Rockford finds a way in 4th Overtime to top Christian.

When you throw out the names Rockford and Grand Rapids Christian it rarely matters what the sport is, you should do your best to make it there. These two schools took to the hardwood Tuesday night and did not disappoint! Rockford came in at 0-1 after a Friday loss to Muskegon Heights while Christian came in at 1-0 after an opening victory over rival South Christian. Many were on hand to see super sophomore Drake Harris including Tom Izzo himself who has become a regular at Grand Rapids Christian games hoping to woo Drake to becoming a Spartan.

Rockford had little interest in all the hype and proved it early on as the jumped out to the early lead with tough defense and precise shooting, sound familiar? Rockford enters this year with a new head coach in Nick Allen as well as new leaders on the floor with the departure of Ryan Majerle. The Rams lead 23-15 at the half and that lead swelled to 28-19 early in the 3rd. Christian battled back and finally took the lead with :43 left in the 3rd quarter following a Kurt Hoekstra 3 pointer 32-31.

No one in attendance however had any idea what we were in for as this game went back and forth throughout regulation as well as three overtimes and we still had no winner. The fourth overtime started and Rockford came out much more aggressive. It was a Kyle Short field goal in the lane that seemed to catch the Eagles off guard and finally put the Rams over the top for a lead they would never relinquish. Rockford’s student section exploded as the seconds ticked off and the Rams escaped with a 62-55 home victory, upsetting the top ranked Eagles.

Photos provided by David Chandler Photography.

Quick Hitters

Grand Rapids Christian

• Drake Harris is good we all know that but to me this team needs to find some shooters as well as complementary players that can step up so Harris doesn’t have to go at this alone all year. Christian lacks outside shooting and just attempts to use their athleticism to dominate teams. That attack will often work don’t get me wrong but for this team to make strides the complimentary players will need to show up in bigger roles. Drake did all he could to get inside and make things happen for the Eagles.

Rockford

• Chad Carlson may often be the smallest player on the floor but there is no doubt he has the biggest heart. This kid has truly developed into a flat out star for the Rams. Last year we saw him run some very solid point play after the departure of Justin Klien but his game has grown immensely over the summer. Carlson hit three triples en route to 21 points for the Rams and handled the ball beautifully throughout all four overtimes.

Head to head through four overtimes.