On an afternoon that the weather was taking a break from the cold and snow, the Grand Rapids Christian Unified Basketball team ventured out to northwest Grand Rapids to take on Kenowa Hills High School.  The temperature inside the Knights gymnasium, however, was cold enough to freeze the rims shut as both teams struggled to find ways to put the ball in the basket.  Fortunately for the Eagles, Mr. AutoMAXic Damstra came up with some clutch buckets at the end of regulation and again in overtime to help secure a 24 to 22 victory.

The Eagles found some early success in the first period by going with a guard-oriented offense consisting of Joash Mallick, Yang Feng Wildschut, Isaac Muller plus partners Aida Sikkema and Jake Koetje.  Each athlete accounted for a mid-range jumper – certainly a lost art in the game today that the Eagle Unified Team is trying to help recapture.  Then, in a move to keep the Knights off guard, Christian countered with an aggressive offensive rebounding line up with Max Damstra, Faith Kelly, Kiera Porte, and Ella Wolters pounding the boards off of a variety of high-volume attempts by Muller.  The half time score was an electric 10 to 10 tie.

The highlight of the third period was the play of the dynamic duo from Rockford Christian – the Lovell brothers.  Once again younger brother Deacon was able to navigate the opposing defense and with the assistance of Hannah Grace Wildschut and Payton “killer crossover” Holtz, they were able to set up older brother Wyatt with a number of Rich Berry style shots.  It took only a few attempts and Wyatt was again in the score book and the Eagles had a two-point lead.  But that advantage was short lived, as the game went through five lead changes over the rest of the contest.  With the Eagles down two and only 20 seconds to play, the ball found its way to Damstra right within his six foot sweet spot range.  Max calmly knocked in the game tying shot and the desperation three point attempt by the Knights uber athletic point guard was off the mark forcing the three minute overtime period.

During the important pre-OT team huddle, the athletes were able to convince Coach Muller to insert Micah Small and Andrew Schepel with the athletes in an all out effort to secure a third consecutive road victory.  With thirty seconds left Schepel outletted to Small who found a streaking Damstra for a soft bank shot and the game winner.  This was the second OT victory in three years against the well-coached Kenowa team.

The Eagles now move on to their home opener on Tuesday, January 30 at 3:00 PM against Grandville High School and are looking forward to some home rim advantage.  Go Eagles!