Lyncs boys cruise past Granger
Lynden Christian’s undefeated season has been powered by strong defense, great shooting, depth, but most of all unselfish play.
And that style showed throughout Lynden Christian’s 65-33 nonleague win over Granger during the first day of the Cloud 9 Sports Christmas Classic on Tuesday, Dec. 30, at Lynden Christian High School.
Nine of 10 Lynden Christian players scored, and LC recorded 13 assists in what was an textbook exhibit in team basketball.
Jake Poag scored a game-high 15 points, Zach Roetcisoender scored 13, and Nate Hielkema contributed 12 points, eight rebounds, four steals and two assists.
“It’s what makes these guys special. They truly don’t care who gets the glory,” Lynden Christian coach Roger DeBoer said. “They genuinely like the success of their teammates and when you have that and guys don’t care, obviously you can accomplish some great things. ... They showed that again tonight in how they shared the basketball.”
Lynden Christian (9-0, 2-0 NWC), thanks to 15 combined first-quarter points from Poag and Roetcisoender, built a 23-5 lead during the first eight minutes and held a comfortable advantage the rest of the way.
Most valuable player
So many Lyncs made an impact. Poag, Roetcisoender and Hielkema were each in double figures, and Grant Rubbert had four points to go with eight rebounds, three assists and two steals, but Player of the Game honors go to Hielkema. The senior guard scored seven points in the second quarter and filled up the stat sheet.
The game was over when ...
Lynden Christian opened the game on an 18-5 run, and it became clear Granger was outmatched. The Spartans had no answer for the Lyncs’ defensive intensity and efficient offense.
Unsung hero of the game
Lucas Roetcisoender and Andrew Vander Mey didn’t show up too much on the stat sheet, but DeBoer was pleased with their defensive efforts. Sophomore George De Jong also came off the bench and provided quality minutes, scoring eight points while pulling in four rebounds.
Up next
Lynden Christian turns right around and plays Oregon’s De La Salle North Catholic at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, at Lynden Christian High School. The Lyncs (9-0, 2-0 NWC) will look to keep their perfect record in tact.
Lynden Christian 65, Granger 33
Granger | 5 | 9 | 8 | 11 | — | 33 |
Lynden Christian | 23 | 14 | 15 | 13 | — | 65 |
Granger: Ramirez 8, Daniel 2, Cantu 4, Diaz 8, Stewart 0, Casillas 6, D. Saliz 0, Slade 0, J. Soliz 2, Blogett 6. Totals: N/A.
Lynden Christian: Cole Bajema 4, Josiah Meppelink 1, Lucas Roetcisoender 2, Andrew Vander Mey 0, Tanner Bouma 5, Jake Poag 15, Zach Roetcisoender 13, Nate Hielkema 12, Grant Rubbert 4, George De Jong 6. Totals: N/A.
3-point field goals — Granger: 2 (Ramirez/Casillas 1); Lynden Christian: 3 (three with 1). Rebounds — Granger: 17 (Slade 5); Lynden Christian: 34 (Hielkema/Ribbert 8). Assists — Granger: 4 (four with 1); Lynden Christian: 13 (Meppelink 4). Fouls — Granger: 10; Lynden Christian: 9. Turnovers — Granger: 17; Lynden Christian: 11.
This story was originally published December 29, 2015 at 11:19 PM with the headline "Lyncs boys cruise past Granger."