OK Conference Mid-Week Recap

There was a ton of action last night across the Ottawa-Kent Conference, with a couple of career-games highlighting the area scoreboard. Unity Christian’s Zac Velthouse Zac Velthouse 6'5" | PF Hudsonville Unity Christian | 2021 State MI had the performance of the season so far, scoring 40 points in a huge win over OK Blue foe Coopersville. Coopersville’s Blake Stewart Blake Stewart 6'2" | SG Coopersville | 2021 State MI went toe-to-toe with Velthouse, putting up 31 points in the narrow loss. 

Northview-East Grand Rapids Notes

I attended the Northview-East Grand Rapids game and continue to be thoroughly impressed by Northview junior, Kyler Vanderjagt Kyler Vanderjagt 6'4" | 195 lbs | SF Northview | 2022 State MI . Kyler had his way with East Grand Rapids, outscoring the Pioneers 17-12 in the second half to help secure the win for Northview. His ability to slow the game down, and get high-quality shots up near the rim is one aspect of Kyler’s game that makes him one of the premier prospects in the state. In my opinion, it won’t be long before high-major Division 1 programs start to take notice of Kyler.

Northview freshman guard EJ Ryans EJ Ryans 6'4" | SG Northview | 2024 State #224 Nation MI continues to impress me with his play. He hasn’t looked like a freshman in the two live games I’ve seen of his this year. EJ takes what the defense gives him and does a great job of providing a third scoring option for the Wildcat’s heavy hitters, Vanderjagt and Jalen Charity Jalen Charity 6'5" | CG Northview | 2022 State MI . EJ also gets after it on the defensive end, using his lateral quickness and length to suffocate opposing guards. He’ll be someone to keep an eye out for as his development continues.

East Grand Rapids’ sophomore guard Drew Caswell Drew Caswell 5'11" | PG East Grand Rapids | 2023 State MI knocked down some big threes for the Pioneers throughout the game, and also penetrated the Wildcat defense on a couple of occasions. Northview began to make its run when Caswell went to the bench further showing his importance on the court. He co-led East with 12 points, along with sophomore Simon Neuhaus Simon Neuhaus 6'5" | SF East Grand Rapids | 2023 State MI . Neuhaus also had a solid game, showing his versatility with a couple of perimeter shots and well-earned baskets in the paint.

Tuesday’s Top Performers 

Zac Velthouse Zac Velthouse 6'5" | PF Hudsonville Unity Christian | 2021 State MI , G, Unity Christian 2021″

Zac had a huge game, going for 40 points in Unity’s 83-78 win over Coopersville. Zac outscored Coopersville 28-25 in the first half before the Broncos cut into the lead after halftime.

Blake Stewart Blake Stewart 6'2" | SG Coopersville | 2021 State MI , G, Coopersville 2021″

Blake scored 31 points against Unity Christian. Blake’s off to a hot start, averaging 23 points per game.

Kobe Haglund Kobe Haglund 6'3" | PG West Ottawa | 2022 State MI , G, West Ottawa 2022″

Kobe put up 29 points in West Ottawa’s 60-50 win over Caledonia. West Ottawa sits at 3-1 on the season.

Kobe Bufkin Kobe Bufkin 6'4" | SG Grand Rapids Christian | 2021 State #71 Nation MI , G, Grand Rapids Christian 2021″

Kobe led the Eagles with 26 points in Christian’s 71-61 win over Forest Hills Central. Christian will face Northview on Friday in another key OK White battle.

Kyler Vanderjagt Kyler Vanderjagt 6'4" | 195 lbs | SF Northview | 2022 State MI , G, Northview 2022″

Kyler did it all for Northview on Tuesday, putting up 25 points, 8 boards, and 5 assists in the Wildcats’ 56-38 win over East Grand Rapids. The Pioneers led 26-22 at halftime, then Kyler took matters into his own hands, outscoring East 17-12 in the second half.

Sam Krist Sam Krist 6'5" | PF Rockford | 2021 State MI , G, Rockford 2021″

Sam scored 22 points against East Kentwood, leading the Rams to a 58-38 win. Rockford is now 4-0 on the season and hosts Grand Haven on Friday night in a huge matchup in the OK Red.

Harrison Sorrelle, G, Grand Haven 2023″

Harrison posted a double-double, scoring 21 points and grabbing 10 boards in Grand Haven’s 66-59 win over Jenison.

Jacob Bonnett, G, Forest Hills Central 2022″

Jacob put up 20 points in the Ranger’s loss to Grand Rapids Christian. Forest Hills Central will face Greenville on Friday night.