By Austin Marsman

The Martin boys’ varsity basketball team finished its season Friday night in the Division 4 district tournament finals with a 58-40 loss to host Tri-Unity Christian.

The Clippers, who defeated Holland Calvary 59-52 in the district semifinals, finished the campaign with a 17-4 overall record. Tri-Unity goes on to the regional tourney next week with a record of 19-3.

The Tri-Unity Defenders opened up the show with a layup and deep three pointer. Martin was not intimidated however and was able to overcome the early 5-0 deficit.
The first quarter went well for Martin overall and the Clippers were on top 11 to 7.

It went downhill from there for Martin’s ballers. Pressure from a strong defense and an expiring clock both did not work in the Clippers favor.

At the half, Martin trailed 26-19. Then the gap grew after three with the Defenders towering over Martin, 44 to 30.

Alex Hardy led Martin’s scoring effort with 12 points, followed by Micheal Morey with 9 and Clayton Geerlings with 8. Carter Hilton also contributed a pair of three-pointers for 6 points. Tri-Unity was led in scoring by Brayden Ophoff with 15 total points.

The Clippers will graduate 5 seniors: Alex Hardy, Carter Hilton, Clayton Geerlings, Jacob “Jacoby” Yowler, and Micheal Morey.

Tri-Unity advances to regional play next week.