G-A will begin 2025 with momentum
The Galesburg-Augusta boys varsity basketball team brought momentum into 2025 by registering its third straight win December 20 in a 58-28 win over Martin at G-A High School.
Three Rams reached double figures in scoring, with Giovonni Evans’ 14 points leading the way. C.J. Benard, with 12 points and Ethan Thomas, with 10 points, also scored in double figures.
G-A, now 5-2, accumulated 31 steals, led by C.J. Benard’s eight swipes, and six each by Nolan Brewer and Giovonni Evans.
The impressive Ram defense held Martin to single digit scoring in each of the first three quarters.
G-A got off to a good start, racing out to a 15-5 lead after one quarter.
The Rams, behind six points from Ethan Thomas and C. J. Benard, took a 30-13 lead at halftime.
Martin’s offensive struggles continued in the third quarter when the visitors were outscored 15-5, allowing G-A to enter the final frame with a 45-18 lead.
The Rams shot just 30 percent overall (21-70) from the floor, including a 4-for-21 effort from the three-point line.
G-A will begin 2025 with a home game against Kalamazoo Hackett January 7 at 7 p.m.
Martin 5 8 5 10 - 28
Galesburg-Augusta 15 15 15 13 - 58
Jeremiah Mann 7, Ethan Thomas 10, C.J. Benard 12, Ethan Gibson 6, Ethan Metty 3, Aidan Moses 2, Giovonni Evans 14, Nolan Brewer 2, Jayden Roe 2
Free throws: G-A 12-24/Martin 5-17
3-point baskets G-A 4 (Jeremiah Mann 1, C.J. Benard 1, Ethan Gibson 1, Ethan Metty 1)/Martin 1 (Wesson Elkows 1)
G-A Stat Leaders
Rebounds: Nolan Brewer 5, Ethan Thomas 5, Hayden Pritchard 5, C.J. Benard 4
Assists: C.J. Benard 3, Nolan Brewer 3
Blocked Shots: Hayden Pritchard 2
Steals: C.J. Benard 8, Giovonni Evans 6, Nolan Brewer 6, Ethan Thomas 3, Ethan Gibson 3
G-A wins thriller in overtime
By Dale Martin
The only thing colder than the temperature outside the Galesburg-Augusta High School gymnasium December 20 was the shooting inside the gym.
The visiting Clippers of Martin shot 25% from the floor in regulation time while the host Rams could only manage to make 21% of their shots, but the Lady Rams ultimately came away with a 44-38 overtime win.
G-A held the lead after one period, 12-5.
At halftime they led 19-12 and at the end of three quarters they were up 26-20.
It wasn’t until there was under a minute to play that Martin was able to get its first lead of the game at 31-30. With 14 seconds to play Grace Gibson sank a basket to give the lead back to G-A and Jaidyn Klimp added a free throw giving the Rams a 33-31 lead with seven seconds on the clock.
The Clippers banked in a shot at the buzzer and the teams were headed into overtime.
In overtime it became a game of free throws. Martin made a quick bucket and a free throw. Lili Thompson answered making 3 of 4 free throws that tied the game at 36 all. Gibson put G-A back into the lead with a free throw only to have the Clippers score on a short jumper to take back the lead 38-37. Klimp tied the score with a free throw and then made a steal at mid-court and drove to the basket, making a crucial layup.
The final seconds of the game were at the free throw line with Klimp making one more and Gibson swishing 3 of 4 to give G-A, now 5-1 on the season, a 44 to 38 victory. G-A was 9-for-14 at the charity stripe in overtime and 17-for-29 overall. Martin was 1-for-2 at the free throw in the extra session and 3-for-10 overall.
Lili Thompson led the Rams with 15 points. Klimp added 12 points and Gibson and Ellesa Callender each scored 6. Rebound leaders for G-A were Klimp with 12, Callender with 9 and Gibson pulled down 8.
G-A will be off for winter break and will resume play on January 7 when they visit Schoolcraft.
Martin 5 7 8 13 5 - 38
Galesburg-Augusta 12 7 7 7 11 - 44
Grace Gibson 6, Lilli Thompson 15, Holley Coburn 3, Jaidyn Klimp 12, Ellesa Callender 6, Rhyann Wilson 2
Free throws: G-A 17-29/Martin 3-10
3-point baskets: G-A 1 (Holley Coburn 1)/Martin 3 (Avery Jager 3, Kayden Jager 1)
G-A Stat Leaders
Rebounds: Jaidyn Klimp 12, Ellesa Callender 9, Grace Gibson 8, Lillian Thompson 5
Assists: Rhyann Wilson 3, Grace Gibson 2
Steals: Jaidyn Klimp 6, Grace Gibson 5, Lillian Thompson 4, Brooklyn James 3
Blocked Shots: Rhyann Wilson 2
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