Allendale Falcons vs. Covenant Christian Chargers
Allendale Falcons vs. Covenant Christian Chargers This was a hard fought battle on the courts at Allendale high school with both teams coming to play. Allendale was playing under tough circumstances with news of head coach Joe Modderman losing his…
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Continue ReadingAllendale Falcons vs. Covenant Christian Chargers
This was a hard fought battle on the courts at Allendale high school with both teams coming to play. Allendale was playing under tough circumstances with news of head coach Joe Modderman losing his wife to cancer earlier in the day. The somber atmosphere was replaced by tough competition on the court.
The game opened up with the Chargers running a patient offense feeling the Falcons out. Chargers Sr. Eric Doezema knocked down a three. After a couple of hallow possesions by the Falcons, they finally settled in and got on the board with a three by Sr. Jeremy Wiersma, who then followed it up with a quick steal and a layup. The 6’11 Falcon’s center Ryan Corner, then made a nice block and got the crowd in the game. Ty Mulder, the Chargers Jr., converted two free throws. This was followed by a couple of turnovers by Allendale that lead to easy buckets. Mulder then drained a 3 pointer and the Chargers went on a 7 – 0 run and taking the lead. After Wiersma knocked down a 3 of his own the Falcons went cold. The quarter ended with the Chargers Derek Haverman hitting a 3 pointer.
The second quarter started much the same as the Falcons dropped into a zone defense. They also decided to start feeding Corner the ball inside. Corner knocked down a couple free throws but Jordan Pipe converted on a nice floater on the other end for the Chargers. The Chargers were having success with breaking down the Falcons zone. Just as the games was starting to swing the Chargers way, Wiersma responded with a couple nice offensive possesions and hit a midranger followed up with converting two free throws. But Mulder caught fire and hit a couple of 3 pointers followed up by another 3 pointer by the Chargers Colton Brower. Allendale then missed four consecutive free throws and the half ends with the Chargers leading 40-23.
The second half started with a couple quick turnovers by the Falcons and the Chargers failing to convert themselves. Both teams went scoreless for the first 2 minutes. The scoring dry spell ended when Ty Mulder made and nice drive and got fouled for an And One. Kyle Meulenderg then scored off a sloppy play and defelection by the Falcons. The Chargers tood a 20 point lead with 4 minutes to go in the 3rd. The Falcons Sr. big man Mason Vredeveld started to heat up inside, as he converts on an old fashioned 3 point play. Wiersma then makes a nice runner and distributes a beautiful pass to Vredeveld for another And One. This new found offense by the Falcons coupled with the Chargers not converting their free throws gave the Falcons hope as they were not going away. The quarter ended 51-35.
The Falcons Jr. Bryce Nyboer then starts getting aggresive and makes some nice plays on both ends of the court. With Allendale’s new 1-3-1 zone they force Charger turnovers. Wiersma hits a three and Nyboer makes a steal and converts. They cut the score to 11. After a stop, Ross Mango made a nice cut for and easy lay in. The Chargers then turned the ball over and Vredeveld got fouled making a 2. Allendale cuts the lead to 8. This forces a Covenant Christian timeout.
After the timout the Chargers start getting unnervered on offense and defense. The Chargers only score 1 point in the first 4 minutes of the fourth quarter. Allendale cuts the lead to 6 after Vredeveld hits one of two from the charity stripe. Allendale takes control of the glass and gets their chances with Vredeveld leading the way. Another time out is called by the Chargers.
Corner then fouls out for the Falcons and the Chargers get to the free throw line. Without Corner in the paint, Ty Mulder makes a nice pass to a cutting Blake Kamps and the Chargers push the lead back up to 8. This seemed to take the steam out of the Falcons. Wiersma then commits a foul on an errant pass, putting Ty Mulder back on the free throw line with 2:10 to go. Mulder makes the first but misses the second and the Chargers got the offensive rebound and work the clock. It was just too little too late for the Falcons as the game ends with the Chargers winning 63-52.
MVP: TY MULDER (Covenant Christian)
This 6’4 junior plays the game with purpose and control. He hit some important 3 pointers and distrbuted the ball very well. He has length to disrupt on the defensive end as well forcing several Falcon turnovers.
Play of the game: (Chargers convert easy lay up)
Late in the 4th quarter the Chargers held a slim 6 point lead. They were cold and needed a basket. They had only scored 5 points in the quarter with 3 coming from the free throw line. They needed to see the ball go in the basket. Mulder made a nice pass to a cutting Kamps who made an easy lay in. The defensive breakdown discouraged the Falcons and energized the Chargers.
Best offensive performance Mason Vredeveld ( Allendale)
This burly 6’5 center took over the paint. He scored 20 points and had some nice dishes. He was a dominating force keeping Allendale in the game. His fleet footedness and his good free throw shooting really challenged the Charger defense.
Best guy off the bench Kyle Meulenberg ( Convenant Christian)
Meulenberg delivered some clutch points and defended well when it mattered in the end. He got a big rebound when the Falcons where making a run and hit some important free throws down the stretch.
Best Defensive Player: Ryan Cornor (Allendale)
The 6-foot-11 junior Ryan Corner was a presence inside. He had 3 blocks but got into foul trouble. His ability to force outside shots and disrupt passes in the paint is going to be something that other teams will have to pay attention to in the future.
Best intangibles: Jeremy Wiersma ( Allendale)
This senior controlled the tempo of the game and was a true floor general. He was the most consistent player on the court. With the game on the line it was obvious the offense was going to run through him. He never gave up and alway pushed his teammates.
Best under-the-radar performance: Ty Mulder ( Covenant Christian)
This juniors confidence on the offensive side of the court is infectious. He is a fearless scorer who will only improve as the year progresses. His court vision and skill set is going to be fun to watch this year. Look for him to get the attention of scouts.
Best underclassmen: Hayden Greer ( Convent Christian)
Greer a sophomore came in and played within himself. He had a couple really nice assists and a steal. He got a big rebound and pushed it up the court in the 3rd when Allendale was making a run.
Best Rebounder: Mason Vredeveld ( Allendale)
When he was not clearing out the paint for his teammates to get the rebound, he was tipping it them or grabbing it himself. This football player mentality brought a spirited attack to the basketball court.
Best Moment: Prayer after the game for Coach Modderman
After the game was over the players and fans from both sides convened at center court for a prayer for the Modderman family. This was a beautiful moment as it personifies what sports can do for a community and highlight what really matters in this world. Wins and loses on a court will be forgotten but the memories of an individual who passed away will live forever.