Unity Christian Ends Drought, Captures First Regional Title Since 2023

Owen Vanderwall Warming up before the game thursday night. Photo by Brady Triemstra | Team TBM

Holland Christian was looking for its first regional championship since the 2009–2010 season. A big task considering who their Opponent was. Unity Christian came out firing from the opening whistle, quickly building a commanding lead that grew to as much as 20 points with 1:40 remaining in the first quarter. Holland Christian struggled to find its rhythm offensively early, and missed opportunities at the free-throw line going just 2-for-6 — made it difficult to close the gap. By the end of the first quarter, Unity Christian held a 15-point advantage, although Holland Christian began to build some momentum late in the period. That momentum carried into the second quarter for Holland Christian, as their defense forced multiple turnovers. Unity Christian was held scoreless for the first three minutes of the quarter while Holland Christian went on a 12–0 run that controlled much of the period. Unity Christian eventually settled back in offensively and was able to push the lead back to nine heading into halftime. At the break, Unity Christian’s leading scorer was No. 2, while Holland Christian was led by No. 1.

Griffin Leeuw Warming up prior to the game. Photo by Brady Triemstra | Team TBM

Holland Christian came out of halftime with strong energy, trimming the deficit to just two points early in the third quarter. However, a traveling call immediately after an inbound pass halted their momentum. Unity Christian responded with a few key baskets to extend the lead back to eight midway through the quarter. Tensions rose as the intensity of the game picked up, with some words exchanged between players that ultimately resulted in an inbound play leading to a layup for Unity Christian. Holland Christian responded late in the quarter with a steal and a layup with under five seconds remaining, cutting the deficit to four heading into the fourth.

In the final quarter, Unity Christian maintained its high intensity on both ends of the floor, holding onto its lead while Holland Christian continued to push for a comeback. With 1:46 remaining, Holland Christian was forced to foul, sending Unity Christian to the bonus. A technical foul was also assessed to Holland Christian’s No. 11, giving Unity Christian additional free throw opportunities. Unity Christian closed out the game from the line and secured the 61–47 victory to claim the Regional Championship. Unity Christian will face Grand Rapids Catholic central next Tuesday in the Qtr Final

Holland Christians Leading scorer was Titus Spencer with 23

Unity Christians leading scorer was Brogan Sherd with 16