Beautiful Patterson Ice Arena was packed last night in anticipation of a great game between Grand Rapids Catholic Central and East Grand Rapids. Those who came got what they came for.

The first period action was fast paced and intense as the players flew across the glistening ice. The Cougars came out strong and carried the play as they launched shot after shot at Steven Longfellow. Steven however was up to the challenge as he kept his team in the game stopping 14 of the 15 shots. The other shot was stopped by a goaltender’s best friend, the red pipe, allowing East to escape the first period with the score tied 0-0.

The second period started with a huge shift as the Pioneers took the play to GRCC. Staggering and on their heels, the Cougars fought back trying to get the puck out of their zone. They succeeded and got a beautiful opportunity with 7:35 remaining in the period. Longfellow kept his team in the game however as he made another brilliant save to keep the game tied. The high pace and intensity seemed to do East in during the last minute of the period however as Longfellow, after stopping another 12 shots, was unable to stop the 13^th shot with 0:37 left in the period after his team turned it over in their own end. GRCC took their one goal lead into the third period.

The third period began with a feel of desperation and focus by the Pioneers as they took the play to the Cougars once again. For the first two minutes East kept the play deep in GRCC’s zone and because of this they were awarded numerous opportunities. Peter Stewart finally capitalized on one of these opportunities as he scored the equalizer with 15:49 remaining in the period. The celebration was short lived however as another turnover allowed GRCC to hack at the puck and bounce it over Longfellow only thirteen second later. This goal, scored by Catholic forward Donald Sund would prove to be the game winner as GRCC would go on to win 2-1.

GRCC is now 9-2-1 on the season.

After the loss East forward Travis Baranoski thought that the Pioneers played a good game.

“I thought we played really well. We had tons of chances and were unable to capitalize. We also shot ourselves in the foot on their two goals. Both were the direct results of turnovers by us. We played well enough to win, it just wasn’t our night. We have a big game tomorrow vs. Forest Hills Northern Eastern and we plan on playing just as hard as we did tonight. It’s a league game and two very big points for us. We’ll be ready to go tomorrow and we plan on taking care of business and correcting our mistakes.”

East is now 7-3 with the loss, but will look to improve that record tonight.

As heated as high school sports can be, many different teams have players who at one time, were friends and teammates elsewhere. This will be the case with the game between East Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Catholic Central this Friday. Facing each other in a heated battle on the ice this week are former teammates and friends Josh Keller and Travis Baranoski, who currently play for East, and Owen Kane, Remy woods, Hunter Jenerou, Josh Berry, and Donald Sund, who currently play for GRCC. In the fall, each of these players was selected to play for team West Michigan in the MDHL. The Michigan Developmental Hockey League allowed for each of these players to join together and play games against other teams every Saturday throughout the fall in Hockey Town (Detroit). Friday these players will help their current teammates defeat those who once played at their sides. Will the Pioneers defeat the number one team in our rankings? Or will the Cougars hold onto their third spot. Come to the game this Friday at Patterson Ice Center to find out. The game will be at 6:00pm. We hope to see you there!

]]> http://westmiallstar.com/2012/01/friends-forced-to-become-foes/feed/ 0 http://westmiallstar.com/2011/11/falcons-unable-to-overcome-cougars/ http://westmiallstar.com/2011/11/falcons-unable-to-overcome-cougars/#comments Sat, 19 Nov 2011 23:46:40 +0000 Matt Philpott http://westmiallstar.com/?p=10312

Grand Rapids West Catholic knew they were going to need to score if they wanted to continue their chance at a repeat state football title.  Lansing Catholic knew they were going to need to score if they wanted to knock off the defending Division 5 state football champs.  Entering Saturday’s Division 5 State Semifinal the Cougars from Lansing Catholic were averaging 55 points per playoff game, and the Grand Rapids West Catholic Falcons 48 points per game.  Both teams knew this battle would likely come down to who could score last.

Lansing Catholic won the opening coin toss and elected to defer to the second half.  With first possession, Grand Rapids West Catholic got right to work, stringing together a 61 yard drive to take an early 7-0 lead, with Jalin Faison rumbling in from two yards out.  The shootout was on.  The Cougars took their first possession and showed they were ready to match the Falcons blow-for-blow.  Quarterback Cooper Rush led his team 70 yards down the field, eventually hitting Matt Macksood for a 24 yard touchdown pass, evening things up at 7-7.

Now it was Grand Rapids West Catholic’s chance to respond, and their offense picked things up right where they left off.  The Falcons drove 78 yards for another touchdown, with Tommy Staskiewicz throwing an 18 yard pass to David Bancuk.  Following the point-after kick, Grand Rapids West Catholic was ahead 14-7.    Lansing Catholic and its passing game again found success, as Cooper Rush found Matt Macksood again, this time from 30 yards out, knotting the score up at 14.

Following the flurry of first quarter points, the game came to a surprising screeching halt in the second quarter.  Grand Rapids West Catholic closed out the final moments of the first with punt after a stalled drive.  The Cougars were then forced to punt themselves.  Grand Rapids West Catholic looked to capitalize on good field possession after the Lansing Catholic punt, starting in Cougars territory just inside midfield, but their drive ended in another punt.  Lansing Catholic made the game’s first big mistake on their ensuing possession– following a reception, Joe Prichard put the ball on the turf, with Grand Rapids West Catholic’s Max Boorsma on the recovery.  The Falcons were unable to take advantage of this, as the Cougars‘ defense stood strong, forcing Grand Rapids West Catholic’s third punt of the half.  One final Lansing Catholic possession failed to score before time ran out, and teams entered halftime with a 14-14 tie.

The third quarter opened up with a bang, as Lansing Catholic’s Adam Babcock took the opening kick 84 yards to the house for a touchdown.  Trailing 21-14, Grand Rapids West Catholic finally found consistency on offense again, putting together an 80 yard drive for a touchdown.  The scoring play came via a 13 yard pass from Tommy Staskiewicz to Kyle O’Hearn.  Knotted up 21-21, things were turning back into a shootout one again.  Lansing Catholic’s offense again relied heavily on the pass, as Cooper Rush tossed his third touchdown pass of the afternoon, finding Jack Swain from 23 yards out, giving the Cougars a 28-21 lead.

Grand Rapids West Catholic now committed their first turnover of the game, as they tried to muster a response to this latest Lansing Catholic score.  A Tommy Staskiewicz pass was intercepted by Kyle Oswald, giving Lansing Catholic a prime opportunity to really put pressure on the Falcons.  However, the Falcons snatched the ball right back, as Kevin Manser picked-off a Cooper Rush pass, giving Grand Rapids West Catholic possession on the Lansing Catholic 23 yard line.  Taking advantage of this newly found momentum, Grand Rapids West Catholic put the ball in the sure hands of Jalin Faison, who promptly powered his way to the end zone for a 23 yard game-tying touchdown.

Lansing Catholic received the ensuing kickoff and it was clear they were not affected in the least by their recent turnover.  The Cougars put together a 58 yard drive, taking a 35-28 lead thanks to Cooper Rush’s fourth touchdown pass of the game, this one a 16 yard completion to Connor Bartlett.

Much as happened in the second quarter, the pace of play in the fourth quarter slowed right down.  Both Grand Rapids West Catholic and Lansing Catholic traded punts to open the final quarter.  On their second possession of the fourth, Lansing Catholic extended their lead to 42-28 with Cooper Rush powering the ball in from the one yard line.  Grand Rapids West Catholic’s hopes of a comeback now took a severe hit, as a Tommy Staskiewicz pass was intercepted by Jimmy Fata on the Falcons‘ ensuing possession.  However, as happened earlier in the contest, Grand Rapids West Catholic got the ball back almost immediately, with Jake Voss picking off a pass of his own.  The Falcons managed to drive the ball 90 yards for a score, with Tommy Staskiewicz finding the end zone on a seven yard QB-keeper, and the score was now 42-35, in favor of Lansing Catholic.  With just under a minute left in regulation Grand Rapids West Catholic needed to successfully complete an onside kick if they had any hopes of tying the score.  Lansing Catholic’s hands team pounced on the bouncing kick-attempt, and the Falcons‘ fate was sealed– the Cougars had managed to knock-off the defending state champs.

In the end, Lansing Catholic’s strong passing attack was just too much for Grand Rapids West Catholic.  Cooper Rush completed 28 passes for an impressive 387 yards and four touchdowns.  Matt Macksood was on the receiving end of two of those touchdown passes, as he hauled in seven passes for 125 yards.  Jalin Faison paced all rushers in this afternoon’s game, running the ball 33 times for 211 yards, and two scores.  Grand Rapids West Catholic quarterback Tommy Staskiewicz passed for 87 yards and two touchdowns, and also ran for 145 yards and a touchdown.

With the victory, Lansing Catholic will go on to face Flint Powers Catholic for the Division 5 State Championship, which will be played next Saturday, at 4:30 p.m.

Tommy Staskiewicz slips out of reach of the defense.

Jake Voss hits Dan Liesman for a tackle.

Kevin Manser runs back his intercepted pass.

Jalin Faison on his way to the end zone for a 23 yard score.

The Falcon defense gives Lansing Catholic nowhere to run.

David Kuzma runs by a diving defender.

Kyle O'Hearn races in for a touchdown reception.

Kevin Manser and Jack Woodcock team up for the tackle.

Jalin Faison hurdles the defender.

Matt Philpott Photography was proud to bring you coverage of this game.  Please be sure to check out his website, and see how he can help you with your photography needs!

West Michigan All Star was on hand at the Breslin Center to cover the Defenders of Tri-Unity Christian as they looked to continue on in their quest for a state basketball crown.  The Superior Central Cougars held tough with the Defenders throughout the entire first half, but Tri-Unity came out strong in the third quarter, pulling away and never looking back as they cruised to a 62-49 victory.

Justin Arbogast provided excellent (and live!) minute-by-minute coverage of all the action.  A transcript of tonight’s game coverage can be seen over here.  Matt Philpott Photography was proud to provide photo coverage for tonight’s game.  Be sure to stop by his website beginning Friday evening to see some additional shots from the game!

Durant Vega (#14) lays it in.

Eric Zudweg (white) drives toward the key.

Doug Venema is fouled on his shot attempt.

Mike Boon (#5) gives the ball a kiss off the glass.

Joey Blauwkamp moves the offense down the court.

Jordan Buffum with an uncontested layup.

Daniel Cole puts up a jumper from the side of the lane.

Durant Vega focuses on the defense lying in wait.

A brief celebration before focusing on the task ahead.

The Catholic Central Cougars and South Christian Sailors came into Friday night sitting 1-2 atop the OK Gold standings, and with a victory South Christian could earn a share of the conference title.  Catholic Central was to have none of that, however, as they overcame a four point halftime deficit to beat the Sailors 71-63, capturing the OK Gold title all for themselves.

The Sailors were in control early, building up leads time and time again in the first half, but the Cougars took advantage of timely three pointers to stay close.  In the end these threes were the difference maker as Catholic Central slowly chipped away at South Christian’s 39-35 halftime lead.  Outscoring the Sailors 17-11 in the third quarter, the Cougars managed to take the lead for good, ending the quarter ahead 52-50.  A 19-13 fourth quarter sealed the deal for Catholic Central, as they won their third consecutive game.

Catholic Central had four players finish the game in double digits.  Leading the way for the Cougars was Conor Hogan, with 16 points.  Zeke Mojica-Skinner was right behind him, with 15, which included a solid 8-9 night from the free throw line.  Brendan Penny had 14 points, including two baskets from beyond the arc.  John Haley had 10 points in the victory.

South Christian was led by Mitch Huisman, with 20 points, nine of which came way of the three ball.  Jordan Mulder had 12, and Dan Miedema had 11, including three threes of his own.  As a team the Sailors hit eight deep shots.

Matt Philpott Photography was happy to bring you tonight’s coverage.  Please visit his website for details on how to order prints!

Dan Miedema (#12) puts up a jumper.

Brendan Penny (#14) looks for daylight while under pressure.

Jake Kool (#2) on the attack.

Brendan Penny (#14) with the long bomb.

Brandon Haan (#42) with a kiss off the glass.

Zeke Mojica-Skinner (#11) drives towards the lane.

Drew Stegehuis (#3) fires up a shot.

Brendan Penny (#14) defends the shot.

Drew Stegehuis (#3) surveys the defense.

Brendan Penny (#14) with a three point shot.

Quinton Morrow | Murray Sports Photography

Catholic Central came storming out of the gate, overwhelming Forest Hills Eastern with defensive pressure.  The Cougars held their opponent to one point in the first quarter, while forcing nine turnovers.  They eased off the gas a bit as the game went on, but their defensive pressure still forced Forest Hills Eastern into 26-turnovers on the night.  It’s those guards, swarming like gnats around the ball from every angle. Particularly given their lack of a dominating inside presence, Catholic Central is a load to try and score against.  Few teams have mastered the art of team defense to that degree.

That team chemistry extends to the offensive end of the floor as well, a testament to the work of head coach Dan Farrell. Senior Conor Hogan led a balanced Cougar attack with 16 points, followed by seniors Zeke Mojica-Skinner, John Haley and MJ Oshinski, each of whom added 10 of their own.

Forest Hills Eastern found their groove at times during the game, but they were never able to dig out of that early hole.  Junior Quinton Morrow paced the Hawks with 13 points, while Alex Harrison scored 12.

Ryheem Stokes | Murray Sports Photography

Quick Hitters:

• Catholic Central’s Mojica-Skinner is a player on the offensive side of the ball.  The kid can put the ball in the hoop.
• As the closest thing to a post guy the Cougars have, Haley holds his own on the blocks.  He’s the kind of tough kid you stick down low because he outhustles and outmuscles others to loose balls, and he’s fun to watch because of that hustle.
• Forest Hills Eastern didn’t play their best game on Tuesday, but they do have some pieces that they can build around.  Similar to Catholic Central they don’t have a dominant post presence, but what they do have is a couple young guards in Morrow and Harrison who have a bright future.  Couple that with a strong JV team, and the Hawks will be a team to keep an eye on in the near future.
• Shout out to Lou Murray, of Murray Sports Photography, for his awesome work this season.

Devon Ivy goes for a layup | Louis Murray, Murray Sports Photography

Talk to any student of the game, anyone who has spent their life around the game of basketball, and they’ll tell you about the importance of free throws.  Give them the opportunity, and they’ll explain how an entire game’s worth of running and jumping, shooting and defending, all of it can easily go out the window if a team doesn’t make their freebies.

On Friday night Ottawa Hills ran and jumped.  They shot and defended.  And lucky for them, they hit their free throws.  The Bengals made 13/17 from the charity stripe in the second half, 8/12 in the fourth quarter, and held on to beat Grand Rapids Catholic Central, 45-39.

Thomas Sloan drives for a layup | Louis Murray, Murray Sports Photography

“Old guy told me long ago that free throws and blocking out at the line are what win games,” agreed Ottawa Hills coach Van Mayfield.  “You see teams lose games by missing free throws and by not getting the rebound after free throws, so we work on those things in practice every day.  We didn’t shoot the best today, but we made enough down the stretch to gut out a win.”

Nobody said it had to be pretty.  Early on the custodians forgot to take the lids off the rims, so despite a near constant flurry of activity — all that running and jumping — the Bengals took a slim 16-12 lead into halftime.  Grand Rapids Catholic Central senior guard Sultan Muhammad was responsible for 11 of his teams 12-first half points, and scored a game-high 23-points.

Coming off a 40-point game against Middleville Thornapple-Kellogg earlier in the week, expectations were high for Bengals point guard Devon Ivy.  Early foul trouble held him in check early, but Ivy still lead Ottawa Hills with 15-points, 13 of which came in the second half (8 of them free throws).  With Ivy struggling, the responsibility fell to his Ottawa Hills teammates, who proved more than up to the task.

“It was a tough shooting night for (both teams), so we just picked it up on defense and started attacking the basket,” said sophomore shooting guard Antoine Wilson, who scored 10-points for Ottawa Hills.  “Especially when the shots weren’t falling, we knew we had to do all the other stuff to get the W.”

And ultimately, whether it’s the running, the jumping, the shooting or even the free throws that cause it, it’s the W that really matters.

Controlled havoc

Sultan Muhammad shoots over a defender | Louis Murray, Murray Sports Photography

Ottawa Hills thrives in the open court.  The Bengals don’t have the pure shooters or the bangers inside, but what they do have is a lineup full of athletes — from Ivy, to Wilson, to seniors Thomas Sloan and C.J. Bowen — and they play to this strength by pushing the tempo of the game at every opportunity, trying to increase the number of possessions each team gets.  Since they’ve become accustomed to the frenetic pace (and their star point guard thrives off it), they have learned how to take care of the ball and limit turnovers in an environment characterized by flying bodies and intense pressure.

And their biggest advantage, more so even than their depth, is that most of their opponents haven’t.  The reckless speed that Ottawa Hills inspires in their opponents lead to 20-turnovers for Grand Rapids Catholic Central.  Ottawa Hills plays reckless too.  Only they know how to control it.

“Batman” Muhammad

Last year, Sultan Muhammad was the clear Robin to Duke Mondy’s Batman.  Mondy is now suiting up for the Providence Friars, and Muhammad is left to don the black mask and guide the Cougars through the perils of Gotham.  He showcased every tool on his unique belt on Friday night, attacking the hoop, rebounding an assortment of errant shots and even draining multiple three-pointers, but in the end it simply wasn’t enough.

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Eagles will try to keep their momentum rolling straight over the Tigers in week-1

Finally, at long last, football is here!  Week one should be chock full of great matchups, and may have more than a few surprises in store.  One thing’s for sure: when the dust settles after Friday’s matchups, we’ll certainly have a much clearer picture.

Now then, let’s talk about what you need to watch in Week-1

Muskegon Heights @ Muskegon Oakridge

The story for Muskegon Heights is their new head coach, Willie Snead III. Snead Coached Holland Christian to a 14-0 season last year, his spread offense scoring an average of 46 points a game.  Snead’s  son, Willie Snead IV, will be starting at QB for the Tigers, and will be surrounded on all sides by talented athletes.  There’s no doubt that the Tigers will be improved this year, but they’ll have to wait until week-2 to start their winning streak. Defending Division-5 Champion Oakridge is just too tough.

Prediction: In a game that might be closer than some think, the Oakridge Eagles take round one.

Score: Heights-28, Oakridge-34

Orchard View @ Montague

Was it Montague’s new spread offense that got them the win at Orchard View last year?  Or did Montague just play knockout defense? In their previous three meetings Orchard View averaged just shy of 41-points per game, while in 2008 the Cardinals managed a relatively paltry 21-points.  The hype says that Orchard View will be down this year, but I wouldn’t bet on it.  Which is bad news for Montague.  The good news for Montague is that, whether their spread offense clicks again or not, the Wildcat defense should be a strong unit again in 09.

Prediction: Montague will come out on top in a tight contest that goes the distance.

Score: Montague-34, Orchard View– 28

Grand Rapids West Catholic @ Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Entering the third year of their rivalry, the coaches’ series is split, each of them having won one.  Recently West Catholic has started slowly out of the gate, and they will be looking to avoid that this year.  But to win in week one they will have to shut down Catholic Central’s Division-1 recruit, Nick Ens, who will be returning at QB.

Prediction: West Catholic won’t go down easy, but in the end Ens and the Cougars will prove to have too much firepower.

Score: GRCC-28, GRWC-20

Zeeland West @ Comstock Park

Is Zeeland West back? The Dux offensive production dropped considerably last year, down to just below 22-points a game (their previous two seasons having been closer to 40 points per game). Getting their offense rolling again will be their top priority, and will be key to the Dux’ success. Comstock Park comes into the game with a decent amount of returning talent, including a level of depth that few teams can match.  Each of these teams could legitimately claim this victory, so look for this game to go the distance.

Prediction: The Dux will defeat the Colts in a close contest to start their season off on the right track.

Score: Zeeland West-30, Comstock Park-24

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