By: Nate Dreyer
We’ve already made it to the mid-way point of the conference season across the O-K Conference and Tuesday for many schools represents a chance to reset and tune things up before the second half run with a great selection of non-conference action. Michigan Sports Radio has a few of those contests, along with other games that have already taken place this week and will be coming up mid-week, as teams make up lost contests due to weather cancellations the first run through the conference season.
Catholic Central, South Christian, Central Montcalm, Tri County and more all had games on MSR last night, so be sure to check out the ‘On-Demand’ section of the Listen Live page to check that action out again to get ready for Tuesday’s slate!
Grandville Looking to Ride Momentum vs. Top-Ranked GR Christian
Grandville and Hudsonville played a thriller at the Hudsonville Fieldhouse on MSR Friday, with Grandville pulling out a 52-48 win and their first win in Hudsonville since the 2018-2019 season (which was also the last time the two met in the district final, maybe some foreshadowing?). They each are back in action with exceptional tough Tuesday match-ups.
Grandville draws maybe the toughest game in the area, as they travel to Grand Rapids Christian to take on the Eagles, who remain one of the top-2 ranked teams across various West Michigan Polls and a constant top-five ranked team in the state in D2.
The Bulldogs were led last time out by their junior wing Colin Heyboer, who after struggling his first few games in conference play broke out with six made three-pointers and 22 total points in the win. GR Christian has been riding the standout play of a wing of their own, as their senior Nate Johnson had 20 points two games back against Lowell and has been carrying that level of play down the stretch.
The big-man battle is the one that everyone will be watching in this game as Grandville (11-3) brings the GVSU commit, Cam Regnerus – who had a 13 point triple double (his second of the season) in the Hudsonville win. Grand Rapids Christian’s (11-1) multi-faceted 6’7 big Jaylan Ouwinga is on his way to Toledo next season and is a true three-level scorer and defender that will provide a massive challenge for the Bulldogs.
One last story to watch, Grandville’s third-year coach Desmond Young was previously the head assistant at GR Christian for coach Eric Taylor before beginning his successful stint at Grandville. GAME NIGHT on Michigan Sports Radio’s live ‘Radio+’ coverage with live scoreboard, player scoring, booth cam, & more goes live at 6:30 for the 7:00 tip!
Top Teams Looking For Bounce Back
Hudsonville hosts Zeeland West Tuesday, as each are looking to get a big momentum boost for their second half hunt for their respective conference titles after each lost tough contests on their home floor Friday. Hudsonville had the aforementioned loss to Grandville, while Zeeland West fell to Reeths Puffer as a last-second shot would not fall for the Dux, sealing a 53-51 loss.
This will be a great contest top-to-bottom, as there is next-level talent on both ends and clashing styles and strengths to keep your eye on. While Indiana State signee Merritt Alderink (rightfully) draws much of the attention up front for the Dux, their powerful senior Orion Yant has been playing exceptionally well as of late, putting up 16 points to lead the way for ZW in the loss vs. Puffer.
The Eagles have a load of size and athleticism up front and on the wing to counter the intimidating big man duo of Alderink and the also Football star, Yant. Breylan McPhaul is a terrific athlete and a highly touted next-level prospect on the baseball diamond, but he has been hitting his stride on the hardwood. McPhaul led the Eagles with 15 in their game vs. Grandville – just outpacing Tiffin-signee Brayden Szamrej’s 12.
Ron Cox is live from the Hudsonville fieldhouse with video coverage, starting at 6:50 – be sure to check out a really fun O-K Red vs.O-K Green battle.
Back-To-Back Starts Busy Stretch for Central Montcalm
The Hornets of Central Montcalm started out a busy night on MSR Monday, before they will continue one of the busiest weeks of any team around Michigan this week – playing four games in five nights!
It was Harrison on Monday (be sure to take a look back at the replay of that game), before they now turn their attention to a solid Alma team who also is wrapping up a back-to-back of their own Tuesday. Then it’s a trip to Midland Calvary Baptist Thursday and to Lakeview (on MSR) Friday to finish the packed week.
Live coverage begins at 6:35 for Central Montcalm and Alma on Tuesday night, with the scheduled tip-off coming at the top of the hour at 7:00.
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Check back in here before Friday’s slate, as we’ll have a complete preview of all that’s coming up on MSR live that night, including: a top battle in the O-K Blue, a featured game between the favorites in the Alliance League, Rockford looking to continue their chase for the girls and boys O-K Red titles, & more!
As always, be sure to keep up to date with the latest standings, results and next games: right here on MichiganSportsRadio.com.
