Saturday proved to be a showcase showdown for many high school basketball teams across Michigan and the price was right for several Muskegon-area boys and girls squads who picked up marquee wins in non-conference action.
The Muskegon and Grand Haven boys and girls basketball programs, as well as the Mona Shores girls basketball team, all came out with confidence-boosting performances in their respective one-day showcase events and took another step toward reaching their season-long potential in the process.
Below is a recap of how the Big Reds, Buccaneers and Sailors all captured impressive non-conference wins on Saturday.
—
BOYS
—
Grand Haven senior Kaden Strong (2) shoots a free throw during the Calvin University Hoops Classic game between Grand Rapids Christian and Grand Haven in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Saturday, December 14, 2024.Charlie Nick | MLive.com
Grand Haven 78, Grand Rapids Christian 61
The Buccaneers used a 15-2 run in the second quarter to create some separation from the Eagles at halftime with a 42-29 advantage. Grand Rapids Christian eventually cut the deficit to just 44-38 midway through the third quarter but Grand Haven responded with a run of its own and fended off the Eagles in the fourth quarter to secure an impressive non-conference win in the opening game of the The Invite at Calvin University.
Kaden Strong scored a game-high 24 points to lead Grand Haven, while Will Plummer and Will Korenstra each added 12 points.
Carl Thompson finished with 22 points to lead Grand Rapids Christian.
Grand Haven (3-1) will host Spring Lake (3-2) in the annual Drawbridge Classic on Friday.
—
Muskegon’s James Martin (1) watches the ball during a boys high school basketball game at Rockford on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. Muskegon defeated Rockford, 52-51.Ridley Hudson | MLive.com
Muskegon 71, West Bloomfield 43
The Big Reds held a 25-16 advantage at halftime and outscored the Lakers 46-27 in the second half as they pulled away for a convincing non-conference win at the Hudsonville Basketball Showcase.
James Martin earned Game MVP honors with 16 points to lead Muskegon, while Darryl Thompkins Jr. added 15 points and nine assists and Keashaun Johnson had 13 points.
Muskegon (2-0) returns to action on Dec. 21, as the Big Reds travel to Clarkston to take on East Lansing (4-0).
—
GIRLS
—
Grand Haven’s Gillian Sorrelle (12) celebrates a play with Grand Haven’s Mallory Woiteshek (34) during a high school basketball game on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2023.Ridley Hudson | MLive.com
Grand Haven 50, Midland 35
The Buccaneers held a narrow 21-17 lead at halftime but pulled away with a 19-10 run in the fourth quarter to secure a non-conference road win Saturday.
Gillian Sorrelle finished with 16 points and six steals to lead Grand Haven, while Mallory Woiteshek added 12 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks, Kendall Gillis had 11 points and Bria Hogeboom had six assists.
Grand Haven (5-0) will face Spring Lake (3-0) in the annual Drawbridge Classic on Friday.
—
Muskegon High School sophomore Mariah Antionette Sain (10) attempts to hold onto the ball during the Division 1 girls basketball district semifinal game against Rockford at Rockford High School in Rockford, Mich. on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. Rockford won, 52-42.Becky Particka | MLive.com
Belleville 58, Muskegon 36
The Big Reds had a difficult time slowing down host Belleville in the opening quarter of play, as they fell behind 15-3 and couldn’t mount a comeback in the second half in a non-conference road loss Saturday at the Best of Michigan tournament.
Mariah Sain led Muskgon with 20 points, five rebounds, and five blocks, while Jaila Martin added six points and five rebounds.
Sydney Savoury finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and four assists to lead Belleville, while Se’Crette Carter added 17 points, including three 3-pointers.
Muskegon (2-2) will travel to Zeeland West (3-0) on Monday.
—
Mona Shores’ Maddie Russell (11) goes after the ball against Muskegon at Mona Shores in Norton Shores on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. Muskegon won 48-45. (Cory Morse | MLive.com) Cory Morse | MLive.com
Mona Shores 55, Gaylord St. Mary 34
The Sailors used a 21-5 run in the second quarter to pull away and fended off the Snowbirds in the second half to secure a convincing non-conference road win Saturday.
Maddie Russell scored 14 points to lead Mona Shores, while Laynie Russell and Katie Phillips each added nine points and Logan Clausen had five points.
Mona Shores (3-1) will travel to Forest Hills Northern (4-0) on Tuesday.
—
Follow Josh VanDyke on Twitter and Facebook for more West Michigan sports content
If you would like your local high school sports news delivered free to your inbox daily, click here and sign up for one of our local high school sports newsletters.
Love reading about local sports? Don’t miss any of the excitement from the season ahead. Purchase your subscription and get full access to every story on MLive.
—
