Tate’s Notebook: Week 7 Takeaways

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This past week, I was able to see four of the area’s best teams play in two highly competitive games that will have league title implications. Below are my takeaways from each game.</span></p> <h5><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rockford 62, Grand Haven 56</span></h5> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rockford and Grand Haven met last Tuesday with first-place on the line in the OK Red. It was a game that featured two teams with a combined record of 18-2. These two teams have separated themselves as the best two teams in the Red, and what followed was a great matchup that featured momentum-changing runs and impactful performances from key players on both teams.</span></p> <p><strong>Caden Pokorzynski, 6’5 F, Rockford 2023”</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The best player on the floor in this game was Caden Pokrozynski. Caden willed Rockford to a gritty road victory with his dribble-drive in isolation sets time and time again in the 4th quarter. Grand Haven had problems matching up with his size and length all game as Caden was able to rise above multiple Buc defenders and convert tough shots when the Rams needed a bucket. His 17 points were a game-high.</span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="863999" first="Nic" last="Stump"], 6’5 G/F, Grand Haven 2022”</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nic paced the Bucs with 16 points and also did a good job of clearing the glass on both ends of the court. Nic knocked down open looks and converted his mid-range looks at a high clip. His ability to suck the defense in and kick out to an open teammate helped Grand Haven erase a 16-3 deficit and get back in the game to avoid a blowout.</span></p> <p><strong>Will Korenstra, 6’2 G, Grand Haven 2025”</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The freshman continues to impress by doing a little bit of everything. Will is one of the more impressive athletes I’ve seen this season and the fact that he’s only a freshman offers a glimpse of what his potential could be down the road. He’s a good on-ball defender and creates a handful of transition opportunities per game by forcing his man into a bad decision that results in turnovers. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h5><span style="font-weight: 400;">Grand Rapids Christian 46, Forest Hills Central 44</span></h5> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Grand Rapids Christian showed signs of growth for a young and experienced team and looks to be the second most complete team behind Northview in the White, following the Eagle’s impressive two-point win over Forest Hills Central. The Rangers are currently reeling, having lost three straight, and are without its two best players in [player_tooltip player_id="1211148" first="Jacob" last="Bonnett"] and Conner Milton.</span></p> <p><strong>Jaylan Ouwinga, 6’8 F, Grand Rapids Christian 2024”</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The sophomore forward had an impressive showing against the Rangers and has quietly put together an All-Conference caliber string of games in the past two weeks. Jaylan consistently produces in the paint, and against Forest Hills Central, Jaylan flashed a smooth perimeter jumper. If he can hit that consistently, he’ll be one of the trickiest forwards to guard in the area. He led Christian in scoring with 12 points.</span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1352906" first="Levi" last="McKenzie"], 6’0 G, Forest Hills Central 2023”</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Levi took the lead for the Rangers on Friday night, scoring 14 points to lead all scorers. Levi looked good from the perimeter, knocking down shots featuring a smooth and quick release. Defensively, Levi made a few plays that resulted in turnovers for points for the Rangers. He does a good job of anticipating where the ball is going to go, jumping the pass, and finishing the play off with a layup through a contest.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>