By Randy Gregory, Michigan Sports Radio.
Photo courtesy of Miles Postema
Much was expected of a Rockford basketball team that returned nearly the entire roster from a state championship team last season. The results have been everything expected and then some as Rockford again dominated the opposition in a 57-19 road win at Caledonia on January 5th. The game was one-sided from the beginning as the Rams led 9-1 after the first quarter, 37-3 at the half and 44-9 after three quarters. That allowed Coach Brad Wilson to get massive playing time for his entire team as Rockford coasted to the victory. Junior Anna Wypych led Rockford with 16 points and sophomore Sienna Wolfe added 10. Rockford now sits with a record of 7-0 as they prepare to get into the meat of the schedule in an extremely talented OK Red.
“It was an odd game with the kids still being out of school on winter break,” said Wilson. “There was a very small crowd in attendance and it took us a while to get our footing. We weren’t really playing to our standards at the start. But then things started clicking on both ends and we got out to a big lead. That allowed us to develop some of our younger players and get them exposed to game action and be ready to contribute when we need them later on.”
Rockford has been dominant all year with the closest contest being a 49-36 win over a Chelsea team that is the top-ranked team in Division 2 in the state in the Cornerstone tournament. The Rams also avenged their only loss last year earlier in the tourney with a 14-point triumph over another top-rated squad from Grand Rapids West Catholic.
Sophomore Sienna Wolfe and Junior Anna Wypych made the all-tournament team in the Cornerstone affair. Sienna most notably hit a school record (7) 3’s, pouring in 31 points in the semifinal win vs West Catholic.
“My favorite part of this team is the depth,” said Wilson. “Most people know about the headliners, senior Grace Lyons, junior Anna Wypych and Sophomore Sienna Wolfe. All three of them have been lights out.”
Wilson went on to offer an effusive assessment of several of the key members of his exciting team.
“Lyons, a 4 year varsity player, is the leader of the team. She can really do it all. She has been deadly behind the arc her entire career, but has also become one of the team’s best defenders and rebounders. She is committed to play at Ferris State University. And although she is excited to become a Bulldog, she would love nothing more than to win another state championship her senior year.
“Wypych has made the transition from the shooting guard position she played last year to the point guard position this year. She took over the position when her sister Alyssa Wypych, now playing at Michigan Tech, graduated. Anna has been a prolific player for us on both ends, scoring 18ppg on offense and also being the team’s most dynamic defender.”
“Wolfe, standing at 6’0, is a Swiss Army knife. In offense she plays with guard skills, but can post up undersized guards. Defensively we can have her defend top notch guards, or put her inside and defend the opposing teams best post player. She has been outstanding so far this season.”
“Junior Ryan Whitford, a returning player from the defending state championship team, is a glue player for us. She fully understands our system, and does all the little things needed for this team to win. Great defender, strong rebounder and high basketball IQ.”
“Newcomer Kate Higgins has been the program’s biggest surprise. Kate did not play last year, but decided to play this season and is already making a huge impact locking down a starting role. She is a powerful rebounder, and extremely athletic. She reminds me of a Charles Barkley type of player. Tough as nails, and has skill to go with it. Only a sophomore, the ceiling is high for Kate.”
“Jordan Mateer, another sophomore, is hitting the ground running. She is one of the team’s best shooters, and she gets better every day as she gets more experience. Jordan is destined to play at the next level. She’s the real deal.”
The Rams will host a pair of games this week as the OK Red schedule goes full tilt. The fifth-ranked team in Division 1 (Grand Haven) comes calling on Tuesday, January 9th and Grandville heads to Ram country on Friday, January 12th.
