2016 MHSAA Class B Championship Game Summary

Marshall vs. Grand Rapids South Christian

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Breslin Center

IIn this Class B championship matchup, the Marshall and Grand Rapids South Christian teams have already accomplished a lot. They made it to this game when no one picked them to be here. Both teams knocked out state powerhouses to claim their seat at the championship game and had every intension on walking away with the title. From then opening tip both teams would start off playing hardcore in your face defense. It would take Marshall a few minutes to warm up offensively, but once they did they took over. South Christian would be a little too aggressive, leading to Sydney DeYoung picking up too quick fouls. The quarter would end with Marshall leading by 3.

The Redhawks continued to execute on offense, moving the ball and finding the open man. South Christian attempted to slow them down, kick started by a three from Jennifer DeBoer. Her basket was quickly countered by a three from Marshall’s Jill Konkle. This would be the beginning of a 7-0 run for Marshall. After a South Christian timeout, Marshall continued to pour on the defensive pressure and ended the half with a double digit lead.

In the beginning of the second half both teams came out and scored quick points. Marshall’s confidence was still high but South Christian had determination in their eyes. Spearheaded by Konkle, Marshall would go on a 10-2 run and get their biggest lead of the game with the score 33-19. The Redhawks’ run finally comes to an end with a three point bucket from Markayla Vander. On the very next Sailor possession Vander drove to the basket, finishing the layup and drawing the foul. She was unable to complete the three point play. DeBoer would also catch fire for South Christian, hitting a critical layup at the end of the quarter. Marshall went into the final 8 minutes of the game up by 6.

Vander started the fourth quarter right where she left out. After a power move to the basket, she was able to draw the foul and knock down both free throws. With three defensive stops, the Sailors found themselves only down 5 with plenty of time on the clock. As time dwindled away, South Christian was not able to finish on offense and became agitated on defense, putting key players in foul trouble. With 2 minutes left in regulation, the Redhawks would start playing keep away, forcing the Sailors to foul. With a lead as big as 10 at one point in the final minutes, Vander fought to pull her team closer with back to back buckets. Marshall would not back down. They stood tall, knocked down free throws and became the 2016 MHSAA Class B state champions.

Scoring Leaders: Marshall – Konkle 12, Long 10 South Christian – Vander 16, DeBoer 13

Game Highlights

Marshall:

• Many questioned if Marshall had given BC John Glenn all of their energy the day before and if they would be able to compete. They made it clear that answer is YES THEY CAN.

• The Redhawks once again showed their discipline and patience. They never allowed South Christian to force them out of their style of play.

South Christian:

• At times the Sailors were frustrated and rushed shots. This was not the same focused team we saw in the semifinals.

• Early fouls and missed layups hurt South Christian in the long run. They never could fully recover.

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