A bunch of Jenison sharpshooters came to town and spoiled the Wayland boys’ varsity basketball team’s Parents’ Night celebration.
The visiting quintet drained no fewer than 14 three-point field goals en route to a 84-65 non-league victory over the homestanding Wildcats to lower their overall season record to 6-9. The visiting Wildcats improved their overall record to 10-4.
Things didn’t go well for Wayland from the opening tip. Junior guard Nathan Deyman, who stole the show for the evening, nailed three three-point bombs from the corner and the home five was caught napping while holding the basketball in positions for takeaways that led to layups. In other words, were weren’t taking care of the basketball.
Jenison was leading 21-10 at the first quarter buzzer and somehow the visiting Wildcats were fouled three times while attempting three-point shots. In the first foul, Jenison retained possession of the basketball after making the shot. In the third instance, Colton Ritsema came up with a four-point play.
The visiting ‘Cats swished 10 of 11 free throw attempts in the first half and were enjoying a 36-25 cushion at intermission.
And things never really got any better for Wayland during the rest of the evening.
Jenison widened the gap quickly into the second half. Wayland had entered the contest with the idea of stopping all-time top scorer Jacob Boonyasith, but it was Deyman who did the most damage. The visitors were up by 19 points, 56-37, at the close of the third period and several times took leads of more than 20 points.
Deyman collected half of his team’s threes for the evening and finished with 26 points. Three of his teammates also scored in double figures, Boonyasith counted 14, Ritsema 13 and Kyle Nott 11.
Junior center Cory Ainswoth led the home ‘Cats with 16 points. Senior forward Carter Nyp was held to 14. Junior guard Carson Sevigny had nine points, and Jack Donewald and Seth Sevenski-Popma both added six off the bench.
The Wayland boys will resume O-K Gold Conference play Friday at Middleville Thornapple Kellogg.
COVER PHOTO: Cory Ainsworth and his parents take part in the pre-game Parents Night observance.