Tag Archives: Godwin Heights Basketball

South Christian takes advantage of fast start to take out Godwin Heights in D2 district opener Monday

South Christian junior standout Carson Vis scored 29 points in the tournament opener against Godwin Heights. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)




By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor


Taking on a red-hot Godwin Heights squad the opening night of the state tournament, the South Christian boys basketball team left nothing to chance as they struck early and often on its way to a 62-43 win in the Division 2 district at Unity Christian.

Godwin Heights, fresh off winning the OK Silver Conference championship, entered the game on an eight-game winning streak. With plenty of momentum and confidence, the Wolverines were on a mission to keep rolling. The Sailors, however, had other plans. South ramped up the defense, kept the ball in junior standout Carson Vis’ hands and shot out to a 12-2 lead midway through the first quarter. By the end of the opening quarter that lead stood at 21-5 and the Sailors had the upper hand for the remainder of the game.

“Although it’s not March yet we consider it March,” Vis said, “because in March we try to be at our best. We wanted to come out and try and set the tone tonight. We wanted to come out and lock things down on defense. Our goal was to hold them under 30 points. Obviously, we didn’t do that, but we came away with the win.”

Carson Vis led South Christian with 29 points

While the Sailors were busy holding Godwin to five points in the first quarter, Vis was also busy filling up the basket on the other side of the floor. Vis totaled 13 points in the first quarter and added eight more of his game-high 29 points in the second quarter.

Sailors up 34-16 at halftime

South continued to play stingy defense in the second quarter as it limited the Wolverines to 11 points in that stanza. The Sailors also built the lead to 18 points at halftime as they entered the break with a 34-16 lead.

South also accomplished the feat without the benefit of standout senior guard Jake Vermaas who missed the game but will be back for Wednesday’s district semifinal showdown with Unity Christian.

“I’m real proud of our guys,” said South Christian Coach Taylor Johnson. “We had to play without Jake Vermaas, but he will be ready to go on Wednesday. Carson did a real nice job of stepping up. He was scoring in a variety of ways for us. He was scoring inside and outside. Guys got him the ball and he made the shots.”

Vis also brought the Sailor crowd to their feet with a highlight-reel dunk during the third quarter that put the Sailors up 46-30.

The Sailors also received a strong scoring effort from senior Sam Weiss who also reached double figures in scoring with 10 points.

“I was happy with how Sam stepped up,” Johnson said. “He played the point and played with a lot of energy on both ends of the floor. I was very proud of him.”


South Christian senior Sam Weiss, who scored 10 points, prepares to drive to the basket. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


The Sailors also handled the ball effectively against Godwin’s swarming defensive pressure.

“We prepared for that pressure,” Vis said. “We knew what was coming so we actually started preparing for it last week. A lot of teams consider our ball handling a weakness so we wanted to show people that we can handle the pressure.”

South scored a number of points in transition after navigating the Wolverines’ defensive pressure.

Along with the double-digit offensive efforts of Vis and Weiss, the Sailors received eight points from Caleb Pleune, seven from Davis Kemper.

With the win, the Sailors improved to 18-5 for the season and will face Unity Christian, 18-4, in one semifinal game Wednesday.



Godwin Heights was led by senior Jacari Jones with nine points.  (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


Godwin Heights ended the season with a 16-6 record. The Wolverines were led in scoring by sophomore Isaiah Guyton who finished with 11 points. Senior Jacari Jones added nine points and fellow senior Jace Reid-Anderson added eight.    


Godwin Heights senior Jace Reid-Anderson (11) tries to split a pair of South Christian defenders on his drive to the basket. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


Godwin Heights relies on defense in non-league win against Tri-unity Christian

Jakhary Towns shoots a free throw in a win over Tri-unity Christian Tuesday. Towns led the Wolverines with 17 points, all in the first half. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor


Timely defense and a balanced offense proved key for Godwin Heights as the Wolverines outlasted visiting Tri-unity Christian 76-62 in a non-league game Tuesday.

Godwin Heights came out playing pressure defense from the opening tip. That defensive pressure not only took its toll on the Tri-unity offense, but it led to layups on the other end of the floor enabling the Wolverines to eventually take control of the game.

Junior guard Jace Reid-Anderson was one of the leaders of the defense as he came up with some key steals to go along with applying solid pressure on the Tri-unity guard.

“I’ve been working on my defense a lot more,” Reid-Anderson said. “What we do on the defensive side of the floor helps us get our offense going.”

Along with his efforts on defense, Reid-Anderson contributed on the offensive side of the floor with 10 points, including a breakaway dunk in the final minutes of the game. The Wolverines, who led 66-58 with 3:27 remaining in the game, ended the game with a flurry as they outscored Tri-unity 10-4 to close it out.

Wolverines playing with ‘high intensity’

“I thought our intensity was very high early in the game,” Godwin Heights Coach Tyler Whittemore said. “Our best offense comes off our defense and I thought at times we did a nice job. I thought we also passed the ball well at times and got some high percentage shots.”

The game was a back and forth contest in the early going with Tri-unity leading 13-12 at the end of the first quarter. The Defenders were up 23-21 midway through the second quarter when Godwin went on a run to take the upper hand. The Wolverines strung together eight straight points to go up 29-23 and never surrendered the lead.

Godwin led 36-31 at halftime and upped the lead to 40-31 early in the second half.

‘Difficult to defend’

“I was disappointed with the way we played defense,” Tri-unity Coach Mark Keeler said. “They are a very nice team. They are very quick. We tried to prepare for their quickness, but they were just difficult to defend. They also played some good defense against us.”


Tri-unity Coach Mark Keeler talks to his team during a time out. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



Godwin Heights led 54-46 at the end of the third quarter. The two teams traded buckets for most of the final quarter before the Wolverines went on the final run to put the game away in the final minutes.

Four players hit double figures for Godwin

Godwin, which had four players score in double figures, was led on offense by senior guard Jakhary Towns, who finished with 17 points, all in the first half.

“I thought we played with some good intensity on defense,” Towns said. “I also thought we did a nice job of moving the ball on offense. This was a big win for us, especially with us getting back into conference play on Friday.”

Senior Damarie Thompson also turned in a strong game for the Wolverines. Along with a strong defensive effort, Thompson scored 15 points.

“Every win is a big win,” Thompson said. “They were state champs last year so this was a big win for us. I thought we played ok, but we could’ve played a little better on the defensive end.”

Godwin also received 14 points from Marcos Rodriguez, eight from Jamarion Collins, six from Rashaad Dorsey and three apiece from Tre’Vonte Buckley and Jaylen Martin.

“I thought our guys off the bench did a really good job,” Whittemore said. “They brought a lot of energy into the game. They also did a good job of playing defense.” 

With the win, Godwin Heights improved to 9-3 overall and 6-1 in the OK Blue conference, a half game in back of Calvin Christian. The Wolverines return to action Friday at Comstock Park and then host NorthPointe Christian next Tuesday.

Tri-unity fell to 9-4 overall and are 2-1 in the Alliance League. The Defenders host Grand River Prep on Friday and then host Ravenna next Tuesday.

Roy Fogg led Tri-Unity with 18 points, while Jordan VanKlompenberg had 16. Akais Giplaye also reached double figures with 12 points, followed by Keaton Blanker, six.

Fogg led Tri-unity in rebounding with 10 boards, while Giplaye added eight.

Godwin boys hoops, EK swim action on WKTV featured games schedule

WKTV offers on-demand viewing of Wyoming and Kentwood sports event government meetings, including the monthly Government Matters meeting. (WKTV)

Mike Moll, WKTV Volunteer Sports Director

sports@wktv.org

 

WKTV’s sports crew will be on the road early this week with an Tuesday, Jan. 23, OK Silver conference boys basketball showdown as Northpointe Christian (3-1 conference; 7-3 overall) visits conference-leading Godwin Heights (5-0; 9-1). Then later in the week, on Thursday, Jan. 25, the crew will be taking to the pool as Grandville will visit East Kentwood’s swim center for a meet.

 

And, just in, WKTV has added to its January schedule with a Tuesday, Jan. 30, basketball game at Wyoming Potter’s House.

 

Currently, each Tuesday game will be broadcast that night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 at 11 p.m. and repeat on Wednesday at 5 p.m. Each Friday game will be aired that night on WKTV 25 at 11 p.m. and repeat Saturday at 11 a.m. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.

 

All games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvondemand.com .

 

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and features on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/

 

Local high school sports events this week are as follows:

 

Monday, Jan. 22

Boys/Girls Bowling

Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights

Kelloggsville @ Wellsprings Prep

Wyoming @ Wayland

Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian

Rockford @ East Kentwood

 

Tuesday, Jan. 23

Girls Basketball

Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian

Kelloggsville @ Belding

Hudsonville @ Wyoming

Rockford @ East Kentwood

Holland Black River @ Potter’s House

Algoma Christian @ Grand River Prep

Zion Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

Hudsonville Home Schoolers @ West Michigan Lutheran

Middleville T-K @ South Christian

Boys Basketball 

NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights – WKTV Featured Game

Belding @ Kelloggsville

Wyoming @ Hudsonville

Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins

East Kentwood @ Rockford

Holland Black River @ Potter’s House

Algoma Christian @ Grand River Prep

Kalamazoo Heritage Christian @ West Michigan Aviation

Zion Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

South Christian @ Middleville T-K

Boys Swimming

Caledonia @ East Kentwood

 

Wednesday, Jan. 24

Boys/Girls Bowling

Hopkins @ Godwin Heights

Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville

FH Eastern @ Wyoming

Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

Boys Wrestling

Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights

Kelloggsville @ Sparta

Zeeland East @ Wyoming

Caledonia @ East Kentwood

Girls Cheer

Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville

Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville

Wyoming @ Hamilton

 

Thursday, Jan. 25

Boys Swimming

Grandville @ East Kentwood – WKTV Featured Game

South Christian @ Muskegon Mona Shores

Boys/Girls Bowling

Tri-Unity Christian @ Potter’s House

 

Friday, Jan. 26

Boys Basketball

Godwin Heights @ Zeeland East

Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville

Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids

Belding @ Wyoming Lee

East Kentwood @ Grandville

Tri-Unity Christian @ Potter’s House

West Michigan Aviation @ Calvary Christian

Zion Christian @ Algoma Christian

Creative Technologies @ West Michigan Lutheran

Wayland @ South Christian

Girls Basketball

Covenant Christian @ Godwin Heights

Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville

Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids

East Kentwood @ Grandville

Tri-Unity Christian @ Potter’s House

Zion Christian @ Grand River Prep

West Michigan Aviation @ Calvary Christian

Creative Technologies @ West Michigan Lutheran

Wayland @ South Christian

Boys Hockey

Kalamazoo United @ East Kentwood

Parma Padua Franciscan (OH) @ South Christian/BC/Wayland – Catholic Showcase

 

Saturday, Jan. 27

Boys/Girls Bowling

Godwin Heights @ Rockford

Wyoming @ Rockford

Boys Wrestling

Godwin Heights @ Northview

Wyoming @ Montague

Wyoming Lee @ Reed City

East Kentwood @ Lakewood

Girls Cheer

Kelloggsville @ Caledonia

Wyoming @ Caledonia

East Kentwood @ Caledonia

Girls Dance

East Kentwood @ St. John

Boys Hockey

East Kentwood @ West Ottawa

Parma Heights Holy Name (OH) @ South Christian/BC/Wayland – Catholic Showcase

Girls Basketball

Tri-Unity Christian @ Belding

 

Monday, Jan. 29

Boys/Girls Bowling

Potter’s House @ Godwin Heights

Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian

Wyoming @ Christian

Wyoming Lee @ Belding

East Kentwood @ Grand Haven

 

February brings beginning of high school winter championships

The East Kentwood High School’s boys basketball team will be one of the featured team in WKTV’s February coverage plans. (WKTV)

By Mike Moll

WKTV Sports

 

Some of the regular seasons of the winter schedules conclude in February leading to their respective championships late in the month as well as into March.

 

Girls Basketball tips off their District play Feb. 27 and into the first several days of March leading to the State Championships at The Breslin Center on the campus of Michigan State on Saturday, March 18.

 

Boys and Girls bowling are rolling into their Regionals Feb. 24-25, with State Championships March 3-4 at various sites. Girls cheer has Districts Feb. 17-18 followed by Regionals the following weekend, on Feb. 25, and then the championships March 3-4 at The DeltaPlex in Grand Rapids.

 

Boys ice hockey drops the puck on Regional play between Feb. 27 and March 4. Wrestling will hold both individual and team Districts Feb. 8-11, Regionals on the Feb. 15 and 18, with team finals on Feb. 24 and 25 at Central Michigan University and individual finals at The Palace of Auburn Hills March 2-4.

 

WKTV will continue to bring two nights of area games each week, with the following schedule, as well as bringing March Madness basketball matchups as games are announced and teams remain in the tournament.

 

Wednesday, Feb. 8 —Hockey, Reeths-Puffer @ East Kentwood

Friday, Feb. 10 — Hockey, Mona Shores @ East Kentwood

Tuesday, Feb. 14 — Boys basketball, Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee

Friday, Feb. 17 — Hockey, Grandville @ East Kentwood

Tuesday, Feb. 21 — Girls basketball, Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

Saturday, Feb. 25 — Hockey, FH Central @ East Kentwood

Tuesday, Feb. 28 — Boys basketball, Grand Rapids Christian @ Godwin Heights

 

Each Tuesday game will be broadcast that night on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 at 10:30 p.m. throughout the Grand Rapids Metro Area and repeat on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. on  WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood. Every Friday game will be aired that night on Live Wire 24 at 10:30 p.m. and repeat Saturday at 11 a.m. on WKTV 25 and AT&T U-verse 99.

 

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action in February, see now.wktv.org/sports/

 

Game on: High school basketball and hockey on WKTV

Basketball in Hoop

WKTV is bringing you another exciting season of boys and girls high school basketball, along with the action-packed thrill of high school hockey.

 

Each Tuesday game will be broadcast that night on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 at 10:30 p.m. throughout the Grand Rapids Metro Area and repeat on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. on  WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood. Every Friday game will be aired that night on Live Wire 24 at 10:30 p.m. and repeat Saturday at 11 a.m. on WKTV 25 and AT&T U-verse 99.

 

WKTV has got you covered!

Friday, December 2. Hockey:  Bay City @ East Kentwood

Tuesday, December 6. Boys Basketball:  Catholic Central @ Tri-Unity

Friday, December 9. Hockey:  South Christian @ East Kentwood

Tuesday, December 13. Boy Basketball:  West Catholic @ Kelloggsville

Friday, December 16. Boys & Girls Basketball:  East Kentwood @ Wyoming

Tuesday, December 20. Girls & Boys Basketball:  Unity Christian @ South Christian

Wednesday, December 28. Boys Basketball:  Lowell vs Godwin Heights @ Cornerstone

 

For a complete schedule of local high school sports action in December, see now.wktv.org/sports/

 

Godwin Heights Completes First State Championship Run

MHSAAmike_dewittWith the clock at all zeros, the celebration into the night could officially begin for first-year Coach Tyler Whittemore and his team as Godwin Heights topped Detroit Henry Ford 85-68 in the Class B State Championship.

For those in attendance, the celebration started a little earlier with the Wolverines already leading by 21-points heading into halftime. The way Godwin was shooting the ball, and with their ability to lock-down any team defensively, 21 points may as well have been 50. Detroit Henry Ford didn’t stand a chance.

About that godwin rally 4shooting, the Wolverines shot over 48 percent from the field, including 10-15 from downtown. In the first half alone, 8 of their 11 shots from behind the arc found the bottom of the net.

That lock-down defense? It lead to 17 Detroit Henry Ford turnovers and a 16-2 advantage in points off of turnovers.

The Wolverines were locked in and it didn’t matter who the opponent was. With all the adversity the team had faced in the off-season, they weren’t leaving the Breslin Center without the team’s first ever State Championship title.

godwin rally 5
Coach Tyler Whittemore cuts down the net at Monday’s pep rally.

Before the season started, long-time coach Chad Conklin stepped down from his position to deal with a family crisis. Coach Conklin had been the cornerstone to building Godwin Heights into a power program. He led the Wolverines to the Semi-Finals in 2013 and the Quarterfinals last season.

Then, on August 4th, former Godwin basketball player Ta’Carhi Richardson was shot and killed at the age of 17. He had previously played under Coach Whittemore at the JV level.

High School principle, and former coach, Chad Conklin spoke to the students and community at a pep rally on Monday, “On the very first day of school I gave a speech to challenge the student body here at Godwin Heights. To make the most of the opportunities that you have and that have been presented in front of you. Today marks the second time that this school has completed a State Championship this year!”

It all came together in East Lansing. The outside shooting, the relentless defense, the ultimate will to win. Five Godwin players finished with double-digits in scoring. Delaney Blaylock finished with 19, Lamar Norton had 17, Michael Williams and Leon Redd each added 13, and Richard Major logged 12.

Everyone stepped up, Lamar Norton, a freshman, finished 7-9 from the field and a perfect 3-3 from downtown.

It was the type of game every coach dreams of. Not winning a State Championship – although that never hurts – but a team playing to their full potential and playing for one another. It culminated on Saturday night for the Wolverines and resulted in a State Championship.