On Saturday, eight teams travelled to Calvin University for the latest edition of The Invite, a high school basketball showcase. Below is a quick summary of the day’s performances:

Grand Rapids Christian 60 Hudsonville 50

In this “Battle of the Eagles”, Grand Rapids Christian was able to improve their record to 3-0. In the opening frame, Coach Elliott’s Hudsonville crew jumped out to a 14-13 advantage. GRC responded with strong showings in the next two quarters to create a 43-35 lead after three. Tyler Davis had 13 points for the victors, including eight in the fourth quarter. Nate Johnson (11) and Jaylen Ouwinga (10) were also in double figures for GRC. Hudsonville was led by Joey Miller (13) and Brayden Szamarej (11) were in double digits for Hudsonville.

Grandville 59 Unity Christian 56

In a clash of neighboring schools, the Bulldogs were able to secure a victory. With this victory, Grandville remains unbeaten at 2-0, while Unity slides to 3-2. Grandville led 15-13 after one and 28-23 at the half. Unity Christian put together a strong third quarter charge with a 20-point frame. This gave them a narrow 43-42 advantage. In the back-and-forth fourth quarter, Grandville hit some big shots. Cam Regnerus had 10 of his 24 points in the final frame, after scoring ten in the third quarter as well. This helped Grandville close down the stretch, escaping with a narrow 3-point win. Colin Heyboer also finished in double figures for Grandville with 11 points. Jack Kamminga (15) and Kyler Berghuis (10) paced Unity offensively.

South Christian 64 Rockford 57

The third game featured a pair of MSR mainstays, two teams that will have nearly all of their games broadcast live on the network this winter. After the first quarter, South Christian emerged ahead 15-14. With a strong second quarter, the Sailors would take a 29-22 lead into the locker room. Over the final two frames, South Christian was able to play the Rams even, emerging victorious. Jake Vermaas was remarkable in this game with 28 points. Davis Kemper (14) and Carson Vis (13) were also in double digits. In defeat, Andrew Landis (17) and Drake Irwin (16) led Rockford. With this victory, South Christian improves to 2-1.

Northview 70 Grand Rapids Catholic Central 67

In the highlight matchup of the evening, the Wildcats and Cougars squared off. GRCC raced out to a 22-9 lead in the first quarter, with their offense clicking on all cylinders. Northview raced back with their own offensive blitz, evening the count at 36. The offense continued on both ends in the third, with the Cougars taking a 52-51 lead into the final frame. These teams were deadlocked with seconds to play, as Northview held the basketball. EJ Ryans raced the length of the floor, and buried a triple at the buzzer to lift the Wildcats to victory.

 

Ryans had 14 points, while his brother Cam Ryans had 23. Parker Swartz was the high scorer for the Wildcats with 27 points. GRCC had their own high-powered scorer in Durral Brooks, who posted 31. Zay Larthridge (15) and Carter Meerman (13) were also in double figures for the Cougars. The victorious Wildcats improved to 2-0 with this statement victory.