MHSAA Playoffs: Top Performers From Opening Night

<h5>Forest Hills Central 52, Rockford 51</h5> <p>I was lucky enough to catch the best matchup of opening night in person and it certainly did not disappoint. The Rockford-Forest Hills Central game was a quick reminder of what we missed out on last season. Two premier West Michigan programs going punch for punch until the final buzzer.</p> <p>Rockford controlled the first three and a half quarters of this one, led by [player_tooltip player_id="814588" first="Sam" last="Krist"]’s 20-point showing. Sam used his quick-step and length to drive the Ranger defense and get high percentage looks at the rim. He also showcased a beauty of a step back, knocking down a perimeter jumper at the buzzer of the second quarter. Those skills will continue to develop and refine at the next step of his career at the US Naval Academy.</p> <p>Rockford’s Jack Lamancusa was a workhorse on the boards all evening. Every 50/50 ball off the glass seemed to be corralled by Jack, helping extend possessions and create second-chance scoring opportunities for Rockford.</p> <p>Throughout the majority of the game it felt like Rockford was on the verge of extending its lead to double digits, and every time Conner Milton was there to get a bucket to keep the Rangers within striking distance. His presence in the post made the difference on several possessions.</p> <p>Forest Hills Central’s fourth-quarter 14-1 run wouldn’t have legs without the playmaking ability of Jacob Bonnett in the fourth quarter. In the previous three quarters, Jacob wasn’t getting downhill and penetrating Rockford’s defense. That, however, changed and Jacob showed his range of dribble-drive moves to breakdown the Rams defense late in the game.</p> <p>Lastly, the performance of the night goes to Forest Hills Central’s Jonah Preston. He made huge shot after shot during winning time, and ultimately was the unsung hero for the Rangers. Without his gutsy play, Rockford would be moving on to the district semis.</p> <h5>Tuesday’s Top Performers</h5> <h6>Adam Kroeze, Holland Christian</h6> <p>Adam led Holland Christian with 22 points, helping the Maroons beat Hamilton 61-50 in a Division 2 district at Coloma. Holland Christian will face district host Coloma on Thursday.</p> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="1067860" first="Jalen" last="Overway"], F, Holland Christian</h6> <p>Jalen scored 20 points in Holland Christian’s win.</p> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="814666" first="Jager" last="Haverdink"], G, Hamilton</h6> <p>Jager scored a game-high 23 points in Hamilton’s loss to Holland Christian.</p> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="814588" first="Sam" last="Krist"], G, Rockford</h6> <p>Sam scored 20 points in Rockford’s 52-51 loss to Forest Hills Central.</p> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="814673" first="Koby" last="Vanderwoude"], G, Caledonia</h6> <p>Koby scored 27 points in Caledonia’s 53-49 win over East Kentwood. Caledonia will face district host East Grand Rapids on Thursday night.</p> <h6>Jackson Core, Spring Lake</h6> <p>Jackson put up 28 points and 8 rebounds in Spring Lake's 60-48 win over Fruitport. Spring Lake will face Muskegon Orchard View in a Division 2 district semifinal on Thursday.</p>