Grand Rapids Christian 56, Rockford 43: Five Takeaways

<p>Grand Rapids Christian defeated Rockford 68-53 in a showcase game at the Cornerstone University Holiday Tournament Friday night. Highly touted junior guard <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kobe-bufkin/"><span style="color: #ff6600;">Kobe Bufkin</span></a> led the Eagles with 12 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Rockford was led by junior guard Sam Krist's 14 points, two rebounds and two assists.</p> <p>Rockford stayed within striking distance of Christian for most of the game, however, the Rams offense lacked consistency and couldn't withstand the number of runs the Eagles went on in the second half. Those second half scoring bursts were due in large part to the play of Kobe Bufkin, who scored nine of his 12 points in the second half.</p> <h6>Rockford's Scoring Droughts Doomed the Rams</h6> <p>Rockford's offense is mythodical, executing a number of precise actions before they attempt to get a shot up. While this often results in high percentage looks, it also can cause the Rams offense to stall out leading to long scoring droughts.</p> <p>It's clear that the Rams want to run its offense through <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/sam-krist/"><span style="color: #ff6600;">Sam</span> <span style="color: #ff6600;">Krist</span></a><span style="color: #000000;">,</span> however when that gets shut down, Rockford has had a problem finding another consistent scoring option. The Rams have a number of gifted shooters playing alongside Krist. As the season progresses, another scoring option will have to assert himself if Rockford hopes to achieve its goals.</p> <h6>Donovan Brown-Boyd's Play Was The Difference-Maker</h6> <p>The player who stood out to me the most on Friday night was Grand Rapids Christian junior wing <span style="color: #ff6600;">Donovan Brown-Boyd</span>. Whenever there was a loose ball or rebound, it was Brown-Boyd making the extra effort to get the ball for the Eagles. His 10 rebounds were crucial in getting the win for the Eagles</p> <p>Brown-Boyd seemed to want it more than anyone else on the floor, and his hustle often led to second-chance points and transition opportunities for Christian. Boyd's 20 minutes off the bench were instrumental in beating Rockford, and consistent play like that will make Christian a tough out come March.</p> <h6>Sam Krist Has A Unique Ability To Get To The Basket</h6> <p>The junior Rockford guard flashed a number of moves to get into the paint and finish at the rim. Christian deployed a number of different players to match up with Krist, all of whom were unable to stay in front of Krist consistently.</p> <p>Krist is a gifted ball-handler and wasn't fazed by the number of pressures he faced throughout the game. If Krist can develop a more consistent off-the-dribble jumper, he will be even more of a problem to match-up with.</p> <h6><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cairo-rhodes/">Cairo Rhodes</a> Makes Christian Go</h6> <p>Cairo has a deadly mix of athleticism and skill that is hard to hold in check for a full four quarters. When the senior guard was playing at his best, running the floor and getting out in transition, the Eagles are one of the most dangerous teams in the area.</p> <p>Rhodes had a relatively quiet game, six points, two assists, however the way he gets after it on the defensive end and controls the offensive flow of the game allows Christian to play more freely. In addition to his on-court demeanor, he also flashed his athleticism by slamming home a two-handed dunk off a flat-footed jump in the paint.</p> <h6>Bufkin Doesn't Force The Issue</h6> <p>Bufkin had a relatively pedestrian first half, scoring just three points. A lesser player might force the issue in the second half to overcompensate for his low first-half stat line, yet that wasn't Bufkin's mentality. The junior continued to find his teammates and facilitate the offense. Then when the game entered winning time, Bufkin was out and running, hammering an assortment of dunks, effectively ending Rockford's night.</p> <p>This performance from Bufkin may not have raised any eyebrows of those watching the statsheet, but its a type of production that has become the baseline for Bufkin. You can see why a number of high-major Division I teams are seeking his commitment.</p>