43

(WY: Alyjah Chandler, 15 points, 9 rebounds; Donavyn Edwards, 11 points, 6 assists, 6 steals)

Covenant Christian 56, WMA 52

(WMA: Luke Riebel, 24 points, 3 steals; Heath Tamlyn and Ethan Dyksterhouse, 10 points apiece)

Potter’s House 74, Fremont 55

(PH: Quincy Winkle, 20 points)

Tri-Unity Christian 78, Wellspring Prep 31

(TU: All 13 players scored for Tri-Unity. Jordan VanKlompenberg, 13 points; Dylan Bruinsma, 11)

Godwin Heights 84, Kelloggsville 66

Friday, Feb. 24 Girls Basketball

South Christian 63, Cedar Springs 26 WKTV Game of the Week

(SC: Lizzie Wolthuis, 13 points; Sophia Prins, 12)

Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights

Wyoming at Zeeland East

Hudsonville 49, East Kentwood 40

Lee Boys win first outright conference title since 1980

(Image courtesy, Lee High School)



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org


An 89-68 win Tuesday over Grand River Prep gave the Lee boys their first outright conference championship in 43 years … well before Coach Dominic Shannon was born.

“This is special,” Shannon said. “Our first outright conference championship since 1980 — I was born in 1986.”

A huge turnaround

Lee now sits atop the Alliance League at 7-0 and is 17-1 overall. Last year, the Legends were 2-6 in the league and 5-16 overall.

Shannon said he noticed last fall that the team had potential, and “with some grooming, could be good.”

“With a strong start to the season and the togetherness the boys began showing early in the season, our conversation as coaches began to shift to something great and something special,” Shannon explained. “We began the conversation of ‘leaving the mark,’ and now their team will forever be remembered.”

As far as the Legends win over GRP, Shannon talked about his unselfish team that has improved each game.

“We finished the game with 23 assists … we share the ball and enjoy sharing the ball, making it easy to coach,” he said. “Joe Russau and Marc Whitfield receive the majority of the press, rightfully so, but they would tell you just like I know that the team is a team. There have been a few games this year where we have five student-athletes in double figures and that’s a credit to our unselfishness.



Lee’s Ny’Zhem Marshall rushes to the hoop against the Titans. (WKTV/Alex Bernhardt)



“Ny’Zhem Marshall stands at 6-4 and nearly averages a double-double for us. Clarence Lewis is one of the best on-ball defenders in the state — Jr Metcalf is a talented freshman point guard with much potential and Leto Mena, with his willingness to stay ready and provide great energy for the team each night.”

Shannon said the coaches entered the season expecting to continue shifting the culture of the athletic environment at Lee High School.

“Me working in the school district is also having an impact as it’s allowing relationships to grow,” he explained. “By shifting the culture, we set expectations and hold each other accountable; student-athletes and coaching staff. Last year, our team didn’t perform in regards to our record, but I do believe the foundation was laid for the basketball program.

“I really credit my college coaching experience for my preparation of myself and of the coaching staff. We all perform well and it makes my job easy as the head coach. Capturing the outright conference title is huge and will drive us into March as we build towards the Breslin Center. We want to ride this momentum and continue our rebuild of the program.


“We want to be around for a while and plan to be around for a while.”

South Christian boys hand Catholic Central first league loss in six years

Carson Vis led the Sailors with 24 points. (Courtesy, Eric Walstra)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor

In their first meeting last month at Grand Rapids Catholic Central, the South Christian boys basketball team had the lead for much of the game, but couldn’t close the deal.

In the rematch at South Christian Tuesday evening, South Christian took the lead early and never looked back as the Sailors handed Catholic Central its first conference loss since 2017 with an 82-54 win.

“It was an unbelievable defensive effort,” South Christian Coach Taylor Johnson said. “Our defense set the tone. We came out and played some tough man-to-man defense the entire game. We also made some shots early and that always helps.”

As they did in January at Catholic, the Sailors jumped out to an early lead. They scored the first five points of the game and led 8-2 in the early going. At the end of the first quarter the Sailors were up 17-12.

“They (South Christian) were a lot more physical and were the tougher team tonight,” Catholic Central Coach TJ Meerman said. “Things were not going our way and our defense was not like it has been.”

Sailors enjoy 10-0 run before halftime

Catholic Central was within three points in the early going in the second quarter when the Sailors began to heat up on the offensive end of the floor and ratcheted things down on the defensive end. Up 25-22, South Christian closed out the first half by outscoring Catholic Central 10-0 to take a 35-22 lead into the locker room.

Senior Sam Medendorp highlighted the run with a dunk that fired up an already pumped-up Sailor home crowd. Medendorp then capped the scoring just before halftime with an offensive rebound and putback that put the Sailors up by 13.

“This win is huge,” Medendorp said. “This is something I’ve wanted my entire high school career. We’ve come so close before. In my sophomore year we lost to them at the buzzer in the district and earlier this year at their place we lost by two after leading most of the game. This time we got on them early and never let up. This feels so good.”

South Christian came out in the second half and continued to keep the pressure on the Cougars both offensively and defensively. South went up 39-24 early in the third. Catholic Central cut the South lead to 47-34 later in the quarter, but the Sailors finished that quarter strong, and took a 55-36 advantage into the fourth.



Carson Vis takes a jumper over the outstretched hands of a Catholic Central defender. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



Carson Vis scored 24 for Sailors

South Christian sophomore Carson Vis, who led the Sailors in scoring with 24 points, helped lead the way in the third.

“This feels so good,” Vis said. “We played together as a team and didn’t let up the entire game. We rebounded really well and played some great defense. We knew they had something like a 77 game conference winning streak, but we worked so hard for this. We really wanted it.”

South Christian continued to build the lead in the final quarter as it was determined to not let the Cougars back into the game. South stretched the lead to 61-38 early in the fourth. The Sailors then outscored Catholic 14-6 to close out the game.

“They (Catholic Central) are an unbelievable team,” Johnson said. “They’ve won state championships, so we knew we had to play our best. We just wanted another shot at them after losing that first one. We’ve come so far as a team since the beginning of the season.


“We got out to a slow start with the football team playing for the state championship, but we’ve been coming together since then. We’re playing really well right now and if we stay humble and keep playing for each other we can get even better.”

 

Along with 24 from Vis, South Christian received 22 points from Jake Vermaas. Jake DeHaan added 14 points followed by Medendorp with 10.



Jake Vermaas, who scored 22 points, looks for an opening. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



With the win, South Christian improved to 12-1 in the OK Gold, 17-3 overall. The Sailors return to action Friday when they host Cedar Springs and then close out the regular season next Tuesday when they host East Kentwood.

Kaden Brown led Catholic Central with 27 points, while Durrel Brooks added 17. The Cougars fell to 12-1 in the Gold, 14-6 overall.             

Tuesday night basketball scores and team leaders, Feb. 21

(Courtesy, pxhere.com)




By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org


Tuesday, Feb. 21 Boys Basketball

Lee 89, Grand River Prep 68

South Christian 82, Catholic Central 54

(SC: Carson Vis, 24 points; Jake Vermaas, 22. CC: Kaden Brown, 27 points)

Wyoming 50, Zeeland West 48

(WY: Quintin Williams, 13 points, 4 assists, 4 steals; Alyjah Chandler, 12 points, 3 rebounds, 4 steals)

Tri-unity 57, Pewamo-Westphalia 52

(TU: Keaton Blanker, 21 points, 6 assists; Jordan VanKlompenberg, 15 points, 5 assists, 7 rebounds; Roy Fogg, 10 points)

Potter’s House 76, Fruitport Calvary Christian 37

(PH: Quincy Winkle, 17 points; Malachi VerWys, 15)

West Ottawa at East Kentwood

Godwin Heights at Sparta

Calvin Christian at Kelloggsville

Zion Christian at Wellspring Prep

Tuesday, Feb. 21 Girls Basketball

Potter’s House 55, Fruitport Calvary Christian 32

Calvin Christian 57, Kelloggsville 30

Catholic Central 53, South Christian 50

Zeeland West 48, Wyoming 40

Black River 58, WMA 34

Sparta 51, Godwin Heights 39

West Ottawa 53, East Kentwood 50

Grand River Prep 70, Lee 32

Zion Christian at Wellspring Prep

Watch our latest WKTV Friday Night Highlights Show HERE, Feb. 17!



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



Take a look at our latest edition of WKTV Friday Night Highlights, February 17!

Every Friday, we’ll bring you some great 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!

Wyoming girls come up short in WKTV Friday Game of the Week with Muskegon

Shakya Anderson led Wyoming with 15 points, followed by Ratliff with 11. (Courtesy, Wyoming High School)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor

While the Wyoming girls basketball team came up short in a 50-44 loss Friday against league rival Muskegon, the game was another positive step forward for a Wolves team that is making substantial progress this season.

Last season, Wyoming finished with a 4-18 record. With two regular-season games left on the schedule, the Wolves are just one win away from tripling last year’s win total.

“We have been making tremendous progress,” said first-year Wyoming coach Jesse Vasquez. “These girls have been working hard every single day. They want to get better. They are a great group to coach and it’s great to see the love they have for each other and the love they have for the team.”

Vasquez also said the Wolves hate to lose, and that was evident during Friday’s game with Muskegon. Despite trailing by 13 points to Muskegon at halftime, the Wolves were not about to give in and battled the Lady Reds to the final seconds.

“Overall, we had a great second half,” Vasquez said. “Muskegon did a real good job of taking away our inside game in the first half. During the second half we concentrated on getting the ball inside. When we get the ball inside good things happen.”

Trailing 25-12 at the half, Wyoming began to chip away at the Muskegon lead during the second half. Senior Aaliyiah Ratliff hit a pair of three-point shots to loosen up the Muskegon defense and get some momentum going for Wyoming early in the third quarter.



Wyoming’s Aaliyah Ratliff scored 11 points. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



Down 34-21 halfway through the third quarter, the Wolves went on a 6-0 run to cut the Muskegon lead to 34-27 by the end of the quarter. Shakya Anderson scored all six of the points as she was able to get the ball in the paint. Anderson closed out the scoring with a traditional three-point play after getting fouled on a basket in the lane with 1:32 remaining in the quarter.

Wolves end game with a 14-5 run

Muskegon turned up the pressure in the early minutes of the final quarter and was able to rebuild the lead to double digits. Wyoming, however, refused to fold and rallied in the final four minutes of the game. Trailing 45-30 with less than four minutes to go, the Wolves closed out the game by going on a 14-5 run. Ratliff again started the run with a trey. The Wolves then pounded the ball inside to Anderson and La’Anna Griffin with the duo combining to score nine of Wyoming’s final 11 points.

“They (Wyoming) hung in there,” said Muskegon Coach Bernard Loudermill. “My girls did a real good job of containing them early and we continued to be patient on offense.”

Muskegon was led on offense by freshman guard Mariah Sain who finished with 19 points while fellow freshman Aaliyah Winston added nine points for the Lady Reds who improved to 13-7 overall and 10-2 in the conference.

“At the end of the day, it feels good to get a tough conference win like this,” Loudermill said. “It’s always good when you can get a win on the road, especially at a tough place like Wyoming.”

Anderson led Wyoming with 15 points, followed by Ratliff, 11; and Griffin, seven. Anderson and Griffin also led the Wolves in rebounding with seven apiece.

Vasquez also was pleased with how the Wolves played defensively against a Muskegon team that features plenty of talented offensive players.

“Defense has been our M.O. all year,” Vasquez said. “As long as I’m the coach here that is going to be how it is. We are going to play tough defense. Offensively, I think we moved the ball well, especially in the second half. In the first half I thought there was a little too much dribbling.”



Wyoming Coach Jesse Vasquez talks to his team. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



‘The future looks bright’

While the Wolves were disappointed with the loss, the overall experience gave the team more reason to be optimistic about the future, especially with just two seniors on the roster.

“The future looks bright,” Vasquez said. “When me and my assistant Cody (Browneye) took over we knew the cupboard was not bare, it was fully stocked. We just had to coach them up. We are very excited about how the season is going and how the future looks.”


Wyoming closes out the regular season next week with a pair of games. The Wolves are at Zeeland West on Tuesday and return to Zeeland on Friday to take on Zeeland East.        

Friday night basketball scores and team leaders, Feb. 17

Lee’s Joe Russau led the Legends with 26 points, 15 rebounds and 4 blocks in an 83-63 win Friday over Fruitport Calvary Christian. (Courtesy, Lee High School)



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org

Friday, Feb. 17 Boys Basketball

West Michigan Aviation 75, Wellspring Prep 38

(WMA: Joseph May, 19 points, 17 in the first half; Ethan Dyksterhouse, 18 points, 13 rebounds)

Tri-unity 68, Zion Christian 32

Lee 83, Fruitport Calvary Christian 63

(LEE: Joe Russau, 26 points, 15 rebounds, 4 blocks; Marc Whitfield, 18 points; Ny’Zhem Marshall and Troy Fox, 12 points apiece)

Muskegon 74, Wyoming 50

(WY: Quintin Williams, 27 points, including 9 Threes)

Potter’s House at Muskegon Catholic Central 7 pm

South Christian 72, Wayland 34

(SC: Carson Vis, 16 points; Jake Vermaas, 14)

Belding at Kelloggsville 7:30 pm

East Kentwood at Caledonia 7:30 pm

Godwin Heights at Hopkins 7:30 pm

Friday, Feb. 17 Girls Basketball

Muskegon at Wyoming 7 pm WKTV Friday Game of the Week

Muskegon Catholic Central at Potter’s House 5:30 pm

West Michigan Aviation 50, Wellspring Prep 18

(WMA: Audrey Mileski and Ava Bazuin, 15 points apiece; Amber Hilbrands, 7 points)

East Kentwood at Caledonia 6 pm

Belding at Kelloggsville 6 pm

Godwin Heights at Hopkins 6 pm

Lee at Fruitport Calvary Christian 6 pm

Wayland 47, South Christian 39

(SC: Lizzie Wolthuis, 12 points; Lily Nitz, 10. WAY: M. Terry and H. Laker, 15 apiece)

Zion Christian at Battle Creek Calhoun Christian 6 pm

Take a sneak peek at this week’s Friday Night Highlights show, Feb. 17



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



Get an early glimpse of our WKTV Friday Night Highlights show with these exciting clips and interviews from our Tuesday WKTV Game of the Week: Muskegon Catholic Central at Lee boys. The Legends beat visiting MCC 69-58 to stay atop the Alliance League at 5-0, 15-1 overall.

Be sure to watch the complete FNH show on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Comcast Channel 25 and ATT U-verse Channel 99.

Lee’s Marc Whitfield scores 34 in win over Muskegon Catholic Central; undefeated atop Alliance

Marc Whitfield lit up the court in the win. (Courtesy, Lee High School)



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



Lee junior Marc Whitfield had 34 points and six assists to help the Legends beat visiting Muskegon Catholic Central 69-58 Tuesday.

The win kept Lee securely atop the Alliance League at 5-0 (15-1 overall), followed by West Michigan Aviation at 5-2, 10-6.

Ny’Zhem Marshall added 14 points and 3 blocks, while Joe Russau had 12 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks.

“Marc plays the game with much passion and leads on the court with his actions,” said Lee Coach Dominic Shannon. “Against MCC Marc really willed our team to a conference win by remaining aggressive offensively.

“All season Marc has been productive with scoring and creating for others. We’re at our best when he can get into the open court and create.”

Shannon, however, said his team didn’t play its best basketball against Muskegon Catholic Central, at least in the first half.

“Many defensive blunders as MCC shot and made several open 3-point attempts in the first half, leading to a 27-27 score at halftime,” Shannon explained. “Our message to the boys at halftime was clear, respond and let’s play our style of basketball. Minutes into the third quarter we were active, creating fast breaks with our defense and were up 10 points very quickly.

“I think we responded to the adversity well … a few things to clean up in practice this week as we head to Fruitport Calvary on Friday.”

Other players stepping up

Shannon talked about other players pitching in for the Legends.



(Courtesy, Lee High School)



“At 6-3, Joe Russau has been a constant force inside and out as he has been relentless on the glass, blocking shots and showing the versatility in his game,” Shannon said. “Ny’Zhem Marshall has grown much this season and is gaining confidence at the right time. At 6-4, He’s been knocking down his outside shots at a good rate as of late and aiding Joe with protecting the paint. He has a lot of upside and is excited he’ll be returning next year. Excited for his future development.

“We think Clarence Lewis is one of the top on-ball defenders in the state of Michigan. Each night we give him the assignment of guarding the team’s best perimeter offensive player. Now, it may be hard to shut someone down, but Clarence does give tremendous effort each night to do so and make the other team’s best player earn his respect.”

‘Sights set on the Breslin Center’

Lee has definitely turned things around this year. Last season, the Legends finished 2-6 in the Alliance, 5-16 overall.

“Considering the previous state of the basketball program here at Lee, it feels good but the job isn’t done so we are not yet satisfied,” Shannon said. “The last conference championship for Lee was in 1980, and we’re a couple games from an outright conference crown. We control our destiny.

“The first priority is to secure the conference and then put on our dancing shoes as we head into March. The last state championship was 1960, and honestly we have our sights set on the Breslin Center.”

East Kentwood overcomes early deficit to stay atop OK Red

Darryl Thompkins Jr. (pictured from an earlier game) and Marshaun Flakes led East Kentwood with 12 points apiece. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor


It wasn’t the start the East Kentwood basketball team had in mind when it traveled to Grand Haven Tuesday night, but the ending was exactly what the Falcons were looking for in the matchup of two of the four teams that entered the evening tied atop the OK Red standings.

After trailing 10-0, East Kentwood battled back to claim a 53-47 win on the road and end the night sharing the top spot in the conference with Hudsonville.

“Grand Haven jumped out on us pretty good,” said East Kentwood Coach Mike Thomas. “We came out flat and they took advantage of it.”

East Kentwood weathered the early storm of the Buccaneers and began to right the ship as the first quarter progressed. By the end of the first eight minutes the Falcons managed to whittle the deficit to 17-10.

Treys turn the game for East Kentwood

“We made a few substitutions and we started hitting some shots,” Thomas said. “Christian Humphrey came off the bench and hit 3 three-point shots and Landon Storms hit two more threes. We did a good job of getting back into the game.”


Landon Storms (pictured from a previous game) joins in on the threes. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



East Kentwood continued to wrestle away control of the game during the second quarter. With the offense beginning to cook and the Falcon defense turning up the pressure, East Kentwood tied the game at 21 at the end of the first half.

East Kentwood’s defense was led by senior Marshaun Flakes, who was given the defensive task of slowing down Grand Haven standout Harrison Sorrelle. Sorrelle came into the game with a string of 20-point plus scoring efforts to his credit.

“Marshaun did an unbelievable job of shutting down Sorrelle,” Thomas said. “He is one of the leading scorers in the league and Marshaun held him to eight points. That was a huge part of our success in the second half.”

East Kentwood took over the lead in the game during the third quarter, and heading into the final eight minutes of the game the Falcons were up 35-32.






Grand Haven battled back during the final quarter and cut the lead to two points before the Falcons pulled away at the end.

“Grand Haven is a very, very tough team,” Thomas said. “They are a tough team to put away and we have to tip our hats off to them. We had to hit some timely free throws at the end and come up with some timely defensive stops and steals.”

East Kentwood used a balanced effort on the offensive end of the floor to key the win. The Falcons were led in scoring by Darryl Thompkins Jr. and Flakes who both scored 12 points. Humphrey added 11 points followed by Storms with eight.

Christian Humphrey’s return big

The return to the lineup of Humphrey, a 6-foot-8 senior, provided the Falcons with a big boost in the conference road showdown. Humphrey had missed the previous three weeks with an ankle injury that he suffered against Caledonia.

With the win, East Kentwood improved to 8-3 in the OK Red and 13-5 overall. The win also was the fourth in a row by the Falcons who continue to build momentum as the state tournament draws closer.

Momentum good for state tourney

“It’s perfect timing,” Thomas said. “Our goal is to have everything going by the time we get to March. “We are trying to create momentum going into March. We have a four-game winning streak and we want to keep adding to it and building momentum.



“It’s all about getting ready for March and playing our best basketball in the tournament. The guys are buying in and they believe we can do something special in the tournament.”

Falcons knotted atop Red with Hudsonville

East Kentwood’s win at Grand Haven combined with Hudsonville’s win against Grandville Tuesday evening leaves the Falcons and Hudsonville tied for the top spot in the OK Red with 8-3 conference records. Both teams have two more conference games remaining before they close out the conference season playing each other at East Kentwood on Friday, Feb. 24.

“We play Hudsonville on that final Friday,” Thomas said, “and if we take care of business, it can all come down to that game.”

East Kentwood returns to action Friday when it travels to Caledonia. The Falcons then host West Ottawa next Tuesday with the showdown against Hudsonville scheduled three days later.  

Tuesday night basketball scores and team leaders, Feb. 14

Aaliyah Ratliff led Wyoming with 18 points in the Wolves 55-15 win over Holland. (Courtesy Wyoming High School)



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org


Tuesday, Feb. 14 Boys Basketball

Lee 69, Muskegon Catholic Central 58 WKTV Tuesday Game of the Week

Potter’s House 69, Zion Christian 29

(PH: Malachi VerWys, 17 points)

Tri-unity 63, West Michigan Aviation 38

(TU: Owen Rosendall, 18 points; Jordan Vanklompenberg. WMA: Joseph May, 15 points; Luke Riebel, 11 points; Ethan Dyksterhouse, 8 points, 7 rebounds)

East Kentwood 53, Grand Haven 47

(EK: Darryl Thompkins Jr. and Marshaun Flakes, 12 points apiece; Christian Humphrey, 11 points, including 3 treys) 

South Christian 87, Kenowa Hills 34

(SC: Sam Medendorp, 28 points, a career high)

Wyoming 58, Holland 49

(WY: Maxi Morales, 15 points, 7 rebounds; Quintin Williams, 14 points)

Grand River Prep 65, Fruitport Calvary Christian 64

(GRP: LJ Cambric, 21 points, 13 rebounds, 2 blocks; Jaydon Weddle, 18 points, 5 rebounds; Julian Hardy, 16 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists)

Godwin Heights 50, Belding 35

Kelloggsville at Hopkins

Tuesday, Feb. 14 Girls Basketball

Wyoming 55, Holland 15

(WY: Aaliyah Ratliff, 18 points; LaAnna Griffin, 10 points, 12 rebounds; Shakya Anderson, 8 points, 8 rebounds off the bench)

Potter’s House 39, Zion Christian 32

Grand River Prep 60, Fruitport Calvary Christian 55

Muskegon Catholic Central 40, Lee 21

Hopkins 53, Kelloggsville 31

Belding 65, Godwin Heights 56

South Christian 43, Kenowa Hills 30

East Kentwood 40, Grand Haven 39

Watch our latest WKTV Friday Night Highlights Show HERE, Feb. 10!



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



Take a look at our latest edition of WKTV Friday Night Highlights, February 10!



Every Friday, we’ll bring you some great 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!

Friday night basketball scores and team leaders, Feb. 10

(Courtesy, Lee High School)



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org


Friday, Feb. 10 Boys Basketball

East Kentwood 73, Grandville 58 WKTV Game of the Week

Lee 62, Tri-unity Christian 59

(LEE: Marc Whitfield, 21 points; Joe Russau, 19, 7 rebounds; Clarence Lewis, 11 points)

Reeths-Puffer 79, Wyoming 63

(WY: Avonte Wiggins, 23 points; Alyjah Chandler, 18)

WMA at Zion Christian

Grand River Prep at Saranac

Potter’s House at Covenant Christian

Calvin Christian at Godwin Heights

Kelloggsville at Sparta

Thornapple Kellogg at South Christian

Friday, Feb. 10 Girls Basketball

East Kentwood 63, Grandville 44 WKTV Game of the Week

Zion Christian 56, West Michigan Aviation 51

(ZC: Josie Doezema, 19 points; Sam Deutschmann, 12.; Madi DeRuiter, 10. WMA: Ava Bazuin, 22 points; Audrey Mileski, 21)

South Christian 59, Thornapple Kellogg 29

(SC: Lizzie Wolthuis, 17 points; Ashley Raredon, 11. TK: Jordan Pranger, 11)

Calvin Christian at Godwin Heights

Kelloggsville at Sparta

Wyoming at Reeths-Puffer

Grand River Prep at Saranac

Potter’s House at Covenant Christian

Take a sneak peek at our Friday Night Highlights show



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



Get an early glimpse of our WKTV Friday Night Highlights show with these exciting clips and interviews from our Tuesday Game of the Week: Mona Shores at Wyoming Boys. The Wolves beat visiting Mona Shores 71-58.



Be sure to watch the complete FNH show on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Comcast Channel 25 and ATT U-verse Channel 99.

South Christian Boys knock off Ottawa Hills 73-51 Tuesday

Sam Medendorp led the Sailors with 20 points in the win. (Courtesy, Eric Walstra)



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



After a 73-51 win over Ottawa Hills Tuesday, South Christian boys Coach Taylor Johnson was happy with how his Sailors handled the pressure.

“It was a great matchup with a team that can give you a lot of problems with their style of play,” said Johnson, whose Sailors improved to 13-3 overall, 8-1 (second place) in the OK Gold. “It took time, but once we got settled in I liked how we played together and passed through the pressure.

“It was an important game for us and we knew it would not be easy. Coach King does a nice job and we had to keep fighting. We made a big push late into the third quarter that really helped us pull away in the fourth.”



Jake DeHaan scored 17 points for the Sailors. (Courtesy, Eric Walstra)



Sam Medendorp led the Sailors with 20 points, while Jake DeHaan added 17.

“Sam was so important for us and played great,” Johnson said. “His defensive presence is unlike anyone else in the league; he impacts the game on both sides of the ball. He showed off his athleticism last night with over five blocks and four dunks. It was fun to watch.

“DeHaan just continues to flourish of lately, finding his rhythm being able to hit the three and drive it to two feet and find ways to create angles and score. He also had some huge off rebounds for us that sparked important second chance points.”



Ottawa Hills fell to 10-7 overall, 6-3 in the Gold.

Lee boys keep rolling with win over Saranac Tuesday

(Courtesy, Lee High School)



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org


With an 81-47 win over Saranac Tuesday, the Lee boys basketball team kept a near-perfect season moving along.

The Legends improved to 13-1 overall, their only loss coming on January 16 by one point to Charlotte (45-44). Quite a turnaround from last season, where they finished 5-16 overall, 2-6 in the Alliance.

“Overall, our team played great versus Saranac,” said Lee Coach Dominic Shannon. “Energy was appropriate, effort was strong and we have improved each game since taking our only loss of the season.

“Clarence Lewis really set the tone early in the game defensively, and by the end of the game, tied the steals record with seven steals, which was set a few weeks ago by our freshman point guard Jr. Metcalf.”

Junior guard Marc Whitfield led Lee with 20 points and 10 assists, followed by Joe Russau with 19 points.

“Marc is very elusive in the open court and great at finding his teammates,” Shannon explained. “He’s our best playmaker on the team. Marc has been close a couple times to 10 assists, but last night notched his first double-double of the season in a team win over Saranac, which I was the varsity head coach at for two years.”



Lee huddles during a win over Potter’s House Christian last Friday. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



Shannon said his team’s defense has been the anchor.

“Our wing/front court players, Ny’Zhem Marshall, Joe Russau and Keontae Taylor, have really been a huge disruption in the paint by altering shots and starting the break,” Shannon said. “We’re dangerous once we get out and run the court. As we head into March, as coaches we want to keep practice competitive and energetic.

“With the season stretching across a few months, it can be tough at times to keep energy and effort high, but I think our staff has managed to do a great job of keeping the boys engaged.”

Sitting atop the Alliance League at 3-0, Shannon talked about his team’s opportunities.

“We are in control of our destiny with a huge conference game this Friday at home versus Tri-unity Christian,” Shannon said. “Our goals are set high for this team, but our immediate goal is to win the Alliance crown, and it must be done defensively.”

Tuesday night basketball scores and team leaders, Feb. 7

Marc Whitfield leads Lee with 20 points and 10 assists in an 81-47 win over Saranac Tuesday. (Courtesy, Lee High School)



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org

Tuesday, Feb. 7 Boys Basketball

Wyoming 71, Mona Shores 58 WKTV Game of the Week 

(WY: Warren Williams, 17 points, 6 rebounds, 6 steals; Avonte Wiggins, 16 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists)

Lee 81, Saranac 47

(LEE: Marc Whitfield, 20 points, 10 assists; Joe Russau, 19 points)

Tri-unity Christian 71, Ravenna 39

(TU: Jordan VanKlompenberg and Keaton Blanker, 14 points apiece. Blanker also had 5 assists and 4 steals; Trey Rillema and Akais Giplaye, 6 rebounds each)

Potter’s House 78, Wellspring Prep 43

(PH: Quincy Winkle, 19 points)

South Christian 73, Ottawa Hills 51

(SC: Sam Medendorp, 20 points; Jake DeHaan, 17 points. OH: Craig Hureskin 17 points)

West Michigan Aviation 63, North Muskegon 55

(WMA: Luke Riebel, 22 points; Joseph May, 16 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 2 turnovers; Ethan Dyksterhouse led with 9 rebounds)

NorthPointe Christian 69, Godwin Heights 67

Zion Christian, Grand River Prep

Rockford at East Kentwood

Kelloggsville at Comstock Park


West Michigan Aviation’s Luke Riebel scored 22 points to help the Aviators beat North Muskegon 63-55 on Tuesday. (Courtesy, Ethan Hewitt)

Tuesday, Feb. 7 Girls Basketball

Zion Christian 66, Grand River Prep 24

(ZC: Sam Deutschmann, 15 points; Madi DeRuiter, 14. GRP: Nkia Rodriguez, 10 points)

South Christian 57, Ottawa Hills 10

(SC: Ashley Raredon and Ashley Thomasma, 13 points apiece; Lizzie Wolthuis, 12)

Wyoming 44, Mona Shores 39

(WY: Aaliyah Ratliff, 12 points; LaAnna Griffin, 10 points, 14 rebounds)

Godwin Heights at NorthPointe Christian

Wellspring Prep at Potter’s House

Comstock Park at Kelloggsville

East Kentwood at Rockford

Watch our latest WKTV Friday Night Highlights Show HERE, and don’t miss our Feb. 10 show!

WKTV Friday Night Highlights, Feb. 3 2023



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



Take a look at our latest edition of WKTV Friday Night Highlights, February 3!



Every Friday, we’ll bring you some great 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.



Coming soon, we’ll have coaches and players stop by our studio after their games to chat on the show.


Thanks for watching, and see you next Friday!


Friday night basketball scores and team leaders, Feb. 3

(pxhere.com)



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org

Friday, Feb. 3 Boys Basketball

South Christian 73, Forest Hills Eastern 61 WKTV Game of the Week

(Jake DeHaan, 25 points; Sam Medendorp, 17)

Lee 56, Potter’s House 53

(Lee: March Whitfield, 16 points; Clarence Lewis 13 points, 7 boards)

Jenison 47, East Kentwood 43

Tri-Unity Christian 71, Grand River Prep 48

(TU: Roy Fogg, 20 points, 9 rebounds; Jordan VanKlompenberg, 12 points; Akais Giplaye, 9 rebounds)

Wyoming 72, Union 67

(Alyjah Chandler, 20 points, 6 rebounds; Maxi Morales, 13 points; Avonte Wiggins, 12 points)

Muskegon Catholic Central at WMA

Battle Creek Calhoun Christian at Zion Christian

Godwin Heights at Comstock Park

NPC at Kelloggsville

Friday, Feb. 3 Girls Basketball

South Christian 46, Forest Hills Eastern 42 WKTV Game of the Week

(SC: Sophia Prins, 12 points; Ashley Thomasma 11. FHE: Grace Doherty 13 points)

East Kentwood 53, Jenison 24

Wyoming 54, Union 43 Girls

(WY: Michaela Moore, 14 points; Aaliyah Ratliff, 13)

Lee at Potter’s House 

Muskegon Catholic Central at WMA

Zion Christian 56, Battle Creek Calhoun Christian 25

(ZC: Jayda Steenbergen and Brie Alsum, 10 points apiece. Josie Doezema, nine)

NPC at Kelloggsville

Godwin Heights at Comstock Park

South Christian knocks off Caledonia 44-36 in girls hoops Tuesday

South Christian plays some tight defense in a win over Caledonia Tuesday. (WKTV/Alex Bernhardt)



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



After trailing 10-1 to start the game, South Christian clawed back to eventually grab a 44-36 win over visiting Caledonia Tuesday.

At halftime, the game was tied at 21 and knotted at 28 to end the third quarter.

“The game went back and forth with both teams just really digging in on defense and struggling to get much going on offense,” said South Christian Coach Kim Legge, whose team is 10-5 overall, 5-2 in the OK Gold.

Caledonia led 36-35 with 3:30 left in the game and then the momentum was all South Christian.

Ashley Thomasma’s trey turns the game

“Ashley Thomasma hit a big three that put us up two points,” Legge said. “Our defense would hold strong from that point on holding Caledonia scoreless the rest of the way.”

Thomasma led the Sailors with 15 points, followed by Ashley Raredon, 13 points and 11 rebounds and Lizzie Wolthuis, 11. 

Caledonia’s Gracie Gortmaker finished the game with 18 of the team’s 36 points.

“It was a great non conference matchup against a crosstown school,” Legge said. “Both teams worked extremely hard to keep the other team out of their rhythm.  A lot of the players from both teams know each other so that always makes for a fun matchup.     

Tuesday night basketball scores and team leaders, Jan. 31



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org

Tuesday, Jan. 31 Boys Basketball

Godwin Heights 76, Tri-unity Christian 62 WKTV Game of the Week

Wyoming 73, Holland Christian 60

(WY: Maxi Morales, 24 points, 6 rebounds; Alyjah Chandler, 20 points 5 rebounds, 7 assists)

Potter’s House Christian 59, Muskegon Orchard View 27

(PH: Malachi VerWys, 16 points; Quincy Winkle, 10)

Wellspring Prep at Grand River Prep

Muskegon Catholic Central at Zion Christian

West Michigan Aviation at Fruitport Calvary Christian

Tuesday, Jan. 31 Girls Basketball

Grand River Prep 56, Wellspring Prep 14

Potter’s House Christian 52, Muskegon Orchard View 14

Zion Christian 50, Muskegon Catholic Central 27

(ZC: Jayda Steenbergen, 13 points; Audra Kaptein, 12)

South Christian 44, Caledonia 36

(SC: Ashley Thomasma, 15 points; Ashley Raredon, 13 points, 11 rebounds and Lizzie Wolthuis, 11 points. CAL: Gracie Gortmaker, 18 points.) 

Fruitport Calvary Christian 53, West Michigan Aviation 38

Watch our latest WKTV Friday Night Highlights Show, Jan. 27




By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org


Take a look at our latest edition of WKTV Friday Night Highlights, January 27!

Every Friday, we’ll bring you some great 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.

Coming soon, we’ll have coaches and players stop by our studio after their games to chat on the show.

Thanks for watching, and see you next Friday!