High school hoops: Hamilton sweeps behind Geurink's career high; Chix, Dux edged

The Hamilton girls basketball team bounced back from its loss to the top team in the state with a strong performance in a 54-31 win over Coopersville.

The Hawkeyes outscored Coopersville 15-5 in the second quarter to take control of the game.

Kaitlyn Geurink led the offensive attack for Hamilton with a career-high 26 points. Kyra Kleinheksel was also in double figures with 13 points and Taylor VanderZwaag had eight points.

"Coopersville packed in a 2-3 zone which caused us to get off to a bit of a slow start. But a career-high 26 points from Kaitlyn Geurink really gave us a spark tonight. She attacked the basket aggressively and knocked down three 3s," Hamilton coach Jacquelyn Malloch.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Hamilton 51, Coopersville 35

The Hawkeyes improved to 11-2 and 6-1 in the OK Blue with the win on Friday.

Justin McIllwain scord 13 points to lead Hamilton. JD DeGroot added 12 points.

GR Union 61, Zeeland West 59

Grand Rapids Union took their first lead of the game since the score was 2-0 with 3 seconds to go to earn the OK Green win on a layup from Ronnie Burton.

“We had chances to put the game away in the fourth, but we didn’t make the plays we needed to," Zeeland West coach David Klyn said. "Credit to Union for knocking down big shots throughout the second half of the game.”

The Dux are 10-3 on the year and face Zeeland East on Friday night.

Wyoming 82, Zeeland East 78

The Chix came up just short in an offensive shootout in the OK Green on Friday, losing 82-78.

B.J. Walker led the Chix with 33 points and Layne Risdon scored 20.

Black River 60, Martin 56

The River Rats improved to 4-8 with the SAC win.

Atif Usmani led the Rats with 14 points. Jonah VanderMeer chipped in 12 points and six rebounds.

"We found the front of the rim a little more with control in the first half. I felt like we couldn’t get into a rhythm in the second half," Black River coach Darrion Denham said. " Give the guys alot of credit for having some resolve because that was a frustrating half for our team. Wins come in all shapes and sizes. Our leader led and that’s what we needed to get goin as a whole. Jonah VanderMeer understood how much he had to be aggressive in attacking downhill. He is our engine. Great overall win for our program tonight."

Reeths-Puffer 64, Holland 34

Holland was led by freshman Keegan Hulst with nine points and freshman Josiah VanHekken added eight points.

Reeths-Puffer was led by Travis Ambrose with 14 points and Jaxson Whitaker added 12 points.

Watervliet 55, Fennville 31

The Blackhawks dropped the SAC showdown.

Ben Peterson scored 10 points and Nathan Griffin added eight points. Aidan Swingle totaled seven points and 10 rebounds.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Zeeland West 58, GR Union 29

The Dux won at home against Union, 58-29. Jordyn Klaasen led all scorers with 13. Kara Bartels and Georgia Kuyers both had nine and Desi Kuyers chipped in six.

“Our girls came out with a lot of energy tonight and kept it going all game long. Really pleased with our effort tonight,” Zeeland West coach Ryan Lane said.

West Catholic 48, Holland Christian 31

The Maroons lost the OK Blue game against the No. 1 team in Division 2.

Camryn VandenBosch led the Maroons with nine points and Tryna VanderZwaag had seven.

Cadence Dykstra scored 17 to lead West Catholic.

Reeths-Puffer 67, Holland 39

Holland played with great energy, getting loose balls, offensive rebounds, and forcing turnovers. Unfortunately, in the fourth quarter the Rockets were able to turn missed shots and turnovers into transition baskets.

Holland was led by Lilly Mendels with 14 points. Ari Gray and Hadleigh Hilgert both scored eight while Emma Margaron added seven in a balanced offensive effort.

Wyoming 55, Zeeland East 31

The Chix lost the OK Green game. Mirra Fenlon had 20 for the Chix.

Watervliet 59, Fennville 31

Fennville was down 12-2 after one quarter of play and continued to trail 30-10 at the half. Going into the fourth quarter the Blackhawks remained behind 50-21.

Kyli Bushee led the Blackhawks (3-9) with 16 points. Christina Mendoza followed up with seven points.

"Kyli Bushee had a great second half for us scoring 12 of her 16 points," Fennville coach Josh Weimer said. "Christina Mendoza had a tough defensive assignment but did great defending one of Watervliets best offensive players. We're back to work Monday to prepare for the next one."

Martin 39, Black River 19

Black River was led by Camille Wolbrink with seven points. The Rats are 7-7 on the season.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: High school hoops: Hamilton sweeps behind Geurink's career high; Chix, Dux edged