Lady Ram coach sees growth in the games
before holiday break
By Dale Martin
A pair of wins recently and a strong second half in the season opener leaves Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball coach Jake Wortinger encouraged entering the final stretch of games leading into the Christmas break.
G-A has outscored its opponents in the last nine quarters and played Saugatuck even in the third quarter in its only loss.
The Lady Rams continued the encouraging play, outscoring Holland Black River in all four quarters in a 63-34 win December 13 at G-A High School and also outscored Watervliet in all four quarters in a 56-13 win December 10 at home.
Both opponents defeated G-A last year.
“We’re playing hard. They’re looking for each other. We’re getting easier buckets out of our press. Offensively, they’re being patient. We just want to out work the other team. Our team chemistry is real good,” said Wortinger.
Friday the 13th was unlucky for Black River.
The G-A defense forced 10 first quarter turnovers and turned them into five quick baskets, leading the Rams to a 19-7 first quarter lead. Grace Gibson and Ellesa Callender each had three steals that led to easy buckets for G-A. Jaidyn Klimp was the recipient of the thievery, picking up five baskets and a free throw for eleven points in the opening frame.
The defense kept the pressure on in the second period, forcing eight more turnovers that were turned into seven baskets in the paint. Lili Thompson scored two baskets, Klimp two of her own and Jenisyn Klimp, Gibson and Callender each scored one basket. Going into halftime the Rams held a 34-13 lead.
Black River finally got things going in the third quarter. They were able to get the ball inside to their center, and she picked up all nine of her teams’ points in the quarter. The Rams continued to get inside baskets with Klimp scoring twice, Gibson and Brooklyn James scoring once and Rhyann Wilson hitting a three-pointer to build their lead to 45-22.
With a running clock, the fourth quarter went by quickly. Jaidyn Klimp scored 9 points in the final stanza and Gibson, Wilson, Thompson and Hailee Themins all scored two points for G-A in the fourth quarter.
G-A’s defense forced 24 turnovers and held the Rats to 12 of 42 (28%) shooting. The Rams recorded 14 steals and made 26 of 58 (45%) from the floor.
G-A had nine players that scored. Klimp, with 29 points, was supported by Thompson with 9, and Themins and Wilson with 5 each,
Gibson and Callender each scored 4 points and Breanna Keene, James and Jenisyn Klimp each scored two points. Leading rebounders were Gibson and Klimp with 7 each and Callender with 6.
Holland Black River 7 6 9 12 - 34
Galesburg-Augusta 19 15 11 16 - 63
Grace Gibson 4, Hailee Themins 5, Breanna Keene 2, Lilli Thompson 9, Jaidyn Klimp 29, Jeni Klimp 2, Ellesa Callender 4, Brooklyn James 2, Rhyann Wilson 5
Free throws: Galesburg-Augusta 7-12/Holland Black River 6-10
3-point baskets: Galesburg-Augusta 3 (Rhyann Wilson 1, Lilli Thompson 1, Hailee Themins 1/Holland Black River 2 (C. Smith 1, M. Davis 1)
G-A Stat Leaders
Rebounds: Grace Gibson 7, Jaidyn Klimp 7, Ellesa Callender 6, Breanne Keene 4, Lillian Thompson 4
Assists: Grace Gibson 3, Jaidyn Klimp 2, Rhyann Wilson 2
Steals: Jaidyn Klimp 7, Grace Gibson 5, Ellesa Callender 4, Brooklyn James 3
G-A’s Brooklyn James (24) battles two Holland Black River players for a rebound during action December 13 at G-A High School.
(Photo by Bruce Rolfe)Lady Rams Dominate Panthers
On December 10, G-A played its first home game of the new season. The host Rams jumped out to a 16-0 first quarter lead. The defense used full court pressure to force numerous turnovers by Watervliet and turned them into eight inside baskets by six different players.
The Panthers, after scoring their first points of the game on a three point basket to start the second period, watched the Rams score the game’s next 20 points. Seven different players benefited from the relentless pressure from the Ram defense. Eight Ram defenders recorded 16 steals and G-A went into halftime with a 36-9 lead.
G-A’s third quarter was a mirror of the first with the Rams outscoring Watervliet 13-0, extending their lead to 49-9 going into the final period.
With a running clock, the fourth quarter went by rather quickly. At the final buzzer it was G-A claiming its first win of the season 56-13.
Seven different players scored for the Rams. Jaidyn Klimp finished the game with 18 points. Rhyann Wilson scored 10. Grace Gibson and Breanna Keene each pitched in with 7, Lili Thompson added 6 and Ellesa Callender and Brooklyn James both tallied 4.
Keene and Callender were leading rebounders with seven each. James and Klimp each had four rebounds.
The Rams offense tallied 15 assists and only had 11 turnovers. The defense finished the game with 32 steals.
Coach Wortinger was most pleased with how well the girls played as a team. Helping one another on defense and looking for the open teammate on offense. Half of the baskets scored came from an assist from another player.
Watervliet 0 9 0 5 - 13
Galesburg-Augusta 16 20 13 7 - 56
Grace Gibson 7, Breanna Keene, 7, Lili Thompson 6, Jaidyn Klimp 18, Ellesa Callender 4, Brooklyn James 4, Rhyann Wilson 10
Free throws: G-A 1-6/Watervliet 3-4
3-point baskets: G-A 1 (Grace Gibson 1)/Watervliet 2 (Aubrey James 1, Moeko Crago 1)
G-A Stat Leaders
Rebounds: Ellesa Callender 7, Breanne Keene 7, Jaidyn Klimp 5, Brooklyn James 5
Steals: Jaidyn Klimp 6, Grace Gibson 5, Lillian Thompson 5
Assists: Jenny Klimp 3, Hailee Themins 3, Grace Gibson 3
Blocked shots: Jaidyn Klimp 2
G-A coach feels quick bounce back win
following losses is important
By Bruce Rolfe
Coming off a very successful season last year filled with promise entering the new season, Galesburg-Augusta boys varsity basketball coach Brian Dolph feels bouncing back quickly following disappointing stretches, will be a key towards having another strong season.
The Rams shook off a disappointing 50-48 loss to Saugatuck and a lopsided 71-36 setback to an undefeated and very good South Haven team December 13 with an impressive 72-37 win over Holland Black River at G-A High School Friday.
G-A will take a 3-2 record into the final stretch of games before the Christmas break at Eau Claire (December 17) and at home against Martin (December 20).
“It’s a big win and it’s a big game because it’s the next one. We try to approach it that same way.We kind of get that positive juice going again. Getting that win is big for us now,” explained Dolph.
Coming off a very successful season last year filled with promise entering the new season, Galesburg-Augusta boys varsity basketball coach Brian Dolph feels bouncing back quickly following disappointing stretches, will be a key towards having another strong season.
The Rams shook off a disappointing 50-48 loss to Saugatuck and a lopsided 71-36 setback to an undefeated and very good South Haven team December 13 with an impressive 72-37 win over Holland Black River at G-A High School Friday.
G-A will take a 3-2 record into the final stretch of games before the Christmas break at Eau Claire (December 17) and at home against Martin (December 20).
“It’s a big win and it’s a big game because it’s the next one. We try to approach it that same way.We kind of get that positive juice going again. Getting that win is big for us now,” explained Dolph.
G-A’s C.J. Benard drives through the lane during first half action against Holland Black River December 13 at G-A High School.
(Photo by Bruce Rolfe)Pressure defense, especially in the first half, led to 25 steals overall and many turnovers, which created numerous easy transition baskets for the Rams. G-A also challenged shots often, resulting in a handful of deflected or blocked shots.
“We’re an undersized team, but one of the things we bring is a lot of athleticism and these kids get after it on the defensive end. We always tell them, since year one, that’s one thing we can control, is our defensive effort. And we’re going to continue to try and make that our goal every game, is play great defense and get after people,” said Dolph.
G-A held Black River without a field goal for the first 2:31, taking a quick 8-0 lead.
The River Rats ended the quarter scoring the final basket, but the Rams took a 19-6 lead into the second quarter.
G-A continued the tenacious defense in the second quarter but also enjoyed many drives through the lane in close off the transition. G-A scored the first 10 points in the stanza to take a 29-6 lead on Anakin Jordan’s basket with 2:42 left in the stanza.
The Ram defense frustrated Black River often, holding the visitors scoreless for the first 5:27, with Charlie Reither’s free throw at the 2:33 mark finally ending the long stretch without scoring.
G-A enjoyed a 35-8 lead at halftime.
G-A continued the strong play in the second half as well, enjoying multiple mini runs in the third quarter, while holding Black River without consecutive baskets to take a 49-20 lead into the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter proved to be a fun one for the home team, as Landen Bouchard, with six consecutive points, Levi Born, with two baskets, Ethan Metty with a triple, and Aidan Moses, with a basket, coming off the bench to score 15 of G-A’s 23 points.
After shooting under 30 percent overall from the floor in its two previous games, the shooting percentage picked up for the home team, with G-A connecting on 40 percent (30-74) of its floor shots overall, including a 7-for-21 effort from the three-point line.
Jeremiah Mann and C.J. Benard led the Rams in scoring with 14 points each, Ethan Thomas added 10 points and Giovonni Evans contributed nine points.
Nolan Brewer had seven rebounds and matched C.J. Benard’s five steals.
Holland Black River 6 2 12 17 - 37
Galesburg-Augusta 19 16 14 23 - 72
Levi Born 4, Jeremiah Mann 14, Ethan Thomas 10, C.J. Benard 14, Ethan Gibson 5, Ethan Metty 6, Aidan Moses 2, Geovonni Evans 9, Anakin Jordan 2, Landen Bouchard 6
Free throws: G-A 5-11/Black River 10-17
3-point baskets: G-A 7 (Jeremiah Mann 4, Ethan Metty 2, Giovonni Evans 1)/Black River 1 (Andrew Eklov 1)
G-A Stat Leaders
Rebounds: Nolan Brewer 7, Jeremiah Mann 5, Giovonni Evans 4, Anakin Jordan 4, Ethan Thomas 4
Steals: C.J. Benard 5, Nolan Brewer 5, Jeremiah Mann 3, Giovonni Evans 2, Ethan Thomas 2, Ethan Gibson 2
Assists: Ethan Metty 3, Jeremiah Mann 3, Jayden Roe 3, C.J. Benard 2
“We’re an undersized team, but one of the things we bring is a lot of athleticism and these kids get after it on the defensive end. We always tell them, since year one, that’s one thing we can control, is our defensive effort. And we’re going to continue to try and make that our goal every game, is play great defense and get after people,” said Dolph.
G-A held Black River without a field goal for the first 2:31, taking a quick 8-0 lead.
The River Rats ended the quarter scoring the final basket, but the Rams took a 19-6 lead into the second quarter.
G-A continued the tenacious defense in the second quarter but also enjoyed many drives through the lane in close off the transition. G-A scored the first 10 points in the stanza to take a 29-6 lead on Anakin Jordan’s basket with 2:42 left in the stanza.
The Ram defense frustrated Black River often, holding the visitors scoreless for the first 5:27, with Charlie Reither’s free throw at the 2:33 mark finally ending the long stretch without scoring.
G-A enjoyed a 35-8 lead at halftime.
G-A continued the strong play in the second half as well, enjoying multiple mini runs in the third quarter, while holding Black River without consecutive baskets to take a 49-20 lead into the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter proved to be a fun one for the home team, as Landen Bouchard, with six consecutive points, Levi Born, with two baskets, Ethan Metty with a triple, and Aidan Moses, with a basket, coming off the bench to score 15 of G-A’s 23 points.
After shooting under 30 percent overall from the floor in its two previous games, the shooting percentage picked up for the home team, with G-A connecting on 40 percent (30-74) of its floor shots overall, including a 7-for-21 effort from the three-point line.
Jeremiah Mann and C.J. Benard led the Rams in scoring with 14 points each, Ethan Thomas added 10 points and Giovonni Evans contributed nine points.
Nolan Brewer had seven rebounds and matched C.J. Benard’s five steals.
Holland Black River 6 2 12 17 - 37
Galesburg-Augusta 19 16 14 23 - 72
Levi Born 4, Jeremiah Mann 14, Ethan Thomas 10, C.J. Benard 14, Ethan Gibson 5, Ethan Metty 6, Aidan Moses 2, Geovonni Evans 9, Anakin Jordan 2, Landen Bouchard 6
Free throws: G-A 5-11/Black River 10-17
3-point baskets: G-A 7 (Jeremiah Mann 4, Ethan Metty 2, Giovonni Evans 1)/Black River 1 (Andrew Eklov 1)
G-A Stat Leaders
Rebounds: Nolan Brewer 7, Jeremiah Mann 5, Giovonni Evans 4, Anakin Jordan 4, Ethan Thomas 4
Steals: C.J. Benard 5, Nolan Brewer 5, Jeremiah Mann 3, Giovonni Evans 2, Ethan Thomas 2, Ethan Gibson 2
Assists: Ethan Metty 3, Jeremiah Mann 3, Jayden Roe 3, C.J. Benard 2
G-A Falls to Strong South Haven Team, 71-36
A second consecutive game struggling with cold shooting from the floor by the Galesburg-Augusta boys varsity basketball team was a contributing factor in a 71-36 loss to an undefeated South Haven team December 10 at South Haven.
G-A shot under 30 percent overall from the floor for the second straight game, making just 22 percent overall (11-48) against South Haven, four nights after shooting 29 percent overall in a loss to Saugatuck. The Rams were 3-for-19 from the three-point line against South Haven, which entered play December 17 with a 5-0 record.
G-A faced an early 21-6 deficit after one quarter and never recovered.
While the Rams played better in the second quarter, South Haven expanded the lead to 39-17 at halftime.
G-A’s offensive struggles continued in the third quarter when the Rams managed just two baskets from the floor and five free throw makes for a 56-26 deficit after three quarters.
Jeremiah Mann’s 16 points, four rebounds and five steals led G-A.
Galesburg-Augusta 6 11 9 10 - 36
South Haven 21 18 17 15 - 71
Jeremiah Mann 16, Ethan Thomas 4, C.J. Benard 4, Ethan Gibson 3, Giovonni Evans 4, Nolan Brewer 5
Free throws: G-A 11-19/South Haven 12-23
3-point baskets: G-A 3 (Nolan Brewer 1, Ethan Gibson 1, Jeremiah Mann 1/South Haven 5 (Noah Weaver 3, Mason Parks 2)
G-A Stat Leaders
Rebounds: Nolan Brewer 8, Jeremiah Mann 4
Assists: Ethan Gibson 2
Steals: Jeremiah Mann 5, Nolan Brewer 3, Ethan Gibson 2
Boys JV basketball team moves to 3-0
The Galesburg-Augusta JV boys basketball team improved to 3-0 with a 49-35 win over South Haven December 10 at South Haven.
After falling behind by a 27-25 count at halftime, G-A tightened the defense in the second half, allowing eight points including just two points in the third quarter when the Rams took a 32-29 lead into the fourth quarter.
The momentum carried into the fourth quarter when G-A closed out the home team with a 17-6 burst.
Hunter Pritchard, who knocked down a trio of three-point baskets, scored a game high 25 points, Giovonni Evans scored six points, Gavin Lock tossed in six points, Jerome Bailey contributed five points, Patrick Armock scored four points and Nathaniel Ewert added two points.
G-A’s scheduled game at Holland Black River December 12 was postponed because of poor weather. No makeup date has been established yet.
Galesburg-Augusta 7 18 7 17 - 49
South Haven 16 11 2 6 - 35
Lady Rams win third straight
The Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball team built a double digit first half lead and closed the game strong to register a 55-31 win over Michigan Lutheran December 16 at G-A High School.
The Rams, now 3-1, led 10-8 after one quarter, but senior Jaidyn Klimp heated up in the second quarter by scoring 10 points to help the home team take a 30-12 halftime lead.
Klimp scored eight of her teams’ 12 points in the third quarter, however the Titans cut into the lead slightly and trailed by a 42-26 margin after three quarters.
G-A closed the game strong, holding the visitors to two baskets and a free throw.
Klimp had a game high 26 points and Hailee Themins and Lilli Thompson each scored seven points.
Michigan Lutheran 8 4 14 5 - 31
Galesburg-Augusta 10 20 12 13 - 55
Grace Gibson 5, Hailee Themins 7, Lilli Thompson 7, Jaidyn Klimp 26, Jeni Klimp 1, Ellesa Callender 3, Brooklyn James 1, Rhyann Wilson 5
Free throws: G-A 3-12/Michigan Lutheran 5-12
3-point baskets: G-A 3 (Grace Gibson 1, Hailee Themins 1, Lilli Thompson 1/Michigan Lutheran 0
JV girls basketball team claims
first win of season; drops opener
The Galesburg-Augusta JV girls basketball team held on for 27-24 win over Michigan Litheran December 16 at G-A High School.
The win evens G-A’s record at 1-1.
G-A led Michigan Lutheran by a 21-13 margin after three quarters, but the visitors came charging back and had an opportunity to tie the score at the end but missed a three-point attempt.
G-A led 8-4 after one quarter and 19-9 at halftime.
Claire Callender amd Kayla Bortolussi each scored six points to lead G-A in scoring. Lillian Walden scored five points, Lexi Coburn and Emily Coleman scored four points apiece, and Aaralyn Gain contributed two points.
The Rams had their season opener December 5 against Saugatuck postponed to January 6 at home and also had a road game at Holland Black River scheduled for December 12 postponed. No makeup date has been announced yet.
Michigan Lutheran 4 5 4 11 - 24
Galesburg-Augusta 8 11 2 6 - 27
G-A Suffers Loss in Opener
The Galesburg-Augusta JV girls basketball team suffered a 33-24 loss to Watervliet at G-A High School December 10.
No additional details or highlights were available.
Jaxsen Ray places 3rd at tournament;
G-A wrestlers fall to Allegan
The Galesburg-Augusta wrestling team had one wrestler place third and another win two matches at the Burton Richards Memorial Tournament December 14.
Jaxsen Ray (144-pound weight class), earned a third place finish with a 3-2 record with two pins and one technical fall (17-2).
While he did not place, Kameron Prince (285) earned two wins by pins.
The Rams suffered an 84-0 loss to Allegan and a 65-8 setback to Delton-Kellogg in a double dual at Delton-Kellogg December 11.
Burton Richards Memorial Tournament
G-A Results
106: Champ. Round 1 - Landon Reed (Galesburg-Augusta HS) received a bye; Quarterfinals - David Wiles (Decatur HS) over Landon Reed (Galesburg-Augusta HS) (Fall 1:01); Cons. Round 3 - Kai Borden (Berrien Springs HS) over Landon Reed (Galesburg-Augusta HS) (Fall 0:44); 113: Quarterfinals - Brody Ashley (Coloma HS) over Owen Cowles (Galesburg-Augusta HS) (Fall 1:11), Cons. Round 3 - Owen Cowles (Galesburg-Augusta HS) over Francisco Ortiz-Cruz (Hartford HS) (Fall 0:33), Cons. Semis - Danny Timms (Gobles HS) over Owen Cowles (Galesburg-Augusta HS) (Fall 4:10); 120: Champ. Round 1 - Lincoln Hawes (Galesburg-Augusta HS) over Jordan Cook (Berrien Springs HS) (Fall 1:36), Quarterfinals - Matt Martel (Coloma HS) over Lincoln Hawes (Galesburg-Augusta HS) (Fall 1:48), Cons. Round 3 - Christopher West (Decatur HS) over Lincoln Hawes (Galesburg-Augusta HS) (TF 18-0 2:50); 126: Quarterfinals - Roman Rodarte (Hartford HS) over Hunter Kendall (Galesburg-Augusta HS) (Fall 1:10); 126: Cons. Round 3 - Lane Steele (Delton Kellogg HS) over Hunter Kendall (Galesburg-Augusta HS) (Fall 2:41); 132: Champ. Round 1 - Daniel White (Hartford HS) over Zachary Herring (Galesburg-Augusta HS) (Fall 1:15), Cons. Round 2 - Nathaniel Jenkins (Ross Beatty HS (Cassopolis)) over Zachary Herring (Galesburg-Augusta HS) (Fall 2:01); 144: Champ. Round 1 - Austyn Lipscomb (Delton Kellogg HS) over Jaxsen Ray (Galesburg-Augusta HS) (Fall 0:59), Cons. Round 2 - Jaxsen Ray (Galesburg-Augusta HS) over Easton Mitchell (Ross Beatty HS (Cassopolis)) (Fall 1:58), Cons. Round 3 - Jaxsen Ray (Galesburg-Augusta HS) over Parker Harbison (Centreville HS) (Fall 1:24), Cons. Semis - Jaxsen Ray (Galesburg-Augusta HS) over Hunter Piper (Gobles HS) (TF 17-2 2:39), 3rd Place Match - Maverick Kraemer (Coloma HS) over Jaxsen Ray (Galesburg-Augusta HS) (Dec 10-8); 175: Champ. Round 1 - Ayden Jones (Delton Kellogg HS) over Nathaniel Ellis (Galesburg-Augusta HS) (Fall 4:53), Cons. Round 2 - Brayden Hall (Buchanan HS) over Nathaniel Ellis (Galesburg-Augusta HS) (Dec 5-3); 190: Champ. Round 1 - Joshua Delhomme (Centreville HS) over Caitlyn Valadez (Galesburg-Augusta HS) (Fall 0:50), Cons. Round 1 - Caitlyn Valadez (Galesburg-Augusta HS) over Austin Gonzalez (Berrien Springs HS) (Fall 0:47), Cons. Round 2 - Joe Clayton (Coloma HS) over Caitlyn Valadez (Galesburg-Augusta HS) (Fall 0:58); 285: Champ. Round 1 - Brayden Fritz (Bronson HS) over Kameron Prince (Galesburg-Augusta HS) (Fall 0:56), Cons. Round 2 - Kameron Prince (Galesburg-Augusta HS) over Tyler Cords (Buchanan HS) (Fall 3:43), Cons. Round 3 - Kameron Prince (Galesburg-Augusta HS) over Kahle Reinbold (Centreville HS) (Fall 2:19), Cons. Semis - Brayden Fritz (Bronson HS) over Kameron Prince (Galesburg-Augusta HS) (Fall 1:44)
