Four games in just seven days, capped off by the No. 2 Class A basketball team in the state. It may sound like a lame excuse to some, but Wayland’s 94-61 defeat at Grand Rapids Christian should be viewed with that in mind.
The undefeated Eagles, regarded by some observers as one of the best high school basketball teams ever assembled, drilled Wayland 71-49 about a month ago. They feature three players who plan to play at the NCAA Division 1 level after graduation, led by Xavier Tillman, who has already signed to play for Michigan State and coach Tom Izzo.
The Wildcats a week ago had little trouble in dispatching neighboring rival Byron Center, but Friday had to go to double overtime to subdue O-K Gold Conference rival South Christian and less than 24 hours later needed an extra session to get past Detroit Cornerstone in the Grand Rapids Union Redhawk Showcase.
It very easily has been the most grueling part of Wayland’s basketball schedule this season.
Senior point guard Avery Hudson scored 24 points and Carter Nyp and Zack Nieuwkoop both had nine. James Beck led Christian with 22.
The loss dropped Wayland’s overall record to 12-3, 6-2 in league play. Two of the losses have come at the hands of GR Christian and the other was a two-point loss to Wyoming Godwin Heights, the No. 1-ranked Class B team in the state.
The Wildcats were tied for sixth with Big Rapids in the latest Associated Press state-wide Class B poll.
