Battle of the Purple Ends in Overtime Thriller as Kalamazoo Christian Stuns Schoolcraft, 61–58
- Chris Carpenter
- Jan 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 14
The “Battle of the Purple” lived up to its name, delivering a defensive grind, clutch shot-making, and a wild overtime finish as Kalamazoo Christian edged Schoolcraft, 61–58, in a game that had the crowd on its feet from start to finish. Kalamazoo Christian set the tone early, knocking down a pair of three-pointers while Schoolcraft countered by attacking the rim and getting to the free-throw line. The energy inside the gym surged quickly as defense dominated the opening quarter, with the Eagles holding a slim 11–10 lead at the end of the first. The Comets opened the second quarter with a beautifully designed play that resulted in a three from Jake Bonnema, but offense remained hard to come by for both sides. Physical defense and contested shots defined the period, as neither team found much rhythm.
Kalamazoo Christian carried a 23–19 advantage into halftime. Momentum was on Kalamazoo Christian’s side early when Crosby Croel buried a three to start the half. Schoolcraft answered back, briefly taking a one-point lead after a steal and layup from Ty Goddard. Kodee Bienz then ignited the Eagles with an over-and-back violation forced on defense, leading to a Jimmy Miller layup. Moments later, Bienz came up with another steal and dished to Bryce Lambe, who attacked the rim and brought the Schoolcraft crowd to its feet. Still, the Comets wouldn’t go away. A drawn-up play freed James Annen for a key three-pointer but Schoolcraft was able to pull ahead 36–33 heading into the fourth quarter. The final period was filled with runs and resilience. Kodee Bienz opened the quarter with a bucket for Schoolcraft, while the Comets responded with a barrage of three-pointers from Bonnema, Criel and Lucas Glerum to build a six-point lead with four minutes remaining. Late in regulation, Kalamazoo Christian’s full-court pressure forced a turnover, allowing the Comets to dribble out the clock—or so it seemed.
Bienz had other plans. With just over a minute left, he came up with a steal and finished to tie the game at 47–47. After a defensive stop, Schoolcraft had a chance to win it, but a missed layup kept the door open. Schoolcraft then drew a crucial charge with seven seconds left, but weren’t able to convert, giving the ball back to the Comets. After a near-half-court heave narrowly missed at the buzzer the game was going to overtime
Overtime began with a simple suggestion heard from a young Eagle fan: “Just let Jimmy do his thing.” Jimmy Miller did exactly that, scoring on the opening possession. Free throws and tough defense followed, with Sammy Pruis and Jimmy Miller trading baskets in a back-and-forth stretch. Ty Goddard knocked down a clutch three to tie the game again at 56–56 with 39 seconds remaining. After the Comets got a steal with a and-one opportunity they were ahead 58–56, Miller answered once more to keep the game tied. A late traveling call gave Schoolcraft one final chance, but another turnover proved costly. Kalamazoo Christian’s Croel—hot all night—drained a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer, sealing a dramatic 61–58 victory.
Play of the Game (Presented by Pit Training League)
Crosby Croel hit a long game winning three as the clock expired! This was one of five threes he hit that night.
Player of the Game
Jimmy Miller On his birthday, Miller delivered his normal dominant performance, controlling the paint and scoring repeatedly in key moments, especially in overtime.
Carpenter Action Shots Thoughts From Behind the Camera
Both the Girls and Boys Varsity teams from Kalamazoo Christian have some great three point shooters. I would love to see them compete in a three point contest.
Check back later for more photos from the game!
Schoolcraft
Jimmy Miller 27 points
Ty Goddard 15 points
Kodee Bienz 8 points
Bryce Lambe 4 points
Drew Enright 2 pints
Brennan Weaver 2 points
Kalamazoo Christian
Crosby Croel 22 points
Jake Bonnema 15 points
Sammy Oruis 14 points
Lucas Glerum 5 points
James Annen 3 points
Elijah Jager 2 points
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