The Galesburg-Augusta girls wrestling team finished seventh at the 14-team Eau Claire Girls Invitational December 12.
Caitlyn Valadez (190-pound weight class) placed first with pins in 1:24 and 1:31 respectively.
Alexis Thomas (155-pound weight class) placed second with a 3-2 record. She recorded pins in 3:06, 1:55 and 1:39 and lost once by a pin and a 17-9 decision.
Caitlyn Valadez (190-pound weight class) placed first with pins in 1:24 and 1:31 respectively.
Alexis Thomas (155-pound weight class) placed second with a 3-2 record. She recorded pins in 3:06, 1:55 and 1:39 and lost once by a pin and a 17-9 decision.
G-A Girls Wrestling A Look Ahead
12/21 Plainwell Girls Tournament Away 9 a.m.
The Galesburg-Augusta boys wrestling team earned a second place finish at the 15-team Burton Richards Memorial at Eau Claire High School December 13.
The Rams had eight wrestlers place and finished with 162 points. Delton-Kellogg won the tournament with 226.5 points.
Colton Robertson (144-pound weight class) and Owen Cowles (120) both earned first place finishes, Jonah Ranes (165) and Lance Shoup (150) both placed second, Jaxsen Ray (138) and Kameron Prince (285) both finished with third place finishes, and Donaven Tiffany (120) and Jaxsen Kasten (113) each placed fourth.
Robertson was 4-0, recording three pins and one 9-1 major decision.
Cowles won all three of his matches by pins.
Jonah Raines finished 3-1 with three pins.
Lance Shoup was 2-1, winning both matches by pins.
Jaxsen Ray finished 4-2, winning two matches by major decisions and the other two by pins.
Kameron Prince posted a 4-1 record, winning two matches by pins and two matches by decisions.
Donaven Tiffany was 2-2 with two pins.
The December 10 scheduled match at Parchment against the host school and Gobles has been rescheduled for February 4 at Parchment at 6 p.m.
Burton Richards Memorial At Eau Claire
G-A Results
113: Jaxsen Kasten, 0-2, 4th place; 120: Donaven Tiffany 2-2, 4th place; 120: Owen Cowles, 3-0, 1st place; 126: Breckin Vickory, 1-2; 132: Lincoln Hawes, 2-2; 138: James Taylor, III 0-2; 138: Jaxsen Ray, 4-2, 3rd place; 144: Colton Robertson 4-0, 1st place; 144: Tyler Rabb, 0-2; 150: Lance Shoup, 2-1, 2nd place; 154: Jonah Ranes, 3-1 2nd place; 190: Cody Lavelle, 1-2; Nathaniel Ellis, 1-2; 285: Kameron Prince, 4-1, 3rd place
12/21 Plainwell Girls Tournament Away 9 a.m.
G-A wrestlers place 2nd at tournament
The Galesburg-Augusta boys wrestling team earned a second place finish at the 15-team Burton Richards Memorial at Eau Claire High School December 13.
The Rams had eight wrestlers place and finished with 162 points. Delton-Kellogg won the tournament with 226.5 points.
Colton Robertson (144-pound weight class) and Owen Cowles (120) both earned first place finishes, Jonah Ranes (165) and Lance Shoup (150) both placed second, Jaxsen Ray (138) and Kameron Prince (285) both finished with third place finishes, and Donaven Tiffany (120) and Jaxsen Kasten (113) each placed fourth.
Robertson was 4-0, recording three pins and one 9-1 major decision.
Cowles won all three of his matches by pins.
Jonah Raines finished 3-1 with three pins.
Lance Shoup was 2-1, winning both matches by pins.
Jaxsen Ray finished 4-2, winning two matches by major decisions and the other two by pins.
Kameron Prince posted a 4-1 record, winning two matches by pins and two matches by decisions.
Donaven Tiffany was 2-2 with two pins.
The December 10 scheduled match at Parchment against the host school and Gobles has been rescheduled for February 4 at Parchment at 6 p.m.
Burton Richards Memorial At Eau Claire
G-A Results
113: Jaxsen Kasten, 0-2, 4th place; 120: Donaven Tiffany 2-2, 4th place; 120: Owen Cowles, 3-0, 1st place; 126: Breckin Vickory, 1-2; 132: Lincoln Hawes, 2-2; 138: James Taylor, III 0-2; 138: Jaxsen Ray, 4-2, 3rd place; 144: Colton Robertson 4-0, 1st place; 144: Tyler Rabb, 0-2; 150: Lance Shoup, 2-1, 2nd place; 154: Jonah Ranes, 3-1 2nd place; 190: Cody Lavelle, 1-2; Nathaniel Ellis, 1-2; 285: Kameron Prince, 4-1, 3rd place
G-A Boys Wrestling A Look Ahead
12/20 East Jackson Team Tourn. Away TBD
12/21 Plainwell Girls Tourn. Away 9 a.m.
The Galesburg-Augusta JV girls basketball team recorded a 37-24 win over Holland Black River in the season opener December 11 at G-A High School.
Sienna Owens led the Rams in scoring with 12 points. Claire Callender chipped in with 10 points and Kaylin Wentzel added seven points.
Contributions from multiple players helped the Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball team to a 50-38 win over Holland Black River December 12 at Holland Black River.
Grace Gibson stuffed the stat sheet with 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals to lead the Rams. The G-A senior helped seal the game by scoring 11 points in the fourth quarter, including a trio of three-point baskets.
Jeni Klimp, who had eight rebounds, including four offensive rebounds, and Brooklyn James, who had seven rebounds, were strong under the boards. Both players also contributed offensively with Klimp scoring nine points and James adding eight.
James was also impressive at the defensive end, recording four steals and four blocked shots.
Freshman Rayonna Alexander started and showed great potential, scoring six points.
The G-A defense frustrated Black River often, coming up with 17 steals.
G-A was efficient at the offensive end as well, shooting a warm 43.5 (17-39) from 2-point range. The Rams shot 4-for-13 from the three-point line.
G-A enjoyed quarter leads of 13-7, 24-14 and 31-26.
Galesburg-Augusta 13 11 7 19 - 50
Holland Black River 7 7 12 12 - 38
Grace Gibson 19, Addi Born 2, Lexi Coburn 2, Rayonna Alexander 6, Brooklyn James 8, Emily Coleman 4, Jenni Klimp 9
Free throws: G-A 4-8/Holland Black River 8-19
3-point baskets: G-A 4 (Grace Gibson 4)/Holland Black River 2 (Delyla Martinez 2)
G-A Stat Leaders
Rebounds: Jeni Klimp 8, Grace Gibson 7, Brooklyn James 7
Assists: Grace Gibson 4, Brooklyn James 3
Steals: Grace Gibson 4, Brooklyn James 4, Kayla Bortolussi 3
Blocked shots: Brooklyn James 4
12/20 East Jackson Team Tourn. Away TBD
12/21 Plainwell Girls Tourn. Away 9 a.m.
JV girls basketball team wins opener
The Galesburg-Augusta JV girls basketball team recorded a 37-24 win over Holland Black River in the season opener December 11 at G-A High School.
Sienna Owens led the Rams in scoring with 12 points. Claire Callender chipped in with 10 points and Kaylin Wentzel added seven points.
Lady Rams win season opener
Contributions from multiple players helped the Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball team to a 50-38 win over Holland Black River December 12 at Holland Black River.
Grace Gibson stuffed the stat sheet with 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals to lead the Rams. The G-A senior helped seal the game by scoring 11 points in the fourth quarter, including a trio of three-point baskets.
Jeni Klimp, who had eight rebounds, including four offensive rebounds, and Brooklyn James, who had seven rebounds, were strong under the boards. Both players also contributed offensively with Klimp scoring nine points and James adding eight.
James was also impressive at the defensive end, recording four steals and four blocked shots.
Freshman Rayonna Alexander started and showed great potential, scoring six points.
The G-A defense frustrated Black River often, coming up with 17 steals.
G-A was efficient at the offensive end as well, shooting a warm 43.5 (17-39) from 2-point range. The Rams shot 4-for-13 from the three-point line.
G-A enjoyed quarter leads of 13-7, 24-14 and 31-26.
Galesburg-Augusta 13 11 7 19 - 50
Holland Black River 7 7 12 12 - 38
Grace Gibson 19, Addi Born 2, Lexi Coburn 2, Rayonna Alexander 6, Brooklyn James 8, Emily Coleman 4, Jenni Klimp 9
Free throws: G-A 4-8/Holland Black River 8-19
3-point baskets: G-A 4 (Grace Gibson 4)/Holland Black River 2 (Delyla Martinez 2)
G-A Stat Leaders
Rebounds: Jeni Klimp 8, Grace Gibson 7, Brooklyn James 7
Assists: Grace Gibson 4, Brooklyn James 3
Steals: Grace Gibson 4, Brooklyn James 4, Kayla Bortolussi 3
Blocked shots: Brooklyn James 4
G-A Girls Basketball
A Look Ahead
12/19 Martin (Var.) Home 6 p.m.
Mendon Holiday Tournament
12/22 Mendon Vs. Centreville varsity, 5 p.m. (main gym)
12/22 G-A JV vs. Sturgis JV, 5 p.m. (aux. gym)
12/22 G-A Var. Vs. Sturgis Var., 7 p.m. (main gym)
12/22 Mendon JV Vs. Centreville JV, 7 p.m. (Aux. gym)
12/23 Varsity loser from Monday Vs. 7 p.m. loser from Monday, 5 p.m. (main gym)
12/23 JV loser from Monday vs. 5 p.m. loser from Monday, 7 p.m. (Aux. gym)
By Bruce Rolfe
Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball coach Katlyn (Born) Dunithan may be embarking on her first opportunity as a head coach, but she’s eager to dive in hoping to bring success to the program.
A 2008 graduate of Gales-burg-Augusta High School and member of the 2007-2008 state finals runnerup Ram girls basketball team, Dunithan is upbeat about the opportunity.
The Lady Rams opened the new season December 12 with a 50-38 win at Holland Black River.
“I am very excited for the season. We have a great group of girls that are eager to learn and grow. The practices we have had so far, they truly work really hard each time they come into the gym,” said Dunithan.
The Lady Rams finished last season 15-8 for the varsity’s best record in several years.
Dunithan has a balanced mix of varsity returners with players playing at the varsity level for the first time.
One of those varsity returners, junior Ellesa Callendar, is out for the season with a knee injury.
The remaining varsity returners include senior Grace Gibson (guard), a SAC All Division First Team selection last year, senior Addison Born (point guard), senior Aralyn Gains (power forward), junior Brooklyn James (power forward) and sophomore Jeni Klimp (guard/forward).
The rest of the team includes freshman Rayonna Alexander (point guard), sophomore Kayla Bortolussi (center), juniors Lexi Coburn (guard) and Emily Coleman (guard/power forward) and senior foreign exchange students Anni Steigmann (power forward) and Wende Trines (power forward/center).
Dunithan said the coaching staff will emphasize an up-tempo, aggressive, smart style of play.
“We want to bring pressure on our opponents and wear them down. We want a fast-paced game. Big focus on defense. We may not be big but we will play big, disruptive and physical,” explained Dunithan.
She labels this season as a rebuilding one, but sees strong characteristics.
“This team is super hard working. They give it their all. I think setting that precedent early as a coaching staff was super important and worked well for us. We are intense and set an expectation to come in for that 2 hours and work. One strength we are emphasizing this year will be our speed. We are guard heavy and we will use that to our advantage,” observed the new Lady Ram coach.
Looking at the SAC Central Division, Dunithan feels Saugatuck and Martin will be two strong teams in G-A’s division.
“Two tough teams for our heavy senior team last year and I see them as being tough again this year,” she said.
Dunithan feels being the fourth varsity head coach in four years makes it difficult as a program to set a positive culture.
Dunithan sees positive things happening throughout the program, she hopes will bring more interest to girls basketball.
“My JV coach (Dontrell Bowden) has done a great job with the youth and we have built upon that more this year just being more present in the youth activities for girls basketball. We want to bring back more interest to girls basketball. It seems like our numbers dwindle each year and we hope to change that by making it fun and rewarding. I’m super excited for the future of G-A girls basketball and our hope is to make a positive impact on the program,” adds Dunithan.
While this will be her first opportunity as a head coach, Dunithan does have plenty of coaching experience.
Prior to being hired as the G-A girls varsity basketball coach she served as a G-A varsity volleyball assistant for three years. She’s also coached girls basketball and volleyball at the JV level with former long time G-A coach Vicki DeLeon. Dunithan has also coached boys youth basketball the last 4 years, and coached girls Rising Stars teams on and off for the past 15 years.
Galesburg-Augusta Girls Varsity Basketball Profile
Head Coach: Katlyn (Born) Dunithan, 1st year head coach
Last Year: 15-8, 2nd place in SAC Central Division
Returning varsity letter players: Grace Gibson - Senior - guard
Addison Born - Senior - point guard
Aaralyn Gains - Senior - power forward
Jeni Klimp - Sophomore - guard/forward
Brooklyn James - Junior - power forward
Ellesa Callendar - Junior - out for season with knee injury
The Rest Of The Team:
Rayonna Alexander - Freshman - Point Guard
Lexi Coburn - Junior - Guard
Emily Coleman - Junior - Guard/PF
Kayla Bortolussi - Sophomore - Center
Anni Steigmann - Senior - foreign exchange student - PF
Wende Trines - Senior - foreign exchange student - PF/Center
The Galesburg-Augusta JV boys basketball team remained undefeated with a 57-41 win over Holland Black River December 11 at G-A High School.
The win gives G-A a 3-0 start.
Hunter Pritchard led a trio of Rams in double figure scoring with 18 points.
Vincent Finedell added 17 points and Connor Welker scored 11 points.
By Bruce Rolfe
While Galesburg-Augusta varsity basketball coach Brian Dolph lost all five starters from last season’s SAC Central Division championship team that went 19-5 to graduation, the Rams have reloaded.
The combination of several returning players, including last season’s team MVP, and players that helped the JVs to a 17-3 finish last year, should make the Rams very competitive again this season.
Last year was a record breaking season for the Rams.
The team set a school record for wins in a season (19-5), regular season wins (18) and consecutive wins (14).
Plus, the Rams won a third straight SAC Central Division championship (9-1).
Dolph, entering his sixth season as G-A’s head coach, points out this year’s group finished 18-1 when they played together on the JV team two seasons ago.
The expectations to continue G-A’s reign at the top of the SAC Central Division remain high.
“On paper, this may very well be the most talented group I have coached. But all that goes out the window as we start the season and we will have to see how this team comes together. Internally, expectations are high but nothing in life is handed to you so we have to go out there and earn our place among the better teams in the area and find a way to take those next steps come tournament time. But we look forward to the challenge,” observed the G-A coach.
The success G-A has enjoyed the last three years, plus a talented roster returning this year, brings ambitions of higher goals.
“The expectations remain the same as far as how we want to play the game with the focus remaining on defense, effort, and playing the game the right way. But we do have goals to try and take the next steps in the postseason tournament,” said Dolph.
But Dolph said advancing further in the postseason will be tough with the additions of Schoolcraft and Kalamazoo Phoenix joining Kalamazoo Christian, Hackett, Comstock and G-A in the district.
After struggling for many years, the growth and success of the boys varsity basketball program the last three years has been pleasing for Dolph. However the G-A coach points out that success has been a process and the team cannot rest on past success.
“Each year presents its own challenges and we have to continue to work hard to improve. I am proud of our team, coaches, and community as they have all played an important role in helping make us a more consistent and competitive program,” said the G-A coach.
Junior point guard Giovonni Evans, a SAC first team all-conference returner and last year’s team MVP, averaged 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals a game last year.
Senior shooting guard CJ Benard was honorable mention All-SAC and team defensive player of the year last season. He averaged eight points, 3.5 rebounds, two assists and two steals per game.
Senior forward Hayden Pritchard, who was G-A’s Most Improved Player last year, is expected to provide rebounding as well as an inside and outside scoring threat.
Returners that saw significant playing time last year include Aidan Moses (Sr.- Center), Ethan Metty (Sr.- Point Guard), Jayden Roe (Sr.-Forward) and Dontrell Bowden (Sr.- Shooting Guard).
Newcomers from the JV team include Patrick Armock (6ppg/7rpg/2 blocks per game), Gavin Lock (Jr.- Guard/Forward), Tristan Jackson (Jr., Forward), Zane Lenz (Sr., Guard), and Michael Abuga (Sr., Forward)
G-A Varsity Basketball Profile
Coach: Brian Dolph, 6th season
2024-2025 Record: 19-5/9-1 in the SAC Central Division; SAC Central Division Champions 3rd straight year
Top returners:
Giovonni Evans (Jr.), point guard, CJ Benard (Sr.), shooting guard, Hayden Pritchard (Sr.), forward
Notable returners that saw significant playing time last year: Aidan Moses (Sr.), center, Ethan Metty (Sr.), point guard), Jayden Roe (Sr.), forward, Dontrell Bowden (Sr.), shooting guard)
Newcomers: Patrick Armock, (Jr.) 6 ppg/7 rpg/2 blocks per game, Gavin Lock (Jr.), guard/forward, Tristan Jackson (Jr.), forward, Zane Lenz (Sr.), guard, Michael Abuga (Sr.), forward, Hunter Pritchard, J.J. Bailey
Balanced scoring,
3-point shooting, helps G-A to win
The Galesburg-Augusta boys varsity basketball team unleashed a three-point barrage and used balanced scoring to post a 75-43 win over Holland Black River December 12 on the road.
G-A, now 2-1, connected on nine three-point baskets, led by Hayden Pritchard’s four triples.
Dontrell Bowden led five players in double figure scoring with 17 points on 4-for-9 shooting from two-point range and 3-for-6 shooting from the three-point stripe.
Pritchard and Gavin Lock each scored 12 points and Ethan Metty and Giovonni Evans scored 11 points apiece.
G-A trailed by a 17-15 count after one quarter but outscored the home team 27-13 in the second quarter to take a 42-30 advantage at halftime.
The Rams, behind seven points from Bowden and six points by Evans, had a big third quarter as well, taking a 67-38 lead into the fourth quarter.
Armock had nine rebounds and two blocked shots, Bowden and Evans each handed out four assists, and Evans came up with five steals.
Galesburg-Augusta 15 27 25 8 - 75
Holland Black River 17 13 8 5 - 43
Gavin Lock 12, Ethan Metty 11, Dontrell Bowden 17, Giovonni Evans 11, Zane Lenz 2, Tristan Jackson 2, Patrick Armock 2, Hayden Pritchard 12, Aidan Moses 6
Free throws: G-A 4-9/Holland Black River 4-9
3-point baskets: G-A 9 (Hayden Pritchard 4, Dontrell Bowden 3, Ethan Metty 1, Gavin Lock 1)/Holland Black River 3 (Isaac Foreman 2, Nemo Salazar 1)
G-A Stat Leaders
Rebounds: Patrick Armock 9, Hayden Pritchard 7, Ethan Metty 6, Dontrell Bowden 5
Assists: Dontrell Bowden 4, Giovonni Evans 4
Steals: Giovonni Evans 5, Dontrell Bowden 4
Blocked shots: Patrick Armock 2, Dontrell Bowden 1, Hayden Pritchard 1, Aiden Moses 1
A Look Ahead
12/19 Martin (Var.) Home 6 p.m.
Mendon Holiday Tournament
12/22 Mendon Vs. Centreville varsity, 5 p.m. (main gym)
12/22 G-A JV vs. Sturgis JV, 5 p.m. (aux. gym)
12/22 G-A Var. Vs. Sturgis Var., 7 p.m. (main gym)
12/22 Mendon JV Vs. Centreville JV, 7 p.m. (Aux. gym)
12/23 Varsity loser from Monday Vs. 7 p.m. loser from Monday, 5 p.m. (main gym)
12/23 JV loser from Monday vs. 5 p.m. loser from Monday, 7 p.m. (Aux. gym)
New Lady Ram coach upbeat for new season
By Bruce Rolfe
Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball coach Katlyn (Born) Dunithan may be embarking on her first opportunity as a head coach, but she’s eager to dive in hoping to bring success to the program.
A 2008 graduate of Gales-burg-Augusta High School and member of the 2007-2008 state finals runnerup Ram girls basketball team, Dunithan is upbeat about the opportunity.
The Lady Rams opened the new season December 12 with a 50-38 win at Holland Black River.
“I am very excited for the season. We have a great group of girls that are eager to learn and grow. The practices we have had so far, they truly work really hard each time they come into the gym,” said Dunithan.
The Lady Rams finished last season 15-8 for the varsity’s best record in several years.
Dunithan has a balanced mix of varsity returners with players playing at the varsity level for the first time.
One of those varsity returners, junior Ellesa Callendar, is out for the season with a knee injury.
The remaining varsity returners include senior Grace Gibson (guard), a SAC All Division First Team selection last year, senior Addison Born (point guard), senior Aralyn Gains (power forward), junior Brooklyn James (power forward) and sophomore Jeni Klimp (guard/forward).
The rest of the team includes freshman Rayonna Alexander (point guard), sophomore Kayla Bortolussi (center), juniors Lexi Coburn (guard) and Emily Coleman (guard/power forward) and senior foreign exchange students Anni Steigmann (power forward) and Wende Trines (power forward/center).
Dunithan said the coaching staff will emphasize an up-tempo, aggressive, smart style of play.
“We want to bring pressure on our opponents and wear them down. We want a fast-paced game. Big focus on defense. We may not be big but we will play big, disruptive and physical,” explained Dunithan.
She labels this season as a rebuilding one, but sees strong characteristics.
“This team is super hard working. They give it their all. I think setting that precedent early as a coaching staff was super important and worked well for us. We are intense and set an expectation to come in for that 2 hours and work. One strength we are emphasizing this year will be our speed. We are guard heavy and we will use that to our advantage,” observed the new Lady Ram coach.
Looking at the SAC Central Division, Dunithan feels Saugatuck and Martin will be two strong teams in G-A’s division.
“Two tough teams for our heavy senior team last year and I see them as being tough again this year,” she said.
Dunithan feels being the fourth varsity head coach in four years makes it difficult as a program to set a positive culture.
Dunithan sees positive things happening throughout the program, she hopes will bring more interest to girls basketball.
“My JV coach (Dontrell Bowden) has done a great job with the youth and we have built upon that more this year just being more present in the youth activities for girls basketball. We want to bring back more interest to girls basketball. It seems like our numbers dwindle each year and we hope to change that by making it fun and rewarding. I’m super excited for the future of G-A girls basketball and our hope is to make a positive impact on the program,” adds Dunithan.
While this will be her first opportunity as a head coach, Dunithan does have plenty of coaching experience.
Prior to being hired as the G-A girls varsity basketball coach she served as a G-A varsity volleyball assistant for three years. She’s also coached girls basketball and volleyball at the JV level with former long time G-A coach Vicki DeLeon. Dunithan has also coached boys youth basketball the last 4 years, and coached girls Rising Stars teams on and off for the past 15 years.
Galesburg-Augusta Girls Varsity Basketball Profile
Head Coach: Katlyn (Born) Dunithan, 1st year head coach
Last Year: 15-8, 2nd place in SAC Central Division
Returning varsity letter players: Grace Gibson - Senior - guard
Addison Born - Senior - point guard
Aaralyn Gains - Senior - power forward
Jeni Klimp - Sophomore - guard/forward
Brooklyn James - Junior - power forward
Ellesa Callendar - Junior - out for season with knee injury
The Rest Of The Team:
Rayonna Alexander - Freshman - Point Guard
Lexi Coburn - Junior - Guard
Emily Coleman - Junior - Guard/PF
Kayla Bortolussi - Sophomore - Center
Anni Steigmann - Senior - foreign exchange student - PF
Wende Trines - Senior - foreign exchange student - PF/Center
JV basketball team remains undefeated
The Galesburg-Augusta JV boys basketball team remained undefeated with a 57-41 win over Holland Black River December 11 at G-A High School.
The win gives G-A a 3-0 start.
Hunter Pritchard led a trio of Rams in double figure scoring with 18 points.
Vincent Finedell added 17 points and Connor Welker scored 11 points.
G-A boys basketball team hopes to build on record breaking season
By Bruce Rolfe
While Galesburg-Augusta varsity basketball coach Brian Dolph lost all five starters from last season’s SAC Central Division championship team that went 19-5 to graduation, the Rams have reloaded.
The combination of several returning players, including last season’s team MVP, and players that helped the JVs to a 17-3 finish last year, should make the Rams very competitive again this season.
Last year was a record breaking season for the Rams.
The team set a school record for wins in a season (19-5), regular season wins (18) and consecutive wins (14).
Plus, the Rams won a third straight SAC Central Division championship (9-1).
Dolph, entering his sixth season as G-A’s head coach, points out this year’s group finished 18-1 when they played together on the JV team two seasons ago.
The expectations to continue G-A’s reign at the top of the SAC Central Division remain high.
“On paper, this may very well be the most talented group I have coached. But all that goes out the window as we start the season and we will have to see how this team comes together. Internally, expectations are high but nothing in life is handed to you so we have to go out there and earn our place among the better teams in the area and find a way to take those next steps come tournament time. But we look forward to the challenge,” observed the G-A coach.
The success G-A has enjoyed the last three years, plus a talented roster returning this year, brings ambitions of higher goals.
“The expectations remain the same as far as how we want to play the game with the focus remaining on defense, effort, and playing the game the right way. But we do have goals to try and take the next steps in the postseason tournament,” said Dolph.
But Dolph said advancing further in the postseason will be tough with the additions of Schoolcraft and Kalamazoo Phoenix joining Kalamazoo Christian, Hackett, Comstock and G-A in the district.
After struggling for many years, the growth and success of the boys varsity basketball program the last three years has been pleasing for Dolph. However the G-A coach points out that success has been a process and the team cannot rest on past success.
“Each year presents its own challenges and we have to continue to work hard to improve. I am proud of our team, coaches, and community as they have all played an important role in helping make us a more consistent and competitive program,” said the G-A coach.
Junior point guard Giovonni Evans, a SAC first team all-conference returner and last year’s team MVP, averaged 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals a game last year.
Senior shooting guard CJ Benard was honorable mention All-SAC and team defensive player of the year last season. He averaged eight points, 3.5 rebounds, two assists and two steals per game.
Senior forward Hayden Pritchard, who was G-A’s Most Improved Player last year, is expected to provide rebounding as well as an inside and outside scoring threat.
Returners that saw significant playing time last year include Aidan Moses (Sr.- Center), Ethan Metty (Sr.- Point Guard), Jayden Roe (Sr.-Forward) and Dontrell Bowden (Sr.- Shooting Guard).
Newcomers from the JV team include Patrick Armock (6ppg/7rpg/2 blocks per game), Gavin Lock (Jr.- Guard/Forward), Tristan Jackson (Jr., Forward), Zane Lenz (Sr., Guard), and Michael Abuga (Sr., Forward)
G-A Varsity Basketball Profile
Coach: Brian Dolph, 6th season
2024-2025 Record: 19-5/9-1 in the SAC Central Division; SAC Central Division Champions 3rd straight year
Top returners:
Giovonni Evans (Jr.), point guard, CJ Benard (Sr.), shooting guard, Hayden Pritchard (Sr.), forward
Notable returners that saw significant playing time last year: Aidan Moses (Sr.), center, Ethan Metty (Sr.), point guard), Jayden Roe (Sr.), forward, Dontrell Bowden (Sr.), shooting guard)
Newcomers: Patrick Armock, (Jr.) 6 ppg/7 rpg/2 blocks per game, Gavin Lock (Jr.), guard/forward, Tristan Jackson (Jr.), forward, Zane Lenz (Sr.), guard, Michael Abuga (Sr.), forward, Hunter Pritchard, J.J. Bailey
Balanced scoring,
3-point shooting, helps G-A to win
The Galesburg-Augusta boys varsity basketball team unleashed a three-point barrage and used balanced scoring to post a 75-43 win over Holland Black River December 12 on the road.
G-A, now 2-1, connected on nine three-point baskets, led by Hayden Pritchard’s four triples.
Dontrell Bowden led five players in double figure scoring with 17 points on 4-for-9 shooting from two-point range and 3-for-6 shooting from the three-point stripe.
Pritchard and Gavin Lock each scored 12 points and Ethan Metty and Giovonni Evans scored 11 points apiece.
G-A trailed by a 17-15 count after one quarter but outscored the home team 27-13 in the second quarter to take a 42-30 advantage at halftime.
The Rams, behind seven points from Bowden and six points by Evans, had a big third quarter as well, taking a 67-38 lead into the fourth quarter.
Armock had nine rebounds and two blocked shots, Bowden and Evans each handed out four assists, and Evans came up with five steals.
Galesburg-Augusta 15 27 25 8 - 75
Holland Black River 17 13 8 5 - 43
Gavin Lock 12, Ethan Metty 11, Dontrell Bowden 17, Giovonni Evans 11, Zane Lenz 2, Tristan Jackson 2, Patrick Armock 2, Hayden Pritchard 12, Aidan Moses 6
Free throws: G-A 4-9/Holland Black River 4-9
3-point baskets: G-A 9 (Hayden Pritchard 4, Dontrell Bowden 3, Ethan Metty 1, Gavin Lock 1)/Holland Black River 3 (Isaac Foreman 2, Nemo Salazar 1)
G-A Stat Leaders
Rebounds: Patrick Armock 9, Hayden Pritchard 7, Ethan Metty 6, Dontrell Bowden 5
Assists: Dontrell Bowden 4, Giovonni Evans 4
Steals: Giovonni Evans 5, Dontrell Bowden 4
Blocked shots: Patrick Armock 2, Dontrell Bowden 1, Hayden Pritchard 1, Aiden Moses 1
G-A Boys Basketball
A Look Ahead
12/19 Martin (Var.) Home 7:30 p.m.
Mendon Holiday Tournament
12/29 Mendon (Varsity) Vs. Martin (Varsity) main gym 5 p.m.
12/29 G-A (JV) Vs. Marcellus (JV) aux. gym 5 p.m.
12/29 G-A Varsity Vs. Marcellus Varsity Main gym 7 p.m.
Mendon JV Vs. Martin JV Aux gym 7 p.m.
12/30 5 p.m. varsity loser from Monday vs. 7 p.m. loser from Monday main gym 5 p.m.
12/30 7 p.m. JV loser from Monday vs. 5 p.m. loser from Monday Aux. gym 5 p.m.
5 p.m. Varsity winner from Monday vs. 7 p.m. winner from Monday Main gym 7 p.m.
6:30 p.m. JV winner from Monday Vs. 5 p.m. winner from Monday Aux. Gym 7 p.m.
A Look Ahead
12/19 Martin (Var.) Home 7:30 p.m.
Mendon Holiday Tournament
12/29 Mendon (Varsity) Vs. Martin (Varsity) main gym 5 p.m.
12/29 G-A (JV) Vs. Marcellus (JV) aux. gym 5 p.m.
12/29 G-A Varsity Vs. Marcellus Varsity Main gym 7 p.m.
Mendon JV Vs. Martin JV Aux gym 7 p.m.
12/30 5 p.m. varsity loser from Monday vs. 7 p.m. loser from Monday main gym 5 p.m.
12/30 7 p.m. JV loser from Monday vs. 5 p.m. loser from Monday Aux. gym 5 p.m.
5 p.m. Varsity winner from Monday vs. 7 p.m. winner from Monday Main gym 7 p.m.
6:30 p.m. JV winner from Monday Vs. 5 p.m. winner from Monday Aux. Gym 7 p.m.
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