2014-15 Competitive Cheer February 4 @ Thornapple Kellogg

Holland Christian traveled to Thornapple Kellogg on Wednesday to finish off the regular season. They scored a 207.1, which was on par with both second and third place Catholic Central and Hastings. A ten points penalty dropped their round two score to 178.34. The girls ended the day with a 277.5 round three score, giving the Maroons a 662.94 overall score and fourth place on the day behind Thornapple Kellogg, Catholic Central, and Hastings. In the season standings, however, Holland Christian finished just above Hastings and therefore brought home third place in the OK Green/Gold conference. The Maroons will participate in the District meet on Saturday, February 21.

2014-15 Boys Basketball February 27 vs. Zeeland West

Holland Christian welcomed Zeeland West to the Civic Center on Friday night for the last conference game of the season. The Maroons' early 9-0 run led to a 16-8 lead after the first quarter. Tyler Hyma and Matt Maas each had five points in the quarter. The Dux fought back in the second to take a 24-23 lead into halftime.

Sam VanderSluis sparked the Maroons' second half with a thunderous dunk. The Maroons began the half on a 10-0 run. VanderSluis' eight third quarter points gave HC a 37-30 lead heading into a crucial fourth quarter.

Matt Maas began the fourth quarter's scoring the same way Sam did the third quarter: with a dunk. And, like the third quarter, the Maroons began the fourth quarter on a streak. Their 8-0 streak propelled them to a 58-47 victory and a share in the OK Green conference title with the Holland Dutch.

VanderSluis led the team with 19 points, 15 of which came in the second half. Maas put up 15 points and Hyma scored 10. Holland Christian improves to 12-6 overall and finishes conference play with a 7-3 record. The team will honor its six seniors on Tuesday when North Pointe Christian comes to town.

2014-15 Boys Basketball February 24 @ Unity Christian

Holland Christian battled Unity Christian on Tuesday night in another OK Green basketball game. With thirty seconds left in the first quarter, Jared Stygstra's three-pointer broke the 7-7 tie and gave the Maroons a 10-7 lead. Sam VanderSluis' seven free-throws and nine points propelled the team to a 28-23 lead at halftime.

The Maroons heated up in the third quarter. They flawlessly made all eight of their first eight shot attempts for 20 points. They finished the quarter with a total of 27 points, including five out of six three-point attempts.

Fourth quarter three-pointers from Bryce Eggers sealed the 67-50 Holland Christian victory.

Tyler Hyma finished with 15 points—all from three-pointers. VanderSluis had 13; Maas, Stygstra, and Wassink finished with eight, seven, and six respectively. Holland Christian's bench accounted for 21 points.

 The Maroons improve to 11-6 overall and 6-3 in the OK Green behind only Holland, who is 6-2 with a game in hand. Holland Christian wraps up conference play on Friday against Zeeland West at the Civic Center.  

2014-15 Boys Basketball February 20 @ Byron Center

Holland Christian traveled to Byron Center on Friday night in search of a very crucial conference victory. The Bulldogs controlled the majority of the first half both offensively and defensively. They forced six turnovers while outscoring the Maroons 34-27.

Holland Christian transferred their halftime energy and momentum to the third quarter action. They fought their way out of the seven point hole to tie the game up at 42-42 going into the fourth. At this point the game was close, but it would get even closer. With just seven seconds remaining in the game with the Maroons clinging to a one-point lead, Sam VanderSluis was sent to the free-throw line. He made both free-throws and extended the Maroons' lead to three in the final seconds. Byron Center found hope after getting fouled on a three-point attempt. If the player made all three then the game would be tied. He missed the first and third shots, sealing the Maroons' 55-53 victory.

Sam VanderSluis scored 23 points, 13 of which came from the free-throw line, where he has made more than 81% of all attempts this season. Alex Bosch followed with nine points and multiple rebounds despite his small 5-foot-9 size.

 The Maroons improve to 10-6 overall; 5-3 OK Green, but winning the conference will take more than just winning games. In order for HC to catch Holland, HC must win both remaining conference games and Holland must lose one of their remaining two conference games.  

2014-15 Boys Basketball February 17 vs. West Ottawa

Holland Christian welcomed the West Ottawa Panthers to the Civic Center on Tuesday night for a non-conference game. Tyler Hyma led the team with eleven points in the first quarter as the Maroons led 20-8. Sam VanderSluis dominated the paint in the first half as he bucketed all five of his shots for ten points. Holland Christian led 32-20 at halftime.

Sam VanderSluis continued his perfection in the third quarter by making two more baskets and sinking four free-throws. Sam VanderSluis accounted for all eight of the Maroons' points in the quarter as they led 40-32 heading into the fourth.

Holland Christian only made one of eight field goal attempts in the fourth quarter but they sank all ten free-throw attempts to seal the 53-47 victory.

Tyler Hyma and Sam VanderSluis finished with 18 points apiece.

Holland Christian will return to the OK Green Conference on Friday at Byron Center with a 4-3 conference record and a 9-6 overall record.

 Holland Christian will return to the OK Green Conference on Friday at Byron Center with a 4-3 conference record and a 9-6 overall record.

2014-15 Boys Basketbal February 13 vs. Holland

The Maroons hosted the Dutch on Friday night at the Civic Center. Prior to the game, the teams shared first place in the OK Green, each with a 4-2 record. When the teams met earlier this season, the Dutch pulled away with a 51-49 victory.

Despite Holland Christian drilling three early three-pointers, Holland led 19-18 after one quarter of play. Matt Maas went six-for-six from the free throw line and accounted for nine of the Maroons' first half points. By the end of the second quarter Holland's lead was 38-30.
Both teams struggled to score early in the second half but Holland ultimately extended the deficit to 12 after the third quarter, 46-34. All four of Holland Christian's points came from Tyler Hyma.
Hyma scored nine points in the fourth quarter but the Maroons weren't able to overcome the deficit as the Dutch finished the game on top 62-55.
Hyma finished with 16 points, followed by Matt Maas and Sam VanderSluis with 12 and 8, respectively.

 Holland Christian's record drops to 8-6 overall; 4-3 OK Green with tonight's conference loss. The Maroons will welcome West Ottawa to the Civic Center on Tuesday, February 17.  

2014-15 Boys Basketball February 6 vs. Hamilton

Holland Christian began round two of the conference rivalry games on Friday night as they welcomed the Hamilton Hawkeyes to the Civic Center. In the game earlier this year the Maroons pulled off a 61-54 victory. The game began with a 13-0 run, but Hamilton found the bucket twice to bring the score to 13-4 after the first quarter. That streak carried over to the next quarter where the Hawkeyes narrowed the deficit to only a couple points. Matt VanderZwaag hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to send the Maroons into halftime with a 26-17 advantage.

Kyle Wassink's ten points in the third quarter boosted their lead to 43-27. Tyler Hyma made all four of his three-point attempts in the fourth quarter as the Maroons sealed the deal 60-41.

Hyma led the team with 14 points—all in the second half. Wassink followed with 13 and Sam VanderSluis diced his way through the paint for 11.

 With tonight's victory, Holland Christian improves to 8-5 overall and 4-2 in the OK Green. In similar news, Byron Center upset Holland in overtime at the Dutch Dome, putting Holland Christian and Holland neck and neck atop the conference. The Maroons will face the Dutch at the Civic Center on Friday, February 13. 

2014-15 Competitive Cheer February 4 @ Thornapple Kellogg

Holland Christian traveled to Thornapple Kellogg on Wednesday to finish off the regular season. They scored a 207.1, which was on par with both second and third place Catholic Central and Hastings. A ten points penalty dropped their round two score to 178.34. The girls ended the day with a 277.5 round three score, giving the Maroons a 662.94 overall score and fourth place on the day behind Thornapple Kellogg, Catholic Central, and Hastings. In the season standings, however, Holland Christian finished just above Hastings and therefore brought home third place in the OK Green/Gold conference. The Maroons will participate in the District meet on Saturday, February 21. 

2014-15 Boys Basketball February 3 vs. South Christian

The Maroons took a break from conference games on Tuesday night as they hosted their rivals from South Christian. Sam VanderSluis led his team with eight points in the first quarter as Holland Christian led 17-15.

Three HC three-pointers in the second quarter extended that lead to 32-28 at halftime. South fought back to take the lead early in the second half, but a pair of late Jared Stygstra threes cut that Sailor lead to 51-50 after three quarters. That late momentum was transferred over to a very pivotal fourth quarter, where the Maroons put up a season-high 27 points. Tyler Hyma and Sam VanderSluis each scored nine of those 27. The final score was 77-64.

Tyler Hyma was all over the court tonight. He put up a season-high 23 points by converting 3/7 threes, 6/8 inside the arc, and a couple free throws. Sam VanderSluis put up 22 points, 18 of which being from inside the paint.

Holland Christian improves to 7-5 overall heading into the second round of the OK Green rivalry games, which will resume on Friday night as the Maroons host Hamilton at the Civic Center.

2014-15 Boys Basketball January 30 @ Zeeland West

The Maroons played against the Zeeland West Dux on Friday night in a very intense conference basketball game. Both teams got off to a very slow start, combining for only 10 points in the first quarter. Tyler Hyma put the Maroons on the board with a three-pointer but the Dux led 7-3. Mike Mokma, who hadn't played all year due to a leg injury, tied the game up at 9-9 with a free-throw in the second quarter. Tyler Hyma ended the half with another three-pointer to put the Maroons on top 12-9 at halftime.

Sam VanderSluis, who was held scoreless in the first half, put up eight points in the third quarter as Holland Christian grasped a 25-24 lead with just eight minutes remaining in regulation.

The hope seemed to be lost with 20 seconds left on the clock. The Maroons were down 36-34 and were forced to intentionally foul. The Dux free-throw shooter missed, the Maroons got the rebound and Sam VanderSluis tied the game with a layup with under five seconds to go. The teams needed overtime to settle the 36-36 regulation score.

In overtime, Alex Bosch drove the lane and bucketed a layup for the first points in overtime. The Dux tied it back up with two free-throws. Tyler Hyma made a three-pointer; Zeeland West responded with a three-pointer of its own. Zeeland West scored a three-pointer at the buzzer to win it 44-41.

Tyler Hyma put up 15 points and set a season-high in three-pointers with five. Sam VanderSluis added 12 points. Holland Christian will host South Christian at the Civic Center on Tuesday at 7:00.

2014-15 Competitive Cheer January 28 @ Hamilton

Holland Christian cheered in the OK Green/Gold Jamboree on Wednesday at Hamilton High School.

They started off the meet with a stellar score of 216.3. They followed that score with a 183.74 round two. After a 353.16 subtotal last week, the Maroons came out with a 400.04, one of the best scores of the year. They ended the day with a 287.6 round three score, making their final score 687.64. That score earned them third place out of eight. Thornapple Kellogg and Grand Rapids Catholic Central finished in first and second place, but Holland Christian's scores were on pace with both of these schools. The girls will participate in another Green/Gold Jamboree on Wednesday, February 4, at Thornapple Kellogg.

2014-15 Boys Basketball January 27 vs. Unity Christian

Holland Christian hosted its rivals from Unity Christian on Tuesday night at the Civic Center. Sam VanderSluis dropped eight points in the first quarter as the teams settled at a 13-13 tie. The Maroons ran away with the lead in the second quarter and never surrendered it for the remainder of the game. Tyler Hyma highlighted the second quarter with three consecutive highlight reel plays: He swatted a Crusader shot out of bounds, stole the ball and fed Matt Maas a pass that was finished in a one handed slam. Holland Christian led Unity 31-22 at halftime.

Hyma started the second half with a three-pointer that led to a 14-0 run in favor of the Maroons. Hyma, along with Kyle Wassink, finished with six points in the third quarter. The team collectively shot 6/8 from the field and 7/7 from the charity stripe for 20 points in the quarter. Unity put up 18 points in the final quarter but were unable to overcome Holland Christian's season high 65 points.

Sam VanderSluis put up a career high 26 points, 12 of which came from the free-throw line. Wassink put up 14 points as both Wassink and VanderSluis shot 7/8 from the floor.

The Maroons have won six of the past seven games after losing the first three of the season. They will take that momentum to Zeeland West on Friday night for another conference game.

2014-15 Competitive Cheer January 24 @ East Kentwood

Holland Christian continued its season on Friday in East Kentwood at the LMCCOA meet. They scored a 199.0 in round one. The girls came back in the second round to earn a 154.16, giving them a subtotal of 353.16. They finished the day off with a 267.9 in the stunting round, putting them in fourth place out of the seven in their pool with an overall score of 621.06. The Maroons will participate in another Green/Gold Jamboree on Wednesday at Hamilton.  

2014-15 Boys Basketball January 23 vs. Byron Center

Holland Christian hosted Byron Center on Friday night with hopes of breaking its even 4-4 overall record and 1-1 conference record. The team was on fire on both sides of the ball in the first four minutes of the game as they put up eight points while holding the Bulldogs scoreless. They finished the first quarter on top 14-8. Jared Stygstra's three-pointer in the second quarter propelled the Maroons to a 22-15 lead at halftime.

Sam VanderSluis led his team to a 35-21 advantage after three quarters by putting up six points while blocking multiple shots and pulling down even more rebounds. Six different players accounted for a total of eleven points in the fourth quarter as the Maroons finished the game on top 46-32.

Sam VanderSluis had 16 points and as no Bulldog was able to stop his 6-foot-7 frame at the basket. Matt Maas, Tyler Hyma, Kyle Wassink, and Jared Stygstra followed with five points apiece.

The Maroons improve to 5-4 overall, 2-1 in the OK Green heading into Tuesday's conference matchup vs. Unity Christian. 

2014-15 Boys Basketball January 20 vs. Western Michigan Christian

Holland Christian took a break from conference play on Tuesday as they hosted Western Michigan Christian. Tyler Hyma dropped eight points in the first quarter, twice as much as the Warriors' combined first quarter score. The Maroons led 12-4 heading into the second quarter.

Holland Christian put up 14 points in the second quarter, extending their lead to 26-17 at the break.

WMC doubled their first half score by putting up 17 more in the third quarter, but the Maroons, powered by Matt Maas' dunk, found themselves on top 40-34 with a quarter to play.

Matt Maas and Alex Bosch both scored five points in the fourth quarter to seal out the 59-53 victory.

Sam VanderSluis, Maas, and Bosch each scored 12 points tonight, but it was Tyler Hyma who earned the spotlight. He went 4-for-6 on three-pointers and scored 14 points.

Holland Christian currently sits at 4-4 overall and 1-1 in the OK Green. The team will welcome the Bulldogs of Byron Center to the Civic Center on Friday for another 6:00 game.

2014-15 Boys Basketball January 16 @ Holland

The Maroons took on their cross-town rivals from Holland on Friday night at the Dutch Dome. The Dutch led 13-11 after an evenly matched first quarter of play. Holland Christian made three of five three-pointers and seven of eight free throws in the second quarter to jump ahead 27-21 at halftime. The Maroons ended the first half on a demanding 15-1 run.

The Dutch, however, fought back to score 22 points in the third quarter to take a 43-40 lead with one quarter left to play. They extended that lead to 49-40 shortly into the quarter. The Maroons fought back to tie the game at 49-49 with just over a minute left in regulation, but ultimately fell short by a score of 51-49.

Matt Maas led the scoring with 11 points. Sam VanderSluis had 10 points and nine rebounds.

Holland Christian will return to the Civic Center for seven of the next eight games. They will host Western Michigan Christian on Tuesday at 7:00 and Byron Center on Friday at 6:00. 

2014-15 Competitive Cheer January 10 @ West Ottawa

After participating in competitions in Comstock Park, Grandville, and Hastings, the Maroons brought their talents to West Ottawa for one of the few local cheer meets of the season. The team significantly improved in all three rounds compared to the rounds of the previous three competitions. They scored 221.3 in round one—8.2 points more than the previous round best. They earned 200.22 in the second round despite being penalized with the same rule as last meet. Holland Christian delivered a stellar round three performance, scoring 296.5 (see video below). The Maroons finished in first place in Division 2 with a final score of 708.02—26 points higher than their previous best overall score. Holland Christian will be back in action on Wednesday at Zeeland West.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eDS7oCWO94

2014-15 Boys Basketball January 10 @ Hamilton

The Maroons and the Hawkeyes came together on Saturday for the annual Two Hearts for One Cause basketball game. The team took a 13-11 lead after the first quarter thanks to three early three-pointers. Sam VanderSluis drilled all four of his second quarter free throws to push Holland Christian to a 25-20 lead at halftime.

VanderSluis accounted for half of the team's third quarter points, including four more clutch free throws, as the lead was extended to 41-32. Holland Christian collectively made six of seven fourth quarter shots. Hamilton made a brief comeback late in the game, but the Maroons defended the lead and came out on top 61-54.

Sam VanderSluis finished with 20 points despite being held scoreless in the first quarter. Matt Maas and Tyler Hyma each tallied 11 points. Holland Christian began the season 0-3 but has since evened its record 3-3 with lots of momentum heading into the remainder of the season. The Maroons have another conference game on Friday at Holland, which will also begin at 6:00.