DIVISION 1
Hudsonville 65 Detroit Renaissance 61: The Eagles capture their first-ever State Championship with a win over Renaissance on Friday. It was a high-scoring first quarter, with the Phoenix hitting 7/12 shots on their way to a 20-13 edge. The defensive pressure of Renaissance was a factor early, as they took an 11-4 lead to open the game before Hudsonville settled in. The Eagles continued their momentum into the second quarter, outscoring Renaissance 17-9 to take a 30-29 halftime edge. The Phoenix were cold in the second quarter, hitting just 3/13 shots. The third quarter seemed to be an extension of the second frame, as Hudsonville pushed their lead to fourteen points. Jaci Tubergen went on an 11-0 run by herself in a two-minute stretch. Trailing by double digits, Renaissance went back to what worked for them in the first quarter to mount a comeback. They scored the first twelve points of the final frame, trimming the lead to two points, 54-52 with 3:13 to play. After the Phoenix missed a potential tying jump shot, Hudsonville broke the drought with a pair of free throws. They would navigate through some late field goal attempts from Renaissance, converting at the charity stripe to deliver the State Championship. Jaci Tubergen led Hudsonville with 28 points and 12 rebounds, while Alaina Diaz added 15 points for the Eagles. Eva Joldersma played a key role on the glass for Hudsonville, as she secured 11 rebounds. Kailee Davis led Renaissance with 26 points on 9/24 shooting, while Mikyah Finley added 13 points.
DIVISION 2
Portland 52 Newaygo 32: The Raiders of Portland secured their first-ever State Championship on Friday, as they bested Newaygo for the second time this season. After a slow first quarter saw Portland take a 9-8 lead, they held Newaygo to 1/9 shooting to create a 20-12 halftime edge. This lead would only balloon in the second half, reaching as large as twenty-three points. Newaygo was 6/24 in the second half, finishing the game 9/43 from the field. Portland counteracted that with a 19/45 shooting day. Ashley Bower led the Raiders with 20 points, while both Ava Guilford and Alivia Densmore each chipped in 12 points. Anna Brummel, Emmerson Goodin and Jaylee Long all finished with 8 points to pace Newaygo.
DIVISION 3
Grass Lake 52 Kent City 50: The Warriors of Grass Lake captured their first-ever State Championship in a thriller against the Eagles of Kent City. Both teams got out to a hot start offensively, combining for 12/23 shooting on their way to a 18-14 Eagles lead eight minutes in. The second quarter saw Kent City cool off (2/10), while Grass Lake kept rolling (7/13). This shooting disparity allowed Grass Lake to take a 30-24 lead into the locker room. After an even third quarter, Kent City found themselves down by ten with 5:45 to play. Back-to-back triples cut the lead to just four points, and they missed a potential tying field goal with forty one seconds to go. Lexus Bargesser went 4/4 from the charity stripe the remainder of the way to seal the victory for the Warriors. Bargesser finished 5/16 from the floor, scoring 16 points and collecting 10 rebounds. Gabrielle Lutchka (14) and Abrie Cabana (10) joined Bargesser in double digits for Grass Lake. Jenna Harrison (16 points) and Kenzie Bowers (13) each finished in double figures for Kent City.
DIVISION 4
Fowler 54 Bellaire 20: The Eagles of Fowler collected their second State Championship, their first since 1991, with a dominating performance against Bellaire. Fowler held Bellaire to single digit scoring in all four quarters, their highest total (8) coming in the fourth quarter. Bellaire was 8/40 from the field, 0/7 from beyond the arc, and they committed 18 turnovers. Beyond their championship defense, Fowler still shot well (21/46) and won the rebound battle (36-24). With seven minutes to play, the Eagles’ held their biggest lead, 40 points. Mia Riley paced Fowler with 18 points, while Emma Riley scored 16. Emma Halfmann and Grace Epkey each added 6 points to the final tally. Bellaire was led by Katie Decker and Jacey Somers, who each scored 6.
