By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland West varsity girls basketball team remained unbeaten to start its season last Saturday, coming from behind to take a thrilling 53-48 double overtime win over Hopkins at home.
The Dux improved to 5-0 to start the season with the win.
With West trailing by three late in regulation, junior guard Sadie Kragt drove into the lane, then kicked it out to senior guard Alyssa Lucas, who hit a clutch 3-point shot with 12 seconds remaining to tie the game at 38-all and send it to overtime.
Each team scored five points in the first overtime. The Dux then outscored the Vikings 10-5 in the second OT to come away with the win.
The Dux trailed 10-6 after one quarter and 20-19 at halftime. West outscored Hopkins 11-6 in the third quarter to grab a four-point lead.
Kragt had a career-high performance for the Dux, pouring in 28 points. Junior Jenna Hendricks added 11 points and senior Brooklyn Haight chipped in seven.
West opened O-K Black Conference play Tuesday at home against Hamilton, and will face Zeeland East Friday night in the first game of the varsity hoops doubleheader between the Dux and the Chix.
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland West varsity girls basketball team remained unbeaten to start its season last Saturday, coming from behind to take a thrilling 53-48 double overtime win over Hopkins at home.
The Dux improved to 5-0 to start the season with the win.
With West trailing by three late in regulation, junior guard Sadie Kragt drove into the lane, then kicked it out to senior guard Alyssa Lucas, who hit a clutch 3-point shot with 12 seconds remaining to tie the game at 38-all and send it to overtime.
Each team scored five points in the first overtime. The Dux then outscored the Vikings 10-5 in the second OT to come away with the win.
The Dux trailed 10-6 after one quarter and 20-19 at halftime. West outscored Hopkins 11-6 in the third quarter to grab a four-point lead.
Kragt had a career-high performance for the Dux, pouring in 28 points. Junior Jenna Hendricks added 11 points and senior Brooklyn Haight chipped in seven.
West opened O-K Black Conference play Tuesday at home against Hamilton, and will face Zeeland East Friday night in the first game of the varsity hoops doubleheader between the Dux and the Chix.
East Girls Split at Cornerstone Tourney
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland East varsity girls basketball team split two games against O-K Red Conference opponents during the Cornerstone University tournament in Grand Rapids during the holidays.
The Chix defeated Jenison on Dec. 27, 49-39, but lost to West Ottawa Jan. 2, 61-49, at Cornerstone’s Mol Arena. They took a 3-4 record into their O-K Black Conference opener Tuesday night at home against Spring Lake, and will host Zeeland West Friday night in the first of their two rivalry matchups this season.
In the win against Jenison, sophomore center Lily Huizenga dominated on the inside, scoring a game-high 21 points. She received game Most Valuable Players honors.
In the game against West Ottawa, the Chix struggled at the start, falling behind 11-0 five minutes into the game. The Panthers led 18-7 after one quarter and 34-18 at halftime.
West Ottawa led by 18 early in the third quarter, but the Chix fought back by forcing turnovers and turning them into points. Junior Lizzie Risdon nailed a 3-point shot at the buzzer ending the quarter to cut the WO lead to 49-40.
East would have opportunities early in the fourth quarter to further cut into the lead, but got no closer than nine points the rest of the way.
“We didn’t really come out with the appropriate level of urgency. That was the difference right there,” East coach Troy Hammond said after the West Ottawa game. “I thought once we got into the game and played with a little bit more spirit, I would say things went quite well. But you can’t spot a good team a (lead) like that.”
Risdon led East with 27 points, including four 3-pointers, and also pulled down eight rebounds to receive game MVP honors. CC Kuras, the team’s lone senior, added nine points. Freshman Olivia Mannes provided a strong performance off the bench, grabbing 10 rebounds.
“I like where we’re going. We’re really young. We’ve got one senior (Kuras). They’ve been awesome to work with. Some of (what we’re looking for) is that consistency of performance with the young group,” Hammond said.
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland East varsity girls basketball team split two games against O-K Red Conference opponents during the Cornerstone University tournament in Grand Rapids during the holidays.
The Chix defeated Jenison on Dec. 27, 49-39, but lost to West Ottawa Jan. 2, 61-49, at Cornerstone’s Mol Arena. They took a 3-4 record into their O-K Black Conference opener Tuesday night at home against Spring Lake, and will host Zeeland West Friday night in the first of their two rivalry matchups this season.
In the win against Jenison, sophomore center Lily Huizenga dominated on the inside, scoring a game-high 21 points. She received game Most Valuable Players honors.
In the game against West Ottawa, the Chix struggled at the start, falling behind 11-0 five minutes into the game. The Panthers led 18-7 after one quarter and 34-18 at halftime.
West Ottawa led by 18 early in the third quarter, but the Chix fought back by forcing turnovers and turning them into points. Junior Lizzie Risdon nailed a 3-point shot at the buzzer ending the quarter to cut the WO lead to 49-40.
East would have opportunities early in the fourth quarter to further cut into the lead, but got no closer than nine points the rest of the way.
“We didn’t really come out with the appropriate level of urgency. That was the difference right there,” East coach Troy Hammond said after the West Ottawa game. “I thought once we got into the game and played with a little bit more spirit, I would say things went quite well. But you can’t spot a good team a (lead) like that.”
Risdon led East with 27 points, including four 3-pointers, and also pulled down eight rebounds to receive game MVP honors. CC Kuras, the team’s lone senior, added nine points. Freshman Olivia Mannes provided a strong performance off the bench, grabbing 10 rebounds.
“I like where we’re going. We’re really young. We’ve got one senior (Kuras). They’ve been awesome to work with. Some of (what we’re looking for) is that consistency of performance with the young group,” Hammond said.
Kouw Wins at Grand Haven Girls Wrestling Meet
Zeeland West junior Emmaline Kouw put on an outstanding performance on Saturday in winning the 120-pound weight class at the Adam H. Provencal girls wrestling tournament at Grand Haven High School.
Kouw pinned three of her four opponents and won her other match by technical fall, capped by pinning Traverse City West’s Annika Yuncker in the championship match in one minute, 41 seconds. She improved her season record to 19-4.
Senior Amaya Brott finished sixth at the Provencal meet.
The West boys wrestling team competed in two tournaments last week, posting a 2-2 record in a Dec. 30 competition at Coopersville and also battling a strong field with several state-ranked opponents at a tournament in Hudsonville on Saturday.
The Dux edged host Coopersville 34-30 with a win in the last weight class and nipped Ravenna 36-35 for its two wins at Coopersville. They lost to Wayland 68-12 and Hamilton 63-9.
Tyson Touch, Samuel Taylor and Lachlan Thoreson went 3-1 for the day for West, while Damian Calederon and Kye Chayer each went 2-2.
West lost to Hudsonville, Harper Creek, Hartland “B”, Cedar Springs and Comstock Park Saturday at the Hudsonville meet.
“While the results didn’t fall our way (on Saturday), the day provided valuable experience against high-level competition and highlighted some positives to build on, as well as areas for continued improvement as the season progresses,” West coach Cody Stewart said.
Kouw pinned three of her four opponents and won her other match by technical fall, capped by pinning Traverse City West’s Annika Yuncker in the championship match in one minute, 41 seconds. She improved her season record to 19-4.
Senior Amaya Brott finished sixth at the Provencal meet.
The West boys wrestling team competed in two tournaments last week, posting a 2-2 record in a Dec. 30 competition at Coopersville and also battling a strong field with several state-ranked opponents at a tournament in Hudsonville on Saturday.
The Dux edged host Coopersville 34-30 with a win in the last weight class and nipped Ravenna 36-35 for its two wins at Coopersville. They lost to Wayland 68-12 and Hamilton 63-9.
Tyson Touch, Samuel Taylor and Lachlan Thoreson went 3-1 for the day for West, while Damian Calederon and Kye Chayer each went 2-2.
West lost to Hudsonville, Harper Creek, Hartland “B”, Cedar Springs and Comstock Park Saturday at the Hudsonville meet.
“While the results didn’t fall our way (on Saturday), the day provided valuable experience against high-level competition and highlighted some positives to build on, as well as areas for continued improvement as the season progresses,” West coach Cody Stewart said.
New Softball Coaches Hired at West, East
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
Both Zeeland high school varsity softball teams will have new coaches leading them this spring.
Randall Mikkelsen has been hired as the new varsity coach at Zeeland West, while Denny Richmond will take the varsity program at Zeeland East. Both new coaches met with their teams before the holidays.
Mikkelsen replaces Kayla Smart, who stepped down as West’s head coach at the end of last season after three years in the position. Richmond was an assistant coach at East last spring to Jolie Groeneveld, who resigned after one season as varsity coach to take an assistant coaching position at Indiana Wesleyan University.
Mikkelsen comes to West from Montague High School, where he was the varsity softball coach the last three seasons.
“Throughout the interview process, Coach Mikkelsen demonstrated a clear passion for developing student-athletes and building a program centered on teamwork, growth, and accountability,” West Athletic Director Jordan Bandstra said. “His ability to articulate a vision rooted in fundamentals, relationship-building, and steady program-wide development stood out. It’s evident he brings both the experience and the leadership qualities needed to continue moving our softball program forward.”
Mikkelsen has also coached various levels of club softball in West Michigan. He also spent more than a decade coaching football at the high school level, most recently serving as junior varsity head coach at Montague.
“Although I am not from the community, I have coached for many years in multiple sports and have always admired Zeeland West athletics,” Mikkelsen said. “Now, to be part of that and to be entrusted with helping develop skills, build confidence and character of these young athletes is an absolute dream come true. I cannot wait to get started.”
Like Mikkelsen, Richmond has had experience coaching club softball, coaching travel ball with Lake Effect.
“Richmond has a deep knowledge of softball, is skilled at building relationships and is committed to developing student-athletes both on and off the field,” East Athletic director Josh Glerum said. “We are excited to welcome him into this role and look forward to the program growing under his leadership.”
Richmond says he’s excited to take on the East varsity program.
“I look forward to sharing my passion and knowledge of the game with our student-athletes, along with helping to develop the softball community,” he said. “I’m ecstatic to give my best to these athletes, in addition to assisting them on and off the field.”
West won 23 games last season and finished second in the O-K Black Conference, falling in the district final to powerhouse Hudsonville. East had a 5-7 conference record, finishing in a tie for fourth with Holland Christian.
Zeeland Record
Both Zeeland high school varsity softball teams will have new coaches leading them this spring.
Randall Mikkelsen has been hired as the new varsity coach at Zeeland West, while Denny Richmond will take the varsity program at Zeeland East. Both new coaches met with their teams before the holidays.
Mikkelsen replaces Kayla Smart, who stepped down as West’s head coach at the end of last season after three years in the position. Richmond was an assistant coach at East last spring to Jolie Groeneveld, who resigned after one season as varsity coach to take an assistant coaching position at Indiana Wesleyan University.
Mikkelsen comes to West from Montague High School, where he was the varsity softball coach the last three seasons.
“Throughout the interview process, Coach Mikkelsen demonstrated a clear passion for developing student-athletes and building a program centered on teamwork, growth, and accountability,” West Athletic Director Jordan Bandstra said. “His ability to articulate a vision rooted in fundamentals, relationship-building, and steady program-wide development stood out. It’s evident he brings both the experience and the leadership qualities needed to continue moving our softball program forward.”
Mikkelsen has also coached various levels of club softball in West Michigan. He also spent more than a decade coaching football at the high school level, most recently serving as junior varsity head coach at Montague.
“Although I am not from the community, I have coached for many years in multiple sports and have always admired Zeeland West athletics,” Mikkelsen said. “Now, to be part of that and to be entrusted with helping develop skills, build confidence and character of these young athletes is an absolute dream come true. I cannot wait to get started.”
Like Mikkelsen, Richmond has had experience coaching club softball, coaching travel ball with Lake Effect.
“Richmond has a deep knowledge of softball, is skilled at building relationships and is committed to developing student-athletes both on and off the field,” East Athletic director Josh Glerum said. “We are excited to welcome him into this role and look forward to the program growing under his leadership.”
Richmond says he’s excited to take on the East varsity program.
“I look forward to sharing my passion and knowledge of the game with our student-athletes, along with helping to develop the softball community,” he said. “I’m ecstatic to give my best to these athletes, in addition to assisting them on and off the field.”
West won 23 games last season and finished second in the O-K Black Conference, falling in the district final to powerhouse Hudsonville. East had a 5-7 conference record, finishing in a tie for fourth with Holland Christian.
Zeeland Boys Romp at Swimming Invite
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland High boys swimming team dominated the competition at its own Zeeland Invite meet last Saturday at the West natatorium, winning the meet by more than 200 points.
Zeeland recorded four first-place finishes in rolling up a team score of 568 points. West Ottawa was a distant second in the nine-team field with 336, followed by Forest Hills Northern (305), Hudsonville (272), Caledonia (247) and Grandville (247).
Zeeland jumped out in front of the field in the opening event, winning the 200-yard medley relay as the team of juniors Andrew Pyle, Andrew Skaggs, Gibson Meyering and Branton Posthumus won the race by nearly two seconds in 1 minute, 38.78 seconds.
Zeeland took two of the top three places in the 200-yard individual medley as Meyering won in 2:02.69 and Pyle took third in 2:06.65. Meyering was also runnerup in the 100-yard backstroke in 54.35.
Posthumus swam a season best in the 50-yard freestyle, winning the race in 22.98 seconds, dropping a quarter of a second from his previous season best.
Skaggs crushed the field in the 100-yard breaststroke, winning the race by more than 3.8 seconds in a season-best time of 59.10, 0.72 seconds faster than his previous fastest time for the season.
Junior Hudson Kosten shaved 0.55 seconds off his best time of the season in the 100-yard freestyle, finishing second in 49.98.
Sophomore Brady Vroegindewey slashed more than seven seconds off his previous best time for the season in the 500-yard freestyle, finishing second in 5:05.32.
In the 200-yard freestyle relay, the team of Posthumus, Skaggs, Kosten and junior Carson Durham brought home a second-place finish in 1:32.09.
Finally, in the 400-yard freestyle relay, the foursome of Kosten, Pyle, Vroegindewey and Meyering finished second in 3:20.92.
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland High boys swimming team dominated the competition at its own Zeeland Invite meet last Saturday at the West natatorium, winning the meet by more than 200 points.
Zeeland recorded four first-place finishes in rolling up a team score of 568 points. West Ottawa was a distant second in the nine-team field with 336, followed by Forest Hills Northern (305), Hudsonville (272), Caledonia (247) and Grandville (247).
Zeeland jumped out in front of the field in the opening event, winning the 200-yard medley relay as the team of juniors Andrew Pyle, Andrew Skaggs, Gibson Meyering and Branton Posthumus won the race by nearly two seconds in 1 minute, 38.78 seconds.
Zeeland took two of the top three places in the 200-yard individual medley as Meyering won in 2:02.69 and Pyle took third in 2:06.65. Meyering was also runnerup in the 100-yard backstroke in 54.35.
Posthumus swam a season best in the 50-yard freestyle, winning the race in 22.98 seconds, dropping a quarter of a second from his previous season best.
Skaggs crushed the field in the 100-yard breaststroke, winning the race by more than 3.8 seconds in a season-best time of 59.10, 0.72 seconds faster than his previous fastest time for the season.
Junior Hudson Kosten shaved 0.55 seconds off his best time of the season in the 100-yard freestyle, finishing second in 49.98.
Sophomore Brady Vroegindewey slashed more than seven seconds off his previous best time for the season in the 500-yard freestyle, finishing second in 5:05.32.
In the 200-yard freestyle relay, the team of Posthumus, Skaggs, Kosten and junior Carson Durham brought home a second-place finish in 1:32.09.
Finally, in the 400-yard freestyle relay, the foursome of Kosten, Pyle, Vroegindewey and Meyering finished second in 3:20.92.
West Boys Roll Over Hopkins
The Zeeland West varsity boys basketball team improved to 5-3 on the season with a 61-47 road victory at Hopkins Saturday.
West led by as many as eight points in the first half, but the homestanding Vikings battled back to cut the lead to 28-24 at halftime, as senior Gabe Bouwens scored 10 points in the half.
In the third quarter, junior Mike Girman got hot from the perimeter, nailing three 3-pointer baskets as the Dux started to pull away. West led by as many as 17 points in the fourth quarter in cruising to the win.
Bouwens poured in a game-high 23 points to led the Dux, while Girman had a solid all-around performance with 14 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
Junior Drew Albrecht chipped in 10 points and sophomore Matthew Wolf eight. Junior Logan Nash had five steals and made “many multi-effort plays that set the tone for the team all day,” West coach David Klyn said.
West faced Hamilton on Tuesday and will take on Zeeland East in its rivalry game Friday night.
West led by as many as eight points in the first half, but the homestanding Vikings battled back to cut the lead to 28-24 at halftime, as senior Gabe Bouwens scored 10 points in the half.
In the third quarter, junior Mike Girman got hot from the perimeter, nailing three 3-pointer baskets as the Dux started to pull away. West led by as many as 17 points in the fourth quarter in cruising to the win.
Bouwens poured in a game-high 23 points to led the Dux, while Girman had a solid all-around performance with 14 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
Junior Drew Albrecht chipped in 10 points and sophomore Matthew Wolf eight. Junior Logan Nash had five steals and made “many multi-effort plays that set the tone for the team all day,” West coach David Klyn said.
West faced Hamilton on Tuesday and will take on Zeeland East in its rivalry game Friday night.
Brock Named East Track Coach
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland East High School boys track and field team has a new head coach – and it’s a familiar face.
Brent Brock, who has been an assistant coach for the Chix the past three years, has been promoted to the head coaching job at East. He succeeds longtime head coach Ralph Neal, who is retiring this month after having served as a coach and teacher at East since 2002.
“For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside our athletes and coaches while watching this program continue to grow talent, work ethic and team pride,” Brock said. “Stepping into the head coaching role, I’m excited to bring even more energy, enthusiasm and intention to a sport I care deeply about.
“Track has given so much to me and I can’t wait to give that same experience, growth and confidence back to our student-athletes. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead and hope to continue to raise the standard of excellence that makes Zeeland East special,” Brock added.
A native of Lockport, Ill., Brock is a 2015 graduate of Grand Valley State University, where he competed in the 400 meters, the long jump and triple jump during his collegiate career. He was team captain for the Lakers his senior year.
“Coach Brock has proven over the last three years that he is ready to take on additional leadership and responsibilities,” East Athletic Director Josh Glerum said. “His steady demeanor, passion for track and field and ability to form relationships make him an ideal fit to lead our boys track and field program. We are thrilled that our student-athletes will learn and be mentored under his leadership.”
In addition to serving as an assistant track and field coach at East, Brock has also assisted in the EDGE Conditioning Program in the summer. He also has past track coaching experience at Lockport and Highland Park high schools in Illinois.
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland East High School boys track and field team has a new head coach – and it’s a familiar face.
Brent Brock, who has been an assistant coach for the Chix the past three years, has been promoted to the head coaching job at East. He succeeds longtime head coach Ralph Neal, who is retiring this month after having served as a coach and teacher at East since 2002.
“For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside our athletes and coaches while watching this program continue to grow talent, work ethic and team pride,” Brock said. “Stepping into the head coaching role, I’m excited to bring even more energy, enthusiasm and intention to a sport I care deeply about.
“Track has given so much to me and I can’t wait to give that same experience, growth and confidence back to our student-athletes. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead and hope to continue to raise the standard of excellence that makes Zeeland East special,” Brock added.
A native of Lockport, Ill., Brock is a 2015 graduate of Grand Valley State University, where he competed in the 400 meters, the long jump and triple jump during his collegiate career. He was team captain for the Lakers his senior year.
“Coach Brock has proven over the last three years that he is ready to take on additional leadership and responsibilities,” East Athletic Director Josh Glerum said. “His steady demeanor, passion for track and field and ability to form relationships make him an ideal fit to lead our boys track and field program. We are thrilled that our student-athletes will learn and be mentored under his leadership.”
In addition to serving as an assistant track and field coach at East, Brock has also assisted in the EDGE Conditioning Program in the summer. He also has past track coaching experience at Lockport and Highland Park high schools in Illinois.
