Hawkeyes take down the Crusaders
By: Brendon Hickok
Hamilton boys’ varsity basketball was pushing to make changes to turn their season around, and winning against Unity was just the start to boost their confidence.
“We were going to do what it takes to win,” said Brett VanderKooi.
That is what they did on Friday night, February 14. Unity Christian, the state’s number one ranked team, came face-to-face with Hamilton’s home court. The spectators filled the gym with energy. The players came optimistic about turning their season around.
Going into the game, Gabe Schrotenboer said he felt “nervous but confident.” Brett VanderKooi was equally confident going into the game, Brett VanderKooi commenting, “I thought we were going to win the whole game.”
“Our shots didn’t really fall in, but our defense was outstanding.” Will Hickok said
Every team knows that defense wins games, and if Hamilton plays 2 amazing quarters
of defense, then the offense will generate off of the defense.
“Going into half the team felt good, knowing what they need to do to finish on top,” said Will Hickok. The team came prepared to battle until the clock hit 0.
“The turning point of the game was when we came back in the second half and took the lead,” Brett VanderKooi commented. With key three-pointers, finishing strong at the rim, and great defense, Hamilton closed the scoring gap.
“After they went up 12 in the third, and we came back,” Brett VanderKooi shared as his favorite play. The team grinds getting the score closer and closer and ending the 4th quarter score of 58-58. The game isn’t over yet, and four more minutes of playing what Hamilton knows best.
Gabe Schrotenboer’s favorite play was “Passing the ball to Jeren under the rim.” The gym exploded in excitement, and with four seconds left and up by two, Hamilton knew they couldn’t give up a three.
“The energy in the team room after the game,” explained Gabe Schrotenboer, saying that was his favorite part of the game. From the team room to the gym, excitement fills the air, knowing that Hamilton took down the number one ranked team in the state.