Big time talent meets big time opportunity this season. The Squires boys basketball team has a great opportunity to do well this year. The team is led by seniors Blake Verbeek and Joe Klunder alongside sophomore Brock Stevens. The starting five is rounded out with dynamic scorer Dallas Slager and defensive specialist Eric Hoogland. The lineup is also strong off the bench with Brad Kerkstra, Adam Gruppen, and Zach Smith hitting the court in the first rotation.
The Squires kicked off their season on December 5th with a home game against Western Michigan Christian (Muskegon). It was a close game throughout the first half, but the Squires pulled away in the end, winning 66-45. Dallas Slager had a great performance, putting up 19 points in his first start for Calvin Christian. Getting the first win is a crucial step for any team, and it came early this year for the Squires.
Next up for Calvin were the crosstown rivals, Unity Christian. The Squires-Crusaders matchup always produces a crowd, and this year was no different. The game started a little after the scheduled tip-off due to an overtime game before. The added suspense only delighted the packed house as both teams came out firing. The game was back and forth for three quarters with the Squires grinding out a 68-62 win. Blake Verbeek had a huge game with 29 points for the Squires.
The Squires have three tough games in a row lined up with Grandville, South Christian, and reigning OK-Silver champs Godwin Heights when they come back from the break. The boys get into the meat of the season, starting conference play on the 5th of January against Godwin. With good competition on their schedule, if the Squires can prevail, they’ll be playing deep into the spring.
