By Ty Marzean
WKTV Contributor
The Tri-unity Christian boys basketball team checked off the first box in its quest for a fourth-straight state championship appearance on Friday night by capturing its fifth-straight Division 4 district title against Alliance League foe and host Zion Christian.
The Defenders used a suffocating defense and overbearing offense in a 78-40 win over the Mountaineers.
Tri-unity used a 15-5 first quarter to set the pace for the remainder of the contest.
“I’m so happy about our defense,” said Coach Mark Keeler, who’s won the state championship five times with the Defenders.”
“Zion has improved so much over the years; if we didn’t show up and play hard, it could have been a different story.”
The Defenders kept the pressure on Zion as the first half ended with a 36-17 lead for Tri-unity.
“If you hold a team to 17 points in the first half, there are not many games you will not win playing that kind of defense,” Keeler said.
Giplaye and Rillema combined for 19 boards
Tri-unity big men Akais Giplaye and Trey Rillema set the defensive tone under the boards as they collected 19 rebounds as a duo.
Rillema finished the game with four points, nine rebounds and two blocked shots, while Giplaye had eight points and 10 rebounds.
“Akais is so amazing; he plays taller than he is.” Keeler explained. “I watch him go against guys 6-8, and he holds his own. He’s such an awesome young man; I think the world of him.
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“This entire team is special. I love this team and how they act out on the court.”
Zion Christian came out of the half with four quick points as the Defenders struggled to gain footing in the third quarter.
“I think we came in with the wrong attitude in the second half,” Keeler said. “I told them they had to change their focus. If they want to keep playing, you must start playing defense. We struggled throughout the third quarter because of it. Fortunately, in the fourth quarter, we reset ourselves and played great defense.”
Defenders kept Zion to seven in fourth
Tri-unity clamped down defensively, allowing only seven fourth-quarter points.
“They played their hearts out and never stopped hustling; I love that about them,” Keeler said. “We just kept after them. I thought we did a great job.”
VanKlompenberg led with 20 points
Tri-unity senior guard Jordan VanKlompenberg led the Defenders with 20 points and added four assists and six rebounds. Lincoln Eerdmans connected on a team-high three buckets from beyond the arc, ending with 13 points. Owen Rosendall added 14 points and four rebounds.
The Defenders find themselves in familiar territory heading into the regional round.
“I told them we have two more trophies to win, a regional and a state,” Keeler said. “It would be a dream come true.
“Every year is new, and you can’t go on what you did last season. You have to go out with a new group of boys and play the best they can. I enjoy watching them play. I’m proud of my guys, their hard work, and their intensity.”
Tri-unity (19-5) advances to the Regional 29 Semifinals against host Fowler (17-7) on Tuesday, March 5 at 7 p.m.
