MHSAA Playoffs: Top Performers From Opening Night
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Forest Hills Central 52, Rockford 51 I was lucky enough to catch the best matchup of opening night in person and it certainly did not disappoint. The Rockford-Forest Hills Central game was a quick reminder of what we missed out…
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Continue ReadingForest Hills Central 52, Rockford 51
I was lucky enough to catch the best matchup of opening night in person and it certainly did not disappoint. The Rockford-Forest Hills Central game was a quick reminder of what we missed out on last season. Two premier West Michigan programs going punch for punch until the final buzzer.
Rockford controlled the first three and a half quarters of this one, led by Sam Krist Sam Krist 6'5" | PF Rockford | 2021 State MI ’s 20-point showing. Sam used his quick-step and length to drive the Ranger defense and get high percentage looks at the rim. He also showcased a beauty of a step back, knocking down a perimeter jumper at the buzzer of the second quarter. Those skills will continue to develop and refine at the next step of his career at the US Naval Academy.
Rockford’s Jack Lamancusa was a workhorse on the boards all evening. Every 50/50 ball off the glass seemed to be corralled by Jack, helping extend possessions and create second-chance scoring opportunities for Rockford.
Throughout the majority of the game it felt like Rockford was on the verge of extending its lead to double digits, and every time Conner Milton was there to get a bucket to keep the Rangers within striking distance. His presence in the post made the difference on several possessions.
Forest Hills Central’s fourth-quarter 14-1 run wouldn’t have legs without the playmaking ability of Jacob Bonnett in the fourth quarter. In the previous three quarters, Jacob wasn’t getting downhill and penetrating Rockford’s defense. That, however, changed and Jacob showed his range of dribble-drive moves to breakdown the Rams defense late in the game.
Lastly, the performance of the night goes to Forest Hills Central’s Jonah Preston. He made huge shot after shot during winning time, and ultimately was the unsung hero for the Rangers. Without his gutsy play, Rockford would be moving on to the district semis.
Tuesday’s Top Performers
Adam Kroeze, Holland Christian
Adam led Holland Christian with 22 points, helping the Maroons beat Hamilton 61-50 in a Division 2 district at Coloma. Holland Christian will face district host Coloma on Thursday.
Jalen Overway Jalen Overway 6'8" | PF Holland Christian | 2022 State MI , F, Holland Christian
Jalen scored 20 points in Holland Christian’s win.
Jager Haverdink Jager Haverdink 6'1" | CG Hamilton | 2021 State MI , G, Hamilton
Jager scored a game-high 23 points in Hamilton’s loss to Holland Christian.
Sam Krist Sam Krist 6'5" | PF Rockford | 2021 State MI , G, Rockford
Sam scored 20 points in Rockford’s 52-51 loss to Forest Hills Central.
Koby Vanderwoude Koby Vanderwoude 5'11" | PG Caledonia | 2021 State MI , G, Caledonia
Koby scored 27 points in Caledonia’s 53-49 win over East Kentwood. Caledonia will face district host East Grand Rapids on Thursday night.
Jackson Core, Spring Lake
Jackson put up 28 points and 8 rebounds in Spring Lake’s 60-48 win over Fruitport. Spring Lake will face Muskegon Orchard View in a Division 2 district semifinal on Thursday.