Climax Crescent Newspaper

G-A Strong On Both Sides Of The Ball In 33-22 Season Opening Win Over River Valley

By Bruce Rolfe
   The Galesburg-Augusta varsity football team showed diversity offensively and was strong on the defensive side of the football leading to a 33-22 non-league win over River Valley Thursday in the season opener at Maskill Stadium in Galesburg.
   The Rams, behind the power running of senior Cole Nyitray, enjoyed a solid rushing attack, while junior quarterback Drew Resit and freshman signal caller Carter Boniface teamed up with wide receiver Blake Hoffman, Avery Labrie and Jalen Dolph for a strong aerial attack.
   The G-A offense totaled 223 yards rushing while adding another 97 yards through the air for a total output of 330 yards.
  The Ram defense also was solid throughout the game, coming up with two key fourth down stops.
  A 27-yard run by Nyitray followed by a 10-yard pick up by Avery Labrie set up the game’s first touchdown, a one-yard run by Nyitray at the 10:32 mark of the first quarter.
  Reist ran in the two-point conversion for an 8-0 G-A lead.
River Valley bounced back on a 15-yard touchdown run by Drew Holub with 7:47 left in the opening frame, however a 10-yard penalty on the initial two-point conversion attempt pushed the ball back to the 13-yard line and the Mustangs failed to convert.
   The opening quarter ended with G-A in front 8-6.
  The Ram defense stopped the Mustangs on a fourth and 11 play near mid-field with 1:55 left in the half, and the G-A offense zipped up field for a touchdown to enter the locker room at the break with plenty of momentum.
   A short six-yard pass from freshman quarterback Carter Boniface to Avery Labrie put G-A on the River Valley 44-yard line however two straight incomplete passes set up a fourth and four for G-A.
   The Ram offense clicked just in time with Boniface showing composure by hooking up with Jalen Dolph for a nine yard completion, followed by a 15-yard strike to Nyitray.
   Two plays later Boniface completed an 8-yard pass to Labrie after the ball was tipped by a River Valley defender for a 14-6 G-A lead with 7.6 seconds left in the first half.
   The two-point conversion failed however the Rams started the second half with momentum and a 14-6 lead.
  The G-A defense stopped the Mustangs on a fourth and nine play from the River Valley 44-yard line, giving the home team a short field.
   The offense responded immediately when Nyitray received some strong blocking up front by his offensive linemen and zoomed 44 yards for a touchdown with 9:35 left in the third quarter.
   Reist kicked the extra point for a 21-6 Ram advantage.
   River Valley responded with a 39-yard touchdown run by Andrew Forker at the 7:09 mark and the Mustangs scored on the two-point conversion for a 21-14 deficit.
  G-A came right back when Nyitray got loose and scampered 34 yards, setting up the Rams’ next score when Boniface hooked up with Resit on a seven-yard touchdown strike with 5:08 left in the frame. The extra point kick attempt was blocked and G-A took a 27-14 advantage into the final quarter..
   G-A enjoyed some separation when Nyitray scored on a 12-yard run at the 9:41 mark of the fourth quarter for a 33-14 lead. The two-point conversion attempt was not successful.
   River Valley established the final score on a six-yard touchdown run by Eli Thomas and a successful two-point run by Holub.
  G-A moved to the Mustang 1-yard line but let the clock run out for the win.
   Nyitray finished with 169 yards on 13 carries.
   Boniface completed 9-of-19 passes for 95 yards.
   

Schoolcraft's Defense Frustrates G-A

By Bruce Rolfe
   Schoolcraft's suffocating defense frustrated the Galesburg-Augusta boys varsity basketball team Friday throughout the game in a 63-14 loss at G-A High School.
   G-A, which committed 31 turnovers, was unable to string together any type of run due mainly to Schoolcraft's smothering defense, however G-A had many unforced turnovers. 
  G-A only managed five total field goals from the floor.
  The Eagles set the tone early, racing out to a 17-0 lead before Liam Hubbard scored G-A's first points with 2:42 left in the opening quarter.
  Schoolcraft led by a 24-2 count after one quarter and continued to strong defensive play while executing at the offensive end for a 41-8 advantage at halftime.
  Missed shots and turnovers prevented any type of run in the third quarter as well. Drew Reist knocked down a three-point basket with 6:50 left in the stanza, but a free throw by Thurman McDaniel with 5:04 left was the rest of the offense the Rams could muster, leading to a 55-12 deficit after three quarters.
  Xander Rainey's basket with 3:36 left in the game accounted for G-A's output in the fourth quarter.
  McDaniel scored four points for G-A, with all four points coming at the free throw line.
  The Rams will host Fennville Monday in a makeup game.
Hackett's Free Throw Shooting, G-A Turnovers Down The Stretch Lead To 32-24 Setback For Lady Rams

By Bruce Rolfe
   Hackett took advantage of eight more free throw opportunities in the fourth quarter and a handful of Galesburg-Augusta turnovers over the final two and a half minutes of the game, leading to a 32-24 setback for the Lady Rams Friday on Snowcoming at G-A High School.
   G-A enjoyed its last lead of the game 24-23, on Brynne Johnson's basket down low with 5:27 left in the game. But Hackett responded 17 seconds later when Kristina Kasson scored a basket down low that gave the Irish the lead for good (25-24).
 G-A struggled with turnovers down he stretch turning the ball over four times over the final 5:10. The foul activity picked up for G-A as well, as the Irish went to the free throw line nine times over the final 2:43 and made five attempts.
   Hackett led by a 21-15 count after three quarters.
   G-A, 7-5 overall and 6-3 in the SAC Valley Division, led by a 6-2 count after one quarter and 10-8 at halftime.
  Sam Verburg led G-A with eight points and six rebounds.
  G-A will return to action Monday, hosting Climax-Scotts in a non-league contest.
   
Rams Rebound Nicely With Impressive 42-0 Win Over Lake Michigan Catholic

By Bruce Rolfe
After dropping a 32-24 decision to Three Oaks River Valley last Friday on a touchdown and two-point conversion with just seven seconds left in the game, the Galesburg-Augusta varsity football team rebounded nicely with an impressive 42-0 win over St. Joseph Lake Michigan Catholic Friday at Maskill Field.
   After G-A’s game opening kick went out of bounds, the Rams kicked off again and recovered a fumble on the LMC 38-yard line.
Cole Nyitray finished the drive with a two-yard touchdown run with 10:08 left in the opening quarter, however the two-point conversion was not good.
    The G-A defense, which was outstanding the entire game, established itself quickly when Carter Wyant recovered a fumble on the LMC 32-yard line with 6:48 left in the opening frame.
Four plays later Nyitray was back in the end zone, this time on a 15-yard run with 4:57 left. Drew Reist kicked the extra point for a 13-0 G-A lead after one quarter.
   G-A put together a strong second quarter as well.
     After an LMC punt put G-A on its own 20-yard line, the Ram offensive line opened some impressive holes, allowing backs Cole Nyitray and Colten Labrie to enjoy big runs. Laurie had runs of 33, nine and seven yards, while Nyitray completed the drive with a 31-yard touchdown run with 3:36 left in the second quarter for a 19-0 lead. Reist kicked the extra point, bumping the lead to 20-0.
   After LMC enjoyed a nice kick return to the G-A 45-yard line, the Ram defense flourished once again, setting up a late score by the offense in the final minute.
   On a third and 11, Nyitray sacked LMC quarterback Daiden Shaw for a seven yard loss and then the Lakers threw an incomplete pass, giving G-A the ball on its own 40-yard line with just 47.4 seconds left.
    After throwing an incomplete pass, G-A quarterback Gavin Catherwood completed a pass to Nyitray who out ran a host of Lakers down the left sideline for a 60-yard touchdown with 27.2 seconds left in the first half. Rest kicked the extra point, giving G-A a 27-0 halftime lead.
    Gavin Catherwood scored on a four-yard run at the 9:28 mark of the third quarter, followed by a Catherwood to Nyitray pass on the two-point conversion, giving G-A a 35-0 lead and a running clock for the rest of the game.
    Nyitray broke loose for a 65-yard touchdown run with 4:02 left in the third quarter and Reist kicked the extra point, sending G-A into the final stanza with a 42-0 advantage.
    G-A managed to get down to the LMC 11-yard line in the fourth quarter, and following a five-yard penalty on the home team, attempted a 33-yard field goal, but Reist’s kick was short.
   The Rams will play at Comstock Friday.
Rough Opener For G-A

Union City Strikes For 26 1st Quarter Points In 53-0 Victory 

By Bruce Rolfe
   It certainly wasn’t the type of season opener the Galesburg-Augusta varsity football team was hoping for.
  A talented Union City team broke through for 26 first quarter points and went on to post a 53-0 win over the Rams Friday at Maskill Field in Galesburg.
  Union City, a playoff team last year with a 7-3 record, struggled initially against the Ram defense, throwing an incomplete pass, managing two yards and another five yard pickup before moving ahead for a first down on a third and three play.
  The Chargers then used a strong running game to enjoy big gains, before winding up on the G-A 10-yard line.
  A five-yard pick up followed by a two-yard gain left the visitors knocking on the door and quarterback Gavin Hooker crossed the goal line on a two yard run up the middle at the 8:43 mark. Riley Rivard kicked the extra point.
  A 60-yard punt return by Gavin Hooker at the 6:45 mark bumped Union City’s lead to 13-0 and then Rivard kicked the extra point for a 14-0 lead.
  The struggles continued for the Rams who could not pick up a first down and faced a punting situation. G-A’s punter could not get a punt off and instead was sacked on the G-A 18-yard line with 4:32 left in the frame.
Watson hooked up with Rivard on a beautiful pass play that covered 18 yards with 4:26 left in the quarter for a 20-0 Charger lead.
  Rivard’s extra point kick attempt was blocked.
  The Charger aerial show was front and center once again late in the quarter when Watson connected with Larson Never on a 22-yard pass play with 44.8 seconds left in the first quarter. Rivard’s extra point kick sent the Chargers into the second quarter with a 26-0 lead.
  G-A’s Cole Nyitray gave his team some life by breaking loose for a big run that covered about 60 yard down to the Union City seven-yard line but a penalty brought the ball back to the Union City 42-yard line. The Rams could not muster a first down and were forced to punt.
   Deacon Day scored from three yards out with 4:38 left in the second quarter and Rivard’s extra point kick sent the Chargers into the locker room at halftime with a 33-0 lead.
  G-A could not score on its first possession of the third quarter and moments later the visitors were back in the end zone.
  A brilliant one-handed catch by Larson Kever from Watson resulted in a 64-yard touchdown pass play for Union City at the 9:37 mark of the third quarter for a 39-0 Charger lead and a running clock. The extra point kick was no good.
  Dey picked up a G-A fumble and motored 57 yards for a touchdown with 7:03 left in the third quarter. for a 45-0 lead. Rivard toed the extra point, making the score 46-0.
   The Ram offense could not move the ball and were forced to punt after three downs.
   Union city struck one more time quickly when Gavin Hooker broke loose for a 65-yard scamper with 2:57 left in the third quarter for a 52-0 lead. Rivard’s extra point kick established the final score.
   G-A was limited to just 22 yards rushing, with Cole Nyitray picking up 16 of those yards.
  G-A only had seven yards passing for a total offensive output of 29 yards, while Union City finished with 336 yards in total offense.
G-A  senior Max Thompson was injured in the game, leaving the Rams with just three healthy players on the sidelines.
  The Rams will attempt to get into the win column August 31 for a road game at Three Oaks River Valley.
Lady Rams Go Down Fighting

G-A Battles Kalamazoo Christian Right To End In 47-40 District Opening Setback

By Bruce Rolfe
  Although his team suffered a season ending 47-40 loss to Kalamazoo Christian in the Class C district opener at Kalamazoo Hackett Monday, Ram coach Bob Verduzco saw his young team take its maturation process to a new level.
   The Rams, with just one senior and three players who saw significant playing time at the varsity level last year, finish the season with a 3-18 record. But seven players return next season, include one starting freshman, bringing optimism.
   The Rams brought a feisty attitude and a will to win right to the end, diving for loose balls, driving through the lane often and attacking the boards hard for rebounds.
   The aggressive approach did wind up hurting G-A, which saw two players foul out and another finish the game with four fouls. 
   G-A got into early foul trouble and it cost the Rams, as Kalamazoo Christian went to the free throw line an amazing 52 times, making 22 of the attempts. G-A was 9-for-14 at the charity stripe.
   With junior Macy Sierengowski already sidelined with an ankle injury, and Lexie Reist leaving the game in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury, G-A finished the game with nobody on the bench.
   Junior Sam Verburg finished with 18 points for G-A and senior Alyssa Woodard scored 17 points in her final game. Jordyn Klimp’s five points rounded out the scoring for the Rams.
   Kalamazoo Christian scored the opening basket with 7:06 left in the first quarter, but Verburg’s free throw with 5:17 left in the stanza gave G-A. A 3-2 lead, a lead the Rams would keep until the Comets finally caught the Rams eight seconds into the final stanza on a pair of free throws for a 31-31 tie.
   The momentum started to shift K-Christian’s way at the 6:14 mark when Sydney Doung’s basket on a drive through the lane gave the Comets the lead for good at 33-31.
   Two free throws by Carmen Katje with 3:42 left stretched the Comets’ lead to 40-31, however the pesky Rams reduced the deficit back down to three points, 40-37, when Verburg sank two free throws, Klimp scored on a drive through the lane and Verburg scored on another drive through the lane with 2:28 left.
   With the clock winding down, G-A was desperate to stop the clock and had to foul, and the Comets finished strong at the stripe, making 7-for-10 down the stretch.
   G-A played a strong first half, pulling out in front 11-5 after one quarter and 21-14 at halftime.
G-A Girls Pull Out 34-33 Win Over C-S

Win Snaps 8-Game Losing Streak

By Bruce Rolfe
   The Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball team snapped an eight-game losing streak with a come from behind 34-33 win over Climax-Scotts Tuesday at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.
    The win sends G-A into its home game Friday against Constantine with a 3-8 record, while C-S drops to 6-5 with a road game at Battle Creek St. Phillip approaching Friday.
The Panthers entered the fourth quarter enjoying a 26-21 lead, but G-A scored the first four points of the final stanza to pull within 26-25.
C-S bumped the lead back to six points on a drive through the lane by Peyton Nabozny with 4:57 left in the game, but G-A junior Sam Verburg hit some key baskets down the stretch.
     The G-A guard first nailed a basket with 2:34 left in the game to pull the visitors within 31-29. Lexie Reist tied the score with a basket at the 1:40 mark before C-S’ Megan Macomber put C-S ahead 33-31 with 1:26 left in the game.
     Verburg then came up big when she got through for an offensive rebound, dropped a shot in from in close to knot the game at 33-33 with 1:00 left in the game and then she completed the three-point play after she was fouled by sinking a free throw, putting the Rams ahead for good, 34-33.
C-S missed a shot at the other end with 21.4 seconds left and had another chance after G-A missed the front end of a one and one with 19.2 seconds left.
The Panthers missed a shot from the left corner, and G-A was awarded the ball when the rebound went off a C-S player out of bounds with 1.3 seconds left.
    G-A inbounded the ball and ran out the clock.
     The game was close the entire way, with C-S taking a 9-8 lead after one quarter.
    G-A started to get its outside shots to fall and settled for a 15-14 halftime lead after C-S’ Baylee Willis knocked down a three-point basket with 38.9 seconds left in the second quarter.
    C-S enjoyed a strong third quarter, enjoying a seven-point lead with 1:12 left, however the visitors sank a pair of free throws with 36.2 seconds left to enter the fourth quarter trailing C-S 26-21.
    Verburg finished with 10 points, 11 rebounds and two steals. 
    Baylee Willis’ nine points led C-S.
G-A Survives Poor Free Throw Shooting Night

By Bruce Rolfe
  Although it might be an assumption, the Galesburg-Augusta boys basketball team will likely be putting in a little extra time at the free throw line in practice Monday.
   The Rams first overcame an eight-point third quarter deficit and then survived a horrendous free throw shooting effort in the fourth quarter in a 40-37 win over Delton-Kellogg Friday at G-A High School on Hall of Fame night.
   The Rams finished 11-for-31 from the free throw line and 8-for-22 in the fourth quarter when the team had a chance to salt the game away down the stretch.
   Instead, Delton had two chances to tie the game, but missed three-point attempts with four seconds left and one-tenth of a second left in the game.
  The win gives G-A a 6-4 record heading into Tuesday’s non-league game at Climax-Scotts.
   While the team struggled overall in the fourth quarter, senior Trevor    Patterson was a bright spot, making 5-of-7 free throws in the final stanza. The G-A senior finished with 21 points, six rebounds and three steals.
   G-A started out with plenty of energy, racing out to a 6-0 lead before Delton finally sank a free throw with 4:00 left in the first quarter.
   A three-point bomb by Patterson with 1:10 left in the opening quarter gave the home team an 11-1 lead.
   Delton connected on its first basket from the floor with 45 seconds left in the quarter, settling for a 13-3 deficit after one quarter when Patterson scored with 1.8 seconds left in the quarter.
   G-A struggled with its shooting and turnovers in the second quarter and all of the a sudden the Panthers crept back to within 14-12 at halftime.
   Delton carried the momentum into the third quarter, starting the quarter with a 10-4 run to take a 22-18 lead with 5:11 left in the stanza.
   Delton led at one point 30-22 on a free throw with about one minute left, but the Rams cut the deficit to 30-28 after three quarters 
   The Rams finally caught the Panthers at the 6:38 mark of the fourth quarter when Abner Snyder scored inside for a 30-30 tie.
   A free throw by Patterson with 5:38 left in the fourth quarter gave G-A a 31-30 lead and the home team would not relinquish the lead the rest of the way, although Delton pulled to within 38-37 with a basket with 40.6 seconds left in the game.

Inside Play Lifts Rams Back Over .500 Mark


By Bruce Rolfe

   The Galesburg-Augusta varsity boys basketball team enjoyed strong shooting from the floor that was sparked by a big night inside in a 65-54 win over Gobles at G-A High School Thursday.

   G-A, now 3-2, shot 64 percent (25-39) from the floor, with the majority of the points coming from inside.

   Gobles pulled out to a 14-13 lead after one quarter, but the Rams, behind six points down low by Austyn Dunn and strong rebounding, moved in front 31-27 at halftime.

   G-A was able to gain some separation in the third quarter by pounding the ball inside to Dunn or enjoying penetration through the lane by Trevor Patterson that helped the team to a 45-38 lead. However Gobles closed the quarter by hitting a basket with 10.7 seconds left for a 45-40 advantage after three quarters.

   Gobles took its final lead of the game at the 6:05 mark of the fourth quarter on a pair of free throws for a 46-45 advantage, but the Rams closed out the win with a strong effort down the stretch.

   Patterson had 20 points to go along with seven rebounds, five assists and four steals, Dunn had 19 points  and Abner Snyder contributed nine points.

   G-A will be idle until January 5 at home against Kalamazoo Christian.

Lady Rams Enjoy Impressive Bounce Back Win Over Zion Christian

By Bruce Rolfe
  It only took the Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball team one game to get back in the win column as the Lady Rams captured a 46-30 win over Zion Christian Tuesday at G-A High School.
   G-A, coming off a 49-27 setback to Martin last Friday, bounced back impressively Tuesday, battling back from a 14-7 first quarter deficit to record the win.
   The 2-1 Rams held the visitors to just two points in the second quarter for a 21-16 lead at halftime.
 G-A was patient with its offense in the second half, generating many inside opportunities in the third quarter.
   The G-A defense also forced a handful of turnovers, leading to numerous fast break chances for the Rams, who outscored Zion Christian 10-7 for a 31-23 lead after three quarters.
   Zion Christian pulled to within 33-26 with a three-point basket with 5:14 left in the game, but G-A took control and put the game away.
   A basket by Jordyn Klimp with 3:34 left in the fourth quarter gave G-A a 37-26 lead and moments later Sam Verburg’s basket with 38.8 seconds left gave the Rams their largest lead of the game, 44-30.
   Verburg led the Rams with 15 points, four steals, four rebounds, and two assists, Klimp tossed in 10 points and added two steals and Macy Sierengowski pitched in with 10 points and five rebounds.
   G-A will play at Constantine Friday.
   Pick up our December 8 Climax Crescent for complete G-A girls basketball and Ram sports coverage.
New Chapter In G-A Girls Basketball Starts With Win

4th Quarter Defense, Withstanding Maple Valley’s 2nd Quarter Surge Keys 

Bob Verduzco started his first season as Galesburg-Augusta’s girls varsity basketball coach on a winning note as the Rams topped Vermontville Maple Valley 51-34 Tuesday on the road.
Verduzco was named G-A varsity girls coach after Mark Stephenson stepped down from the position at the conclusion of last season.
G-A led by a 16-8 count after one quarter, but Maple Valley enjoyed its biggest quarter in the second frame and maintained the eight-point deficit at halftime, 28-20.
G-A, which enjoyed a 38-28 lead after three quarters, prevented any fourth quarter comeback attempts by Maple Valley by holding the home team to just six points in the final stanza.
Sam Verburg had a strong season opener with 20 points including a trio of three pointers and a 7-for-8 performance from the free throw line.
Alyssa Woodard chipped in with 11 points.
G-A was aggressive on defense, coming up with 18 team steals, with freshman Jordyn Klimp’s five steals leading the way.
Mackenzie Phillips led G-A under the boards with eight rebounds.
The Rams will return to action Friday at home against Martin.
Pick up the December 1 Climax Crescent to learn more about this game and read about our G-A girls basketball season preview.
Last Year’s Early Postseason Exit Gives Lady Rams Motivation Heading Into Wednesday’s District Semifinal Game Against Springport

By Bruce Rolfe
The Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball team will face Springport in the district semifinal game Wednesday at G-A High School in the second game of a postseason doubleheader at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Springport (17-3) defeated Delton-Kellogg 65-42 in Monday’s district opener.
Vermontville Maple Valley, which drew a bye, will play Saranac, 45-20 winners over Potterville Monday, in the first semifinal game Wednesday at 6 p.m.
The two district semifinal winners will then clash Friday at 7 p.m. in the championship game at G-A High School.
The Rams have plenty of motivation heading into their district opener Wednesday.
A first round loss in the district tournament last year to Delton-Kellogg, 57-43, leaves G-A eager to reverse the misfortune this year.
But there’s other incentives.
The Rams are coming off their best regular season finish in school history with a 17-3 record and G-A coach Mark Stephenson senses this team is eager to leave its mark.
“The fact that they went through that (a first round postseason loss last year), they know that it’s not just going to be handed to you. I think the year before, winning the district and getting to the regional final, I think maybe they were looking too far ahead going into districts last year. We beat Delton easily a couple of times in the regular season and I think they may have thought this is going to be easy. We can get to the (District) final. So that’s experience you hope pays off at some point. I know the girls remember it and I know it drives them crazy. It should help us to be focused and ready to go,” said the G-A coach.
There’s also the fact that the seniors have been playing together so long and have high expectations, knowing this is their last chance.
“We’re really focusong on the district championship because we did not come ready last year and we’re just more hungry for it this year,” said senior Anna DeLeon.
“Even if we wouldn’t have lost last year we would have been hungry for it, but especially because of the way we lost it last year, we are so determined to get it. We’re so determined to work our best and show what we can do,” adds senior Madelyne Standley.

G-A Girls Enjoy Best Regular Season Finish In School History

Rams Celebrate Sr.-Parent Night, SAC Valley Division Title With 48-32 Win Over Lawton

By Bruce Rolfe
  It was a night for memories at Galesburg-Augusta High School Friday for the Lady Ram girls varsity basketball team.
  G-A’s 48-32 win over Lawton gives the Lady Rams a 17-3 regular season finish, believed to be the best regular season record in school history.
  The Rams also celebrated winning the SAC Valley Division last Tuesday by receiving their trophy following Friday’s SAC win over Lawton.
  The win culminated an emotional night for the seniors, who were playing their final regular season game at G-A on senior-parent night.
  It took strong defense in the fourth quarter for G-A to defeat Lawton.
  G-A, which completes SAC Division play with an unblemished 12-0 record, entered the fourth quarter with a slim 31-28 lead, but the Rams turned up the defensive pressure in the final stanza, holding the visitors without a point over the first 2:30 of the quarter. 
  G-A did a good job driving to the basket, drawing fouls or enjoying shots from in close.
   A free throw by Lawton’s Clare Lycan ended Lawton’s dry spell at the 5:30 mark of the fourth quarter, but G-A enjoyed a 38-29 lead.
   The Rams put the game out of reach by attacking the basket and getting in position for offensive rebounds, scoring three straight baskets inside for a 44-29 lead.
   Lawton finally scored its first basket from the floor in the quarter with 48.3 seconds left for a 46-31 deficit.
   G-A got off to a sluggish start, holding an 11-10 lead after one quarter and trailing by a 21-18 count at halftime.
   Sam Verburg scored 14 points and Madelyne Standley enjoyed her eighth straight double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
   G-A drew an opening round bye and will play the winner of the Springport-Delton-Kellogg game Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at G-A High School.
Having Full Roster Bringing Positive Results For Rams

    After playing the majority of its games with players missing due to injuries or eligibility issues, the Galesburg-Augusta varsity boys basketball team finally has its full roster available and it’s bringing positive results.
   While the Rams suffered a 50-38 loss to Delton-Kellogg last Friday in the first game G-A Coach Cory Schug has had his entire roster intact since the start of the season, the Rams were competitive in the loss right to the end.
   Tuesday the Rams put it all together and came away with a 64-34 win over Lawrence at G-A High School.
   After falling behind 9-6 entering the second quarter, G-A exploded for 30 points in the second stanza and never looked back.
   G-A extended the lead 54-27 at the end of three quarters.
   Abner Snyder led G-A with 17 points and five steals, Trevor Patterson whipped in 11 points and handed out five assists, and Austyn Dunn contributed eight points and seven rebounds.
   G-A, now 3-12, will play at Gobles Friday.

G-A Clicking At Offensive End In 49-36 Win Over Delton-Kellogg

By Bruce Rolfe
   The Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball team had the entire package working at the offensive end Friday night, leading to a 49-36 SAC win over Delton-Kellogg at G-A High School on Snowcoming.
   The Rams, now 14-2 overall and 10-0 in the SAC Valley Division, made crisp passes inside most of the night to Madelyne Standley inside the paint, drove the lane often and connected on five three-point baskets, led by Natalie Hosmer’s trio of triples.
   Hosmer finished with 13 points, Standley scored 11 points and Madison Harlow pitched in with 10 points.
   After taking a 15-8 lead at the end of one quarter, the Rams got hot at the three-point stripe in the second quarter, helping the team enjoy some separation at halftime with a 30-18 cushion.
   Hosmer drained a pair of three-pointers in the quarter and Anna DeLeon hit one.
   Delton-Kellogg fought back to within an 11-point deficit with a pair of free throws with 2:37 left in the third quarter, but that was as close as the Panthers would get.
   G-A closed the quarter with a 4-0 run on baskets by Hosmer and Standley down low for a 42-27 lead after three quarters.
   The Panthers remained in the hunt by puling to within 44-32 at the 5:08 mark, but G-A turned to strong defense down the stretch.
   The Rams will host Lawrence Tuesday.

Rams Take Control Of SAC Valley Division

Defense, Key Contributions Down Stretch Lifts G-A Past Schoolcraft 42-32

By Bruce Rolfe
   The Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball team used strong second half defense and key contributions from seniors and a sophomore starter to post a 42-32 SAC Valley Division win over Schoolcraft on the road Friday.
   The win gives G-A, now 13-2 overall and 9-0 in the SAC Valley Division, a two-game lead over the Eagles (7-2) in the Valley Division.
   Trailing 19-12 at halftime, the Rams turned to strong defense in the third quarter, holding Schoolcraft to just two points.
   A basket by Anna DeLeon with 3:29 left in the stanza gave G-A the lead for good, 23-21.
   G-A closed the quarter with three more free throws for a 26-21 lead after three quarters.
   The calm demeanor displayed by seniors Natalie Hosmer, Anna DeLeon, Madelyne Standley and Madison Harlow, combined with a composed sophomore Sam Verburg helped the Rams put the Eagles away in the fourth quarter.
   G-A did a good job moving the ball around and getting it into the post to Standley, who scored eight points down low including an offensive put back in the fourth quarter.
   Verburg grabbed a big rebound, scored on a baseline drive and sank four straight free throws in the final 21.6 seconds to seal the contest.
    The free throw line proved to be a big difference, as the Rams made 14-19 charity stripe baskets, including 12-of-17 in the second half, while Schoolcraft was 6-of-14 in the contest.
   Both teams started sluggish, with the Eagles taking an 8-6 lead after one quarter.
   G-A was plagued with turnovers in the second quarter (6) and trailed the home team by a 19-12 count at halftime.
    But Eagles locked it down defensively and Schoolcraft struggled from the floor, making just 1-of-12 shots in the stanza, which ended with the Rams leading 26-21.
   Standley finished with 12 points and Verburg scored 11 points.
    G-A will host Delton Friday.

G-A Seniors Take Charge In Overtime

Standley, DeLeon Score All 12 Points In Extra Session Helping Rams To 53-49 Win Over K-Christian

Galesburg-Augusta seniors Madelyne Standley and Anna DeLeon scored all 12 of the Rams’ points in overtime, helping G-A to a 53-49 win over Kalamazoo Christian Tuesday on the road.

The two teams were tied at 41-41 at the end of regulation, but Standley poured in seven points and DeLeon added five in the extra session.

The two G-A seniors both finished with double-doubles, as Standley poured in 19 points to go along with 15 rebounds and DeLeon added 11 points and 14 rebounds.

Natalie Hosmer, who dropped in a trio of three-point baskets, added 11 points.

G-A got off to a slow start, falling behind by a 12-2 count after one quarter, but rebounded to pull to within 21-20 at halftime.

The Rams led by a 32-30 margin after three quarters.

G-A, now 12-2, will play at Schoolcraft Friday.

Pick up the February 3 Climax Crescent for a complete G-A girls basketball report.

Lady Rams Enjoy Separation Over Hackett

G-A Holds On For 36-28 Win

By Bruce Rolfe
   The Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball team not only maintained first place in the SAC Valley Division with Saturday’s 36-28 win over Kalamazoo Hackett at Kalamazoo Hackett High School, the team enjoys separation over the Irish in the Valley Division.
   G-A, now 11-2 overall, now sit at 7-0 in the SAC Valley Division, while Hackett drops to 4-3 in the SAC Valley Division.
    Holding just a five point lead (33-28) with 2:09 left in the game, G-A burned over a half a minute off the clock by moving the ball around, and then really made a comeback attempt by Hackett challenging when Madelyne Standley scored down low, was fouled and converted the three-point play with a free throw with 1:38 left in the game for a 36-28 lead.
   G-A came out strong, taking an 11-1 lead after one quarter and led by a 20-7 count at halftime.
   The Irish made a run at the Rams in the third quarter, pulling to within 27-22 at the end of three quarters.
   Standley scored 11 points and Natalie Hosmer, who knocked down a pair of three-point baskets, added nine points.
   G-A will play at Kalamazoo Christian Tuesday.

Bloomingdale Tops G-A, 60-43

   A big second quarter helped Bloomingdale to a 60-43 win over the Galesburg-Augusta boys varsity basketball team Tuesday at G-A High School.
   Bloomingdale led by a 13-10 margin after three quarters but opened up a 34-17 halftime lead at halftime.
   The Rams enjoyed a nice run coming out of halftime and pulled to within 41-32 after three quarters, but Bloomingdale held on for the win.
   Austyn Dunn whipped in 17 points to go along with six rebounds and six blocked shots to pace G-A and Max Landers scored 10 points including a pair of three-point baskets.
   G-A, now 2-8, will play at Hackett Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Lady Rams Get Back In Win Column With Big 2nd Half

Hosmer Drops In 5 Triples In Second Half

It didn?t take the Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball team long to put a non-league loss to Plainwell Tuesday behind them.
The Rams used a big second half, sparked by a barrage of three-point baskets by senior Natalie Hosmer, to pin a 46-27 setback on Lawton Friday at Lawton.
G-A, now 9-2, got off to a slow start, falling behind 8-3 after one quarter, but the Rams came to life in the second quarter, moving in front 15-14 at halftime.
After sinking just two free throws in the first half, Hosmer came to life in the second half, scoring 15 of her game high 17 points.
Hosmer connected on a trio of triples in the third quarter, helping G-A to a 34-17 lead after three quarters. She buried two more three-point baskets in the fourth quarter.
Madelyne Standley had an all around strong game with 10 points, five rebounds, three blocks and four steals for the winners and Taylor Davis added nine rebounds and six points.
G-A will play at Bloomingdale Tuesday.
Plainwell Slows Down G-A’s Momentum

Big Start Key In Ending 3-Game Winning Streak

The Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball team couldn’t overcome a big deficit and Plainwell’s long-range shooting in a 51-37 non-league loss to Trojans Tuesday at G-A High School.
The setback ends a three-game winning streak for G-A, which falls to 8-2 overall.
G-A faced a double digit lead early and could not recover, falling behind 16-5 after one quarter.
The frustrating play continued in the second quarter when the visitors outscored the Rams 13-2 for a 29-7 halftime cushion.
Plainwell, which knocked down nine three-point baskets in the game, connected for five treys in the first half alone.
The Rams tried to battle back in the second half, crawling to within 41-19 after three quarters and outscored the Trojans 18-13 in the fourth quarter, but the deficit was too large.
Natalie Hosmer, who scored all nine of her points in the fourth quarter behind a trio of three-point baskets, joined Madison Harlow , who also scored nine points, as scoring leaders for the Rams. Madelyne Standley pitched in with eight points.
G-A will play at Lawton Friday.
Lady Rams Turn Up The Defense In Second Half

Topple Gobles 42-31 To Move To 8-1

By Bruce Rolfe
   Facing just an eight point lead at halftime (23-15), the Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball team turned to one of their main qualities, strong defense, to make sure there was no comeback effort by Gobles in a 42-31 SAC win over the Tigers Friday at G-A High School on Hall of Fame Night.
   The Rams, now 8-1, held Gobles scoreless in the third quarter until the 2:52 mark when the Tigers finally scored to pull to within 26-17 but that was all the Tigers could muster the rest of the quarter and G-A took a 30-17 advantage into the final stanza.
   The Ram continued to play strong defense in the fourth quarter, holding the Tigers to just one free throw over the first 2:32.
   An offensive stick back by Madelyne Standley off her own missed free throw with 4:25 left in the game gave G-A its largest lead of the contest, 40-21.
   Natalie Hosmer, who knocked down a pair of triples, finished with 12 points, Standley scored eight points to go along with eight rebounds and Sam Verburg pitched in with seven points.
Madison Harlow added seven steals.
   G-A led 10-9 after one quarter.
   G-A will host Plainwell Tuesday in a make up game.
Lady Rams Always Looking To Improve Defensively

G-A Holds K-Christian Scoreless For Most Of First Quarter In 50-30 Win

By Bruce Rolfe
Galesburg-Augusta’s relentless defense started in the first quarter and carried into the second quarter Tuesday, helping the Rams to a 50-30 win over Kalamazoo Christian at G-A High School.
The Lady Rams were putting pressure on Comet ball handlers forcing turnovers, getting hands in the faces of Kalamazoo Christian shooters, deflecting passes, winning the 50-50 battles and diving for loose balls.For rest of story and more local news pick up our December 16, 2016 Climax Crescent available December 15, 2016 at Quik Stop in Climax, and Bowman's BBQ in Climax, Scotts Country Store and Deli and Scotts Corner Cafe' in Scotts and the Galesburg Hardings Market, or stop by the Crescent  
G-A Girls Still Looking For Complete Game Effort

By Bruce Rolfe
While it’s still early in the season, Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball coach Mark Stephenson, as well as his players, are searching for that complete, 32-minute effort every coach hopes for.
The Rams appeared headed in that direction in Tuesday’s 50-30 win over Kalamazoo Christian at G-A High School when the G-A raced out to a 31-9 lead at halftime.
G-A’s defense was creating havoc for Comet guards, forcing turnover after turnover that led to numerous transition opportunities at the offensive end.  For rest of story and more local news pick up our December 16, 2016 Climax Crescent available December 15, 2016 at Quik Stop in Climax, and Bowman's BBQ in Climax, Scotts Country Store and Deli and Scotts Corner Cafe' in Scotts and the Galesburg Hardings Market, or stop by the Crescent  
Lady Rams Win Key Showdown Battle With Schoolcraft

In First Place All Alone

By Bruce Rolfe
   With first place in the SAC Valley Division on the line, the Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball team came up with key free throws, one huge basket and good defense down the stretch to register a 33-29 win over Schoolcraft Friday at G-A High School in a battle of undefeated teams.
   The game was close throughout the contest, but both teams struggled with their shooting and relied on defense to create opportunities at the offensive end.
   G-A, now 5-0 overall and 3-0 in the SAC Valley Division, moved in front 31-27 at the 2:20 mark of the fourth quarter on Natalie Hosmer’s basket, but Schoolcraft’s Gabi Saxman answered with a basket 12 seconds later to cut the lead to 31-29.
   A turnover by G-A with 1:11 left in the game gave the visitors an opportunity to either tie or take the lead, but the Eagles could not find the range and were forced to foul with 22.3 seconds left in the game.
   Madison Harlow split a pair of free throws to put the Rams on top 32-29.
   Saxman missed a three-point attempt from the top of the key and the Rams got the rebound.
   Wynn Stitt fouled Harlow with 3.8 seconds left in the game and the Ram senior split a pair of free throws to ice the contest and establish the final score.
    G-A led by a 10-7 count after one quarter and took a 17-16 lead into the locker room at halftime when Alyssa Woodard split a pair of free throws with no time left on the clock in the second quarter.
   Both teams suffered through stretches of cold shooting in the third quarter, until Stitt finally connected for the first basket of the stanza with 3:22 left, giving the Eagles a 19-18 lead.
   An offensive put back by Madelyne Standley gave G-A the lead for good, 20-19, and the Rams entered the final frame with a 23-19 advantage on Sam Verburg’s three-point basket.
   Anna DeLeon’s three-point bomb with 6:18 left in the game gave G-A its largest lead of the second half, 26-20, however the game remained close the rest of the way.
   Verburg finished with nine points, and Standley and Hosmer each scored eight points.
    G-A will have another key clash against Olivet at home Tuesday.
   Alyssa Woodard puts up a shot during first half action against Kalamazoo Christian Tuesday. (Photograph by Bruce Rolfe - Property of the Climax Crescent). Purchase this photo with no water mark by calling 746-4331.
Defense Paves The Way For G-A In 50-30 Win Over K-Christian

4-0 Lady Rams Host Schoolcraft Friday

By Bruce Rolfe
   Galesburg-Augusta set the tone defensively right from the opening tip and never looked back in a 50-30 win over Kalamazoo Christian Tuesday at G-A High School. 
   G-A, now 4-0, pressured Kalamazoo Christian ball handlers often, forcing turnovers that led to fast break transition baskets and the Rams were winning the 50-50 battles with extra effort.
   The Rams raced out to a 13-0 lead before the Comets scored their first points as time expired in the opening quarter for a 13-2 advantage after one.
    The strong G-A defense spilled into the second quarter when the Comets were unable to score again until the 5:21 mark on a free throw.
   The pressure packed defense prevented the Comets from enjoying any runs for most of the quarter until K-Christian managed to end the quarter with four straight points on a pair of free throws by Haley Balkema at the 1:46 mark and a basket by Carmen Katje with 1:10 left for a 31-9 deficit at halftime.
   A determined Comet squad gave a stronger effort in the third quarter, forcing a handful of G-A turnovers and doing a better job under the boards, helping the visitors enjoy their biggest offensive quarter, however G-A responded with a strong inside presence to take a 44-20 lead into the final quarter.
   A basket b Audrey Batts with 59.3 seconds left in the game reduced the Comets’ deficit to its smallest margin of the second half at 18 points (48-30) since the 6:14 mark of the third quarter (31-13).
   Natalie Hosmer and Madison Harlow each scored 11 points and Madelyn Standley chipped in with eight points.
   The Rams will host Schoolcraft Friday.

Rams Continue Offensive Surge In 36-8 Win Over Bloomingdale

By Bruce Rolfe
  The Galesburg-Augusta varsity football team continued a strong offensive surge by pinning a 36-8 win over Bloomingdale Thursday at Bloomingdale.
  G-A, coming off a season opening 54-20 win over Eau Claire, moves to 2-0 and has won four straight games dating back to last year.
  Tristan Terry continued his strong season at Bloomingdale, scoring three touchdowns, Elijah Wilson had a strong return, scoring one touchdown, quarterback Bryan Beard tossed a touchdown pass to Anthony Brewer, and the G-A defense was solid, having a hand in recording a safety while holding the Cardinals off the score board until fourth quarter.
  After a scoreless first quarter, G-A broke in front at the 10:08 mark of the second quarter when Beard teamed up with Brewer for a touchdown strike covering 37 yards. Matt Wilkerson’s extra point kick bumped the lead to 7-0.
   Pinned back on its own 10-yard line, Bloomingdale tried a quick kick on third down, but a short punt left the Rams knocking on the door at the Bloomingdlae 17-yard line and G-A was back in the end zone three plays later.
   After enjoying pick ups of eight and six yards, Terry rammed into the end zone on a three-yard burst with 3:11 left in the first half for a 13-0 G-A lead. Wilkerson kicked the extra point.
   Special teams was a key for G-A on several plays, and the Rams quickly gained possession again following Terry’’s touchdown when the visitors tried a squib kick and pounced on a fumble by the Cardinals at the Bloomingdale 28-yard line.
   Elijah Wilson, who sat out the season opener with a shoulder injury, scored from eight yards out on a run at the 1:15 mark, bumping G-A’s lead to 20-0. Wilkerson’s successful extra point kick sent the Rams into the locker room at halftime with a 27-0 advantage.
   The Rams executed a successful onside kick perfectly to open the second half, recovering the pigskin at midfield.
   G-A continued its aggressive ground attack in the second half and Terry finished the drive with a six-yard touchdown scamper at the 8:48 mark. Wilkerson kicked the extra point for a 28-0 Ram lead.
   The Rams tried another onside kick, but Bloomingdale pounced on the ball this time.
   The Rams nearly turned a Bloomingdale fumble into points, marching to the Cardinal eight-yard line before fumbling the ball back to the home team with 5:18 left in the third quarter.
   The G-A defense stood tall and the Rams entered the final stanza with a 28-0 lead.
   Tristan Terry, who scored five touchdowns and rushed for 242 yards in the season opener, scored G-A’s final touchdown on a four-yard run with 9:11 left in the game, however Wilkerson’s extra point kick went wide right for a 34-0 G-A lead.
   Bloomingdale avoided the shutout on its next possession on a 53-yard touchdown run with 7:51 left in the game. The Cardinals were successful on the two-point conversion on a pass.
   After a lengthy delay due to an injury to a Bloomingdale player with 7:43 left in the game, G-A scored its final points of the evening when a high snap from center over the Bloomingdale punter’s head landed in the end zone for a safety.
   Individual final statistics were not immediately available after the game.
   The Rams will host Gobles Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.
Strong Opener For G-A

Terry Explodes For 242 Yards In 54-20 Ram Win

By Bruce Rolfe
  Galesburg-Augusta senior Tristan Terry sparked a huge offensive onslaught by his teammates in a 54-20 SAC win over Eau Claire Thursday at Galesburg’s Maskill Field.
   The 1-0 Rams will be aiming for a second straight win Sept. 1 at Bloomingdale in week No. 2.
   Terry enjoyed five touchdowns and rolled up 242 yards on 18 carries.
G-A.
    The G-A senior scored his teams’ first points of the new season at the 6:48 mark of the first quarter when he scored from four yards out. Matt Wilkerson kicked the extra point, giving G-A a 7-0 lead after one quarter.
   Abner Snyder broke loose around the left end for a big 30-yard touchdown sprint just 1:12 into the second frame to give G-A a 13-0 lead. Wilkerson toed the extra point.
   After Eau Claire gambled and attempted to go for a first down on a fourth and five play at its own 41-yard line, but fumbled, G-A turned the miscue into six more points moments later.
   Terry followed a pair of 17-yard runs with a one-yard touchdown run at the 7:35 mark, expanding G-A’s lead to 20-0 (the extra point kick was blocked).
    A strong kick off return by Eau Claire on the following kickoff put the visitors in G-A territory for the first time in the first half at the Ram 49-yard line.
    A fumble recovered by Bryan Beard ended the threat and started another scoring drive for G-A.
   Terry broke loose for a 34-yard touchdown scamper at the 5:33 mark, bumping the Ram lead to 26-0. Wilkerson kicked the extra point.
    Eau Claire came storming back when Matt Bond broke loose for a 54-yard touchdown run with 4:30 left in the second quarter. The Beavers converted on the two-point attempt with a run, making the score 26-8.
    Snyder retaliated for G-A just 17 seconds later when he took the first play from scrimmage following Boind’s touchdown and raced down the left sidelines for a 74-yard touchdown run with 4:13 left in the first half. The extra point kick was no good, but G-A enjoyed a 33-8 lead.
    The Ram offensive onslaught in the first half wasn’t finished yet, as Bryan Beard barreled ahead eight yards for a touchdown strike with 1:09 left in the first half. Wilkerson’s extra point kick sent the home team into the locker room at halftime with a comfortable 40-8 lead.
    Terry scored his fourth touchdown of the night at the 8:23 mark of the third quarter on a 14-yard run for a 46-8 lead and Wilkerson kicked the extra point, triggering a running clock scenario the rest of the game.
    Terry scored his fifth touchdown and G-A’s final touchdown of the game in a big way when he broke loose for a 72-yard romp with 1:38 left in the third quarter for a 53-8 lead. Wilkerson’s extra point kick rounded out G-A’s scoring and gave the Rams a 54-8 lead after three quarters.
    Eau Claire scored the game’s final touchdowns on a 32-yard run (the two-point conversion was no good) and on a 35-yard touchdown pass play from quarterback Brandon Reybuck to Jakobe Young (the two-point attempt failed).
    Abner Snyder added 155 yards on nine carries and Devon Pickett, with nine tackles, Terry, with eight tackles, and Jacob Walker, with six tackles, led G-A’s defensive corps.

G-A Tennis Team Falls To Kalamazoo Hackett, 8-0

    The G-A Girls Tennis Team was defeated by highly regarded Kalamazoo Hackett squad on Thursday by an 8-0 score. Solid matches, though in defeat, were turned in by the Rams' Doubles' teams of Nat Hosmer/Kylie Klomparens and Ali Sanderson/Maddy Perry. The closest result in the team match was submitted by a feisty Kristin Gibson who fell by a 3-6,3-6 score. 

“We knew what we were up against going into the match but we stayed mostly positive throughout. This match was about winning games, as compared to matches, and we put up some good fights at most of the flights.  Kalamazoo Hackett is almost certainly the regular season Conference Champion (as they only have to defeat a winless Eau Claire team next week) while we are looking to secure a fourth place finish in Conference action by defeating Coloma next Tuesday. Coloma will (most likely) be looking to secure a tie for 4th place with us by pulling off the minor upset,” said G-A Coach Paul Ferguson. “Hackett appears to be trying to stay under the radar, statewide, and are most likely not reporting their scores for rankings. They look like a top 5 team in the States to me and are, in my opinion, the favorite to win our Regionals. “

   The Rams next participate in the Bobcat Invitational on Saturday, 10am, in Niles/Brandywine. Start time is 10am and the site is Plym Park. The Lady Rams then face Coloma next Tuesday (AWAY) at 4:30pm.


 

Delton Ends Lady Rams’ Season, 57-43

Delton-Kellogg outscored Galesburg-Augusta 16-2 in the overtime and went on to post a 57-43 win over the Rams in a district semifinal game at Maple Valley Wednesday.

G-A, which completes the season with a 14-7 record, played a solid first half, enjoying a 13-11 lead after one quarter and a 24-15 advantage at halftime.

But the Rams encountered foul trouble in the third and fourth quarters, with Madelyne Standley finally fouling out with about three minutes remaining in the game.

Delton pulled to within 29-28 after three quarters and the two teams were tied at 41-41 at the end of regulation.

Samantha Verburg and Natalie Hosmer each scored 10 points to pace G-A in scoring and Standley, who was held to four points, pulled down eight rebounds.

 

Lady Rams Hit Bump; 4-Game Winning Streak Stopped By Schoolcraft

Riding a four-game winning streak including a huge win over previously undefeated Kalamazoo Hackett a week ago, the Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball team hit a bump Friday, dropping a 41-37 decision to Schoolcraft at G-A High School.

A win would have put the 10-5 Rams back in the thick of the SAC Valley Division race, but G-A now falls to 5-3 in the Valley Division.

Schoolcraft improves to 11-4 overall and 7-2 in the SAC Valley Division.

The two teams got off to a slow start, finishing the first quarter tied at 6-6.

G-A’s shooting percentage sagged in the second quarter and Schoolcraft found itself with a number of fast break opportunities.

But it was the Eagles’ three-point shooting that gave the visitors a 17-13 halftime lead, as Schoolcraft knocked down a pair of quick treys midway through the stanza.

The Eagles increased the lead to 30-23 at the end of the third quarter before G-A made a come back in the fourth quarter, only to fall short.

Madelyne Standley enjoyed a strong game, pouring in 22 points to go along with 17 rebounds and three steals.

G-A will be idle until Friday when the team hosts Delton. 

G-A Girls Win Huge Game Over Hackett In Overtime

The Galesburg-Augusta girls’ varsity basketball team dug down and handed Kalamazoo Hackett its first loss of the season Friday, 43-39 in overtime.

Hackett entered the game with an 11-0 record, while G-A improves to 9-4 with the win and 5-2 in the division.

G-A’s Sierra Nantz only scored three three points in the game but all three were important, coming in the overtime.

G-A meshed five-of-six free throws and Nantz scored G-A’s only basket from the floor.

G-A trailed by a 19-13 count at halftime, but Natalie Hosmer came to life in the third quarter, knocking down a trio of three-point baskets on the way to scoring 15 points in the second half, helping the Rams to a 26-31 lead after three quarters.

The two teams were tied 36-36 at the end of regulation.

Hosmer finished with 15 points, and Madelyne Standley added 12 points and nine rebounds.

G-A will host Kalamazoo Christian Tuesday. 

Lady Rams Use Strong Defense To Claim 46-19 Win Over Bloomingdale

By Bruce Rolfe

Although it was a sloppy game that was dominated by turnovers, fouls and free throws, the Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball team was none the less happy to come away with a 46-19 win over Bloomingdale Tuesday at G-A High School.

The two teams combined for 28 fouls (G-A had 13) and 40 free throw attempts (G-A was 14-28).

G-A, now 8-4 overall and 3-3 in the Valley Division of the SAC, played a strong game defensively, holding Bloomingdale to single digits the first three quarters. The Rams led 14-3 after one quarter and really turned it on in the second frame when the visitors were held to just two free throws for a 33-5 halftime deficit.

A basket by Bloomingdale’s Heather Davis with 54 seconds left in the first quarter was the only basket from the floor the Cardinals enjoyed in the first half.

G-A entered the final frame with a 39-9 advantage.

Anna DeLeon scored 10 points, Alyssa Woodard added nine and Sierra Nantz and Madelyne Standley each scored eight points.

G-A will host Hackett Friday.

 

Nice Bounce Back Win For G-A Girls

By Bruce Rolfe

  After absorbing a 58-16 loss at Olivet Tuesday, the Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball team bounced back nicely Friday with a 54-29 win over Martin at G-A High School.

The 7-4 Rams were missing their leading three-point shooter, Natalie Hosmer, but freshman Samantha Verburg stepped up nicely in her absence from long range, knocking down a trio of three-point baskets on the way to a team leading 20 points.

G-A’s quickness seemed to bother Martin most of the game, as the Rams got to loose balls quicker, did a good job under the boards and came up with numerous steals that led to fast break opportunities.

G-A led 15-9 after one quarter, but opened up a 30-16 lead at halftime.

The Rams held Martin without a basket from the floor in the third frame and just four free throws, moving in front 44-20 after three quarters.

Alyssa Woodard added 10 points for the winners and Anna DeLeon scored eight points and pulled down four rebounds.

G-A will host Bloomingdale Tuesday. 

Rams Too Much For Lawton, 58-39

Strong defense in the first half accompanied by a solid night at the offensive end added up to a lopsided 58-39 win for the Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball team over Lawton Friday at G-A High School.

Natalie Hosmer was the catalyst for G-A offensively, scoring a career high 23 points behind seven three-point baskets, also a career high.

G-A led by an 18-11 count after one quarter, but stepped up its defensive intensity in the second quarter when the team allowed just four points for a 33-15 halftime cushion.

The 6-3 Rams entered the fourth quarter with a 48-27 lead.

Madelyne Standley added 17 points, six steals and 12 rebounds.

G-A will play at Olivet Tuesday. 

Rams Use Strong Defense To Clip Constantine, 37-15

By Bruce Rolfe

With the prime focus of getting a 56-35 setback to Gobles last Friday out of their mind and back on track as quickly as possible, the Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball team responded with a strong defensive effort by posting a 37-15 win over Constantine Wednesday at G-A High School in a makeup game that was postponed Tuesday.

The Rams, now 5-3, concentrated on getting their hands in the passing lanes to deflect passes and turned up the defensive pressure for the better part of three quarters, leading to the lop-sided win.

 G-A held Constantine to single digits all four quarters, racing out to a 12-4 lead ager one quarter and 18-6 at halftime when Sierra Nantz split a free throw with 1:31 left in the second quarter.

G-A held the visitors without a point in the second half until the 6:21 mark when the Falcons were finally able to connect, but G-A’s lead was well into double figures at 24-8.

The Rams closed the quarter with a 5-1 run for a 29-9 lead after three quarters.

G-A enjoyed its biggest lead of the game at 25 points when Samantha Brooks scored with 1:28 left in the game for a 37-12 Ram advantage.

Hosmer finished with 11 points to lead G-A in scoring and MAdelyne Standley pitched in with eight points to go along with eight rebounds, three steals and two blocks.

The Rams will host Lawton Friday at 6 p.m.

 Don't forget to read about all G-A winter athletic teams in our January 15, 2016 Climax Crescent, available January 14, 2016 at Quik Stop in Climax, Bowman's BBQ & Meat Market in Climax, Scotts Country Store and Deli and Scotts Corner Cafe' in Scotts and the Galesburg Hardings Market, or stop by the Crescent  

 

Gobles Remains Undefeated At Expense Of G-A Girls

Too many weapons for Gobles combined with a high number of turnovers added up to a 56-35 loss by the Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball team Friday at G-A High School.

Gobles, now 8-0, enjoyed three players in double figure scoring, led by Ellen Doyle’s 18 points. Molee Nason added 16 points and Hailey Baxter contributed 10 points.

Gobles led by a 10-6 count after one quarter but enjoyed a double digit lead at halftime 31-21.

G-A’s attempts to get back into the game were stalled by turnovers, as the Rams turned the ball over five times in the stanza.

The Rams also struggled to get into a groove at the offensive end, while Gobles continued to build its lead, settling for a 45-27 advantage after three quarters.

G-A, now 4-3, was led by Natalie Hosmer’s 13 points, while Madelyne Standley scored 12 points, including eight in the second half.

The Rams will host Constantine Jan. 12. 

 

Dreams Of Regional Championship End For Lady Rams

4th Quarter Comeback Bid In Regional Title Game Falls Short For G-A, 60-43

By Bruce Rolfe

Dreams of returning to the Class C quarterfinals for the first time since 2009 at Galesburg-Augusta were crushed Thursday by Homer in the Regional championship game at Concord, 60-43.

G-A completes the season with an impressive 17-7 record, while Homer takes a 21-4 mark into Tuesday’s quarterfinals against Ypsilanti Arbor Prep (21-3).

Homer’s defense on G-A’s Kathryn Dooley (3 points) and outside threat Natalie Hosmer (2 points) took away two of the Rams’ big offensive threats, but turnovers reduced G-A’s number of offensive threats in the first half in particular, when the team had 13 miscues. G-A finished with 22 turnovers for the game.

The Rams nearly pulled off a remarkable come back, but the G-A could not over come foul trouble, and Homer capitalized at the free throw down the stretch.

G-A trailed by as much as 24 points with 2:54 left in the third quarter, but the Rams had their fans on their feet late in the fourth stanza with an impressive comeback.

Trailing 45-27 at the end of three quarters, G-A’s press helped the Rams whittle the deficit down to as little as seven points with 2:34 left in the game.

Three-point bombs by Anna DeLeon and Holly DeLeon around a basket by Madison Harlow gave G-A hope with a 50-43 deficit, but the lead was too much to overcome with the clock their enemy and Homer extending the lead at the free throw line.

The Trojans went 6-for-10 at the charity stripe over the final 2:14. Homer’s Alyssa Boyd split a free throws with 2:14 left for a 51-43 Trojan lead, but the Trojans were able to pick off the rebound off her second free throw miss and not only ran valuable seconds off the clock, but split another pair of free throws.

Two G-A misses sandwiched around a pair of free throws by Courtney Willson put the Trojans’ lead back into double digits (53-43) with 1:58 left.

Megan George split a pair of free throws to bump the lead to 55-43 with 1:48 left, but G-A turned the ball over with 1:38 left in the game.

Another free throw by Bailey Manis with 1:25 left put the Trojan lead at 56-43 and the Rams did not have enough time to complete the come back.

Holly DeLeon gave G-A a quick 2-0 lead with a basket down low at the 7:27 mark of the opening frame, but that would be the only lead the Rams would enjoy.

Homer forced six turnovers to march out to a 13-7 lead after one quarter, and the Rams had seven more miscues in the second quarter and found themselves trailing 31-17 at halftime.

Homer’s interior defense frustrated G-A’s Leah Savage and Madelyne Standley inside the paint or down low often, however Savage did score from in close to the basket with 36.1 seconds left to pull the Rams to within 45-27 at the end of three quarters.

Standley finished with 18 points and eight rebounds to lead G-A.

Boyd’s 20 points led Homer.

   

 G-A Gets Rematch With Springport In District Championship Game

The Galesburg-Augusta girls’ basketball team will be looking for some revenge in Friday’s 7 p.m. district championship game against Springport after the Rams clipped Dansville 38-29 Wednesday in the district semifinal game at Springport.

Springport (9-13), who defeated Maple Valley Wednesday, bounced G-A out of the last year’s district tournament semifinal game, 52-42.

G-A (15-6) enjoyed a 23-3 halftime lead, but injuries to starters Kathryn Dooley and Holly DeLeon, stalled the momentum and Dansville (5-16) crept back into the game. It is not known what the two starters’ status is for Friday’s district championship game.

Natalie Hosmer scored 12 points for G-A and Madelyn Standley added nine points.

G-A Hangs On For 27-23 Win In Double Overtime

Both Parchment and Galesburg-Augusta failed to score a point in the first overtime, but it was G-A?s defense in the second extra session that proved to be a key in the Rams? 27-23 win Friday.

The two teams entered the first overtime knotted at 23-23, but neither team scored in the first overtime.

G-A then held the Panthers scoreless in the second overtime and Leah Savage and Kathryn Dooley each scored baskets to lift the Rams to the win.

G-A, now 9-3 overall and 7-0 in the league, was led by Dooley?s 13 points.

Parchment led by an 11-7 count after one quarter, G-A came back to take a 17-13 lead at halftime and the Panthers crept to within 18-15 at the end of three quarters.

G-A will play at Schoolcraft Tuesday. 

G-A’s Inside Presence, Defense Too Much For Delton

Struggling offensively most of the year, the Galesburg-Augusta girls’ varsity basketball team made a concerted effort to try and establish an inside game Friday against Delton and the strategy worked, helping the team to a 39-22 win.  galesburg-augusta-sports.php

The Rams, now 7-3 overall, played their typical strong brand of strong defense as well, helping the team to a double digit lead most of the game.

G-A enjoyed quarter leads of 11-2, 19-7 and 29-12.

Holly DeLeon led the winners with nine points, Kathryn Dooley chipped in with eight points, seven rebounds, two blocks and one steal and Leah Savage and Natalie Hosmer each had seven points.

G-A will host Kalamazoo Christian Tuesday.  

G-A Struggles To Get Into Groove Against Eagles

 By Bruce Rolfe
   The Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball team could not overcome 32 turnovers and the loss of one of its starters Friday in a 45-27 loss to Schoolcraft at G-A High School.
  G-A junior Brynne Johnson went to the floor with an ankle injury with 1:51 left in the first quarter and did not return. 
   While Schoolcraft’s defense prevented G-A from getting into any type of consisten rhythm, the loss of Johnson’s rebounding and inside presence was also missed.
   Schoolcraft led wire to wire, taking a 6-2 lead after one quarter and building the margin to 20-5 at halftime.
   Schoolcraft’s tough defense was the story Friday, as the Rams, who scored the first basket of the second quarter early, did not score again the 2:08 mark of the third quarter when Sam Verburg scored, making the deficit 34-7.
  The Eagles took a 35-10 lead into the fourth quarter.
  Despite the large deficit, G-A continued to battle hard and outscored the visitors 17-10, with Verburg scoring 11 points in the quarter and Jordyn Klimp adding six.
   Verburg finished with 19 points, six rebounds and three steals.
  G-A, now 8-6, will play at Fennville Monday in a makeup contest.

Hackett Pulls Away From G-A Boys After Competitive First Quarter

  For one quarter the Galesburg-Augusta boys varsity basketball team were very competitive with SAC Valley Division leaders Kalamazoo Hackett, but the Irish turned up the intensity at both ends of the floor over the final three quarters to register a 81-29 victory over G-A Friday on Snowcoming night at G-A High School.
  G-A, now 1-14, fell behind 11-3 early, but G-A sophomore Drew Reist nearly single handedly got his team back into the contest, scoring nine of his ten points in the stanza to pull G-A to within 22-15 after one quarter.
  The Irish took charge however in the second frame, holding G-A to seven points while pouring in 30 points for a 52-22 lead at halftime.
The balanced Hackett squad continued the offensive assault and strong defense in the third quarter, taking a 74-26 advantage into the final quarter.
  Carter Wyant added is points and four rebounds for G-A.
  The Rams will be idle until next Friday when the team hosts Schoolcraft.

Double Overtime Loss For Lady Rams Stings

Delton Outscores G-A 10-4 In Second Extra Session

By Bruce Rolfe
  For a few moments it looked as if the Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball team might sneak out a win in regulation, but Delton’s inside game forced overtime and ultimately was a key in securing a 52-46 win in double overtime Friday at G-A High School.
  G-A falls to 4-3 overall with the setback.
  Delton’s Alexandria Parsons, who was an inside rebounding and scoring threat the entire game and finished with 26 points, took over in the second overtime, scoring eight of Delton’s 10 points, all inside.
 The first overtime was tight, however G-A never led.
   Delton was clinging to a 42-40 on a free throw with 39.1 seconds left when Sam Verburg connected on a drive through the lane with 22.6 seconds left, knotting the contest at 42-42.
   The two teams finished regulation tied at 37-37.
 G-A, sparked by six points from Sam Verburg and three-point baskets from Lauryn Coleman and Jordyn Klimp, got off to a good start, moving in front 16-9 after one quarter.
   Delton started to get its inside game going, with Parsons’ seven points leading the way, helping the visitors to a 21-20 halftime lead.
   The third quarter was close as well, with Delton taking a 31-24 advantage into the fourth quarter.
   Verburg finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds for G-A, Klimp, who had four steals, joined Lauryn Coleman with nine points apiece.
   G-A will return to action Monday at home against Kalamazoo Christian in a make up contest.

Playing Her Role Quietly Is Fine With G-A’s Madison Harlow

By Bruce Rolfe
She can dart through the lane and score from in close, spot up for a short range jumper or sneak through and grab a big rebound.
But Galesburg-Augusta senior guard Madison Harlow is probably more appreciated for her strong defense.
And quite frankly, if her teammates receive more accolades than she does with big point or rebounding totals, that’s fine by her. She actually finds playing strong defense just as enjoyable as scoring. For rest of story and more local news pick up our February 17, 2017 Climax Crescent available NOW at Quik Stop in Climax, and Bowman's BBQ in Climax, Scotts Country Store and Deli and Scotts Corner Cafe' in Scotts and the Galesburg Hardings Market, or stop by the Crescent  Subscribe to the Crescent by following the picture of the newspaper on the right side of our home page.
G-A Uses Balanced Effort To Top Lawrence

The Galesburg-Augusta varsity girls basketball team enjoyed contributions all over the floor to register a 49-33 SAC win over Lawrence Tuesday at G-A High School.
Senior Madelyne Standley led the way with a monster game, producing 18 points to go along with 18 rebounds for G-A, now 15-2 overall.
Natalie Hosmer, who buried a trio of three-point baskets, and Alyssa Woodard each added nine points.
G-A was strong under the boards, totaling 37 rebounds. Anna DeLeon contributed seven boards and Woodard had five rebounds.
   The Rams, who led by a 22-19 count at halftime, enjoyed some separation in the second half with strong defense, holding Lawrence to just 14 points.
   G-A led by a 34-27 count after three quarters and outscored the visitors 15-6 in the final quarter.
   G-A will play at Gobles Friday.
Close, But Oh So Far For G-A Boys

By Bruce Rolfe
   The Galesburg-Augusta boys varsity basketball team came with plenty of energy and appeared to be on a path towards banking a much needed win Friday against Delton-Kellogg but the Rams came unglued in the fourth quarter and watched the Panthers outscore the home team 18-6 in the fourth quarter to register a 50-38 win over the Rams Friday on Snowcoming night.
   After trailing most of the middle two quarters, G-A, now 2-12, battled back by using an effective press and knotted the score at 32-32 after three quarters on a basket by Abner Snyder with 11.6 seconds left in the stanza.
   The energy G-A enjoyed with an impressive comeback that saw the Rams trail by as much as 11 points in the third quarter,carried into the fourth quarter, but Delton knocked down a big three-point basket and took advantage of two G-A turnovers with baskets at the other end of the floor to stretch its lead to 40-32 with 5:32 left in the game.
   Still in the game, G-A hung around and pulled to within 42-36 with 3:39 left on a pair of free throws by Bryan Beard.
   But then the Rams became unraveled.
   Two technical fouls over the course of 33 seconds allowed Delton to stretch the lead to 47-36 with three free throws with 3:19 left and a basket at the 1:50 mark after the second technical foul gave the visitors possession.
   While Austyn Dunn’s basket with 1:50 left reduced the deficit to under double digits (47-38), G-A could not recover.
   The Rams started strong, pulling out to an 8-4 lead but styled for an 8-6 advantage after the first quarter.
   Delton took the lead for good at 12-10 on a basket down low at the 6:07 mark
   Delton ended the quarter with a 5-0 run to take a 22-13 lead at halftime.
Abner Snyder had 13 points to pace G-A in scoring and Trevor Patterson, who injured his left ankle in the game and and had to leave the game in the fourth quarter after injuring the right ankle, finished with nine points.
   G-A will host Lawrence Tuesday.
Rams Can’t Stay Up With Hackett

By Bruce Rolfe
   While the Galesburg-Augusta boys varsity basketball team are desperately searching for victories in the win column and fell short Saturday 70-48 to Kalamazoo Hackett, the Rams can at least feel good about their effort in the loss.
    The Rams, now 2-9, challenged Hackett often, especially in the first half when the visitors trailed by a 15-11 count after one quarter and 40-27 at halftime.
    G-A made Hackett work for many of its points, but the Irish’s press and offensive firepower was too much in the third quarter when the home team outscored the Rams 19-10 to take a 59-37 lead into the final quarter.
   Trevor Patterson had a strong game for G-A, pouring in 17 points, including 10 points in the second quarter.
   G-A will play at Kalamazoo Christian Tuesday.
 

G-A Girls Continue To Surge

Lady Rams Move To 10-2 With 56-23 Win Over Bloomingdale; Can Enjoy Separation From Hackett With Win Saturday

   The Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball team will enter a key SAC Valley Division contest at Kalamazoo Hackett Saturday with plenty of momentum after claiming a 56-23 win over Bloomingdale on the road Tuesday.

   G-A, winners of five out of the last six games, improves to 10-2 overall.

   G-A will have a key SAC Valley Division showdown at Hackett Saturday at 6 p.m. The Rams, 6-0 in the Valley Division and 9-0 in the SAC, enjoy a two-game lead over the Irish in the Valley Division and a win would give G-A some separation. Schoolcraft trails the Rams by one game in the Valley Division.

   G-A used strong defense Tuesday, holding Bloomingdale to single digits in three quarters.

   The Rams led by a 9-2 count after one quarter, 21-12 at halftime and 38-17 at the end of three quarters.

   Madelyne Standley led G-A with 17 points and six rebounds, Natalie Hosmer, who connected on a trio of three-point baskets, added nine points and Madison Harlow chipped in with eight points.

 

Effort Present But G-A Boys Fall Short

By Bruce Rolfe
    The Galesburg-Augusta boys varsity basketball team gave a spirited effort, but once again the team was bitten by some costly turnovers, brief spells of cold shooting and missing shots from in close in a 52-45 loss to Gobles Friday at G-A High School on Hall of Fame Night.
    Gobles’ long range shooting and height advantage helped the visitors to a 
    G-A falls to 1-7 while Gobles improves to 8-2.
15-9 lead after one quarter and a 28-22 advantage at halftime, but the Rams came out in the third quarter with plenty of energy and took the lead mid-way through.
    G-A’s defense and Max Landers spearheaded the comeback by knotting the game 28-28 with a basket at the 5:38 mark of the third quarter and then the G-A junior turned a Gobles turnover into two more points with another basket for a 30-28 advantage at the 4:30 mark.
   Trevor Patterson gave G-A a 32-28 when he scored with 4:15 left in the third quarter.
    Patterson gave the Rams another four-point lead , 34-30, at the 2:11 mark with a basket, but Gobles closed the quarter with an 8-4 run for a 38-34 lead after three quarters, including a three-point basket at the horn by Austin Martin.
   G-A remained close in the fourth quarter but four turnovers and cold shooting were too much to overcome. A technical foul on G-A out of frustration after one of the turnovers gave Gobles a pair free throws the Tigers converted on at the 5:15 mark for a 47-38 lead.
    A basket by Patterson with 2:01 left pulled G-A to within 49-45, but the Rams missed three straight attempts from the floor and Gobles closed the quarter by making three out of four free throws.
  Patterson led G-A in scoring with 16 points, Brendon Murray added 10 points and Landers tossed in nine points.
   G-A will be idle until January 20 for a road game at Lawton.

G-A Takes Control In 4th Quarter, Downs Hackett

Standley Scores 10 points In Stanza

   Kalamazoo Hackett started the fourth quarter on a good note, but the Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball team took control the rest of the way in a 33-25 victory over the Irish Friday at G-A High School.
   Hackett opened the fourth quarter with a three-point basket to take a 25-20 lead at the 6:12 mark, but Led by seniors Madison Harlow, Natalie Hosmer and Madelyne Standley, the Rams took control, holding the Irish without a point the rest of the way.
    Standley led the way with 10 points in the fourth quarter, Hosmer knocked down a big three-point basket to put G-A ahead for good and Harlow played strong defense in the quarter.
   Standley finished with 14 points Hosmer had nine points and Anna Deleon chipped in with eight points.
   G-A led by a 5-3 count after one quarter and 12-9 at halftime before Hackett moved in front 22-20 after three quarters.
    G-A will be idle until next Friday when the team plays at Martin.

(Rhonda and Tom Smith are pictured above. (Photograph by Bruce Rolfe - property of the Climax Crescent)   

Focus Is Paying Dividends For G-A Girls

Down Maple Valley, Albion In Districts; Upsets Parchment In Regular Season Finale

By Bruce Rolfe

Paying attention to detail and grasping coaching input sent the Galesburg-Augusta girls’ varsity basketball team out of the regular season on a positive note last Friday and helped the team capture a district tournament opening win Monday.

G-A gained some momentum heading into the districts by upsetting previous KVA league leader Parchment 24-18 last Friday and continued the fine defensive play in its postseason opener with a 49-30 win over Vermontville Maple Valley at Maple Valley Monday and with a 63-17 win over Albion in Wednesday's district semifinal(See story above for Albion recap) . To read rest of story purchase the March 1 Climax Crescent available February 28 at Sinclairs Market and Quik Stop in Climax, Scotts Country Store and Deli and Scotts Corner Cafe' in Scotts and the Galesburg Hardings Market, or stop by the Crescent

 

    Tom and Ron Smith are pictured accepted the Hall of Fame plaque on behalf of their late father, Ronald "Doc" Smith. Photograph by Bruce Rolfe - property of the Climax Crescent)  

    Pictured above is Dan Overkamp. (Photograph by Bruce Rolfe - property of the Climax Crescent)  

The remaining video segment from Dan Overkamp's acceptance speech along with the other inductees from Saturday's G-A Hall of Fame ceremony will be uploaded soon. 

Win Over Maple Valley Gives G-A JV Cagers Chance To Finish Above .500

The Galesburg-Augusta JV boys’ basketball team captured a 51-42 win over Vermontville Maple Valley Tuesday on the road, giving the team a chance to finish the season above the .500 mark.

G-A, now 6-9, have games remaining Feb. 14 (Delton), Feb. 19 (Constantine), Feb. 21 (Parchment), Feb. 26 (Bloomingdale) and Feb. 28 (Kalamazoo Christian). To read rest of story purchase the Feb. 15 Climax Crescent available February 14 at Sinclairs Market and Quik Stop in Climax, Scotts Country Store and Deli and Scotts Corner Cafe' in Scotts and the Galesburg Hardings Market, or stop by the Crescent

Jim Chase (athlete) 

Jim earned 13 varsity letters, including four in tennis, three in track and two each in basketball, football and baseball. 

In basketball he led the Rams in scoring and rebounding as a junior and senior. He was the leading scorer (19.8 points per game) and rebounder in the KVA his senior year and was named to the All-KVA first team and named its honorary captain. 

He was named to the All-KVA Football Team twice, in 1959 and 1960. He holds all of the receiving records for an 8 game season and ranks in the top three in all receiving statistics for a career. He was named to the 1960 All-State team as an end.

Jim played singles for 4 KVA Championship teams. Twice he qualified for the State Tournament reaching the semi-finals both times.

Jim set three school track records his senior year. His mark of 20’6” in the Long Jump stood for over 20 years. Using the scissors kick he soared 6’2”, a mark that lasted for 26 years. His time of 15.6 seconds in the 110 High Hurdles wasn’t broken until last year, a span of 51 years. He earned All-State honors in track for the 1961 season.(Editor's note: Above information and photo above provided by Dale Martin) 

 Bob Adkins (athlete) 

Bob earned 11 varsity letters, four each in tennis and track, two in basketball and 1 in football.

Bob missed three years of football due to a concussion suffered as a freshman. In his only season he played defensive back for Coach Maskill. Bob intercepted 5 passes and allowed only 5 passes to be completed in his territory for the entire season. 

In basketball Bob excelled due to his quickness and confidence. He was relentless when defending and seldom missed a shot taken. Bob ran the offense for Coach Bob Morgan. He was team captain and MVP on the 1971-72 District Championship team. 

On the track team Bob concentrated on the long distance events. As a senior he turned his attention to the shorter distances, the ½ mile(880 run). He placed third in the Regionals and anchored the mile relay team that placed in the State Meet. His best time of 2:01.7 is still a school record after 40 years.

Bob played singles and doubles on the Rams tennis team. His career record was 95 wins and 7 losses (5 of those losses were to teammates). He was the KVA doubles champion in 1970 and 71 and the singles champion in 1972. He was Regional doubles champion twice in1970 and 1971 and doubles runner-up twice in 1969 and 1972. He was the State doubles champion in 1971 and 1972 and the State runner-up in 1969 and 1970.

(Editor's note: Above information provided by Dale Martin)

 Vickie Born DeLeon (athlete)

Vickie earned 14 varsity letters with four each in basketball, volleyball and softball and 2 in track.

As a sophomore she set the school record in the shot put with a toss of 32’10”.

Vickie was an All-KVA performer in basketball in 1978, 79 and 80. She ended her career with 975 points and over 600 rebounds. The Rams were co-champions twice during Vickie’s career and she was the team’s MVP twice.

She won All-KVA honors in volleyball 4 times. Any ball close to the net would be met with one of her thundering spikes.

Vickie was chosen as the All-KVA catcher in softball three times, 1979, 80 and 81. Her career batting average was an amazing .879. In four years she struck out only once. With runners in scoring position and Vickie at bat she would almost always get the intentional walk.

In college Vickie was an All-conference performer for the Southwest Michigan C.C. basketball team in 1983.

Vickie has been very active as a coach at G-A. She’s coached the varsity softball team, the middle school basketball team, the junior varsity basketball team and served as assistant to her brother Tim Born on the varsity basketball team. The 2008 team made it to the Class C State Finals. Editor's note: Above information and photo above provided by Dale Martin)


 Rick Tyson (athlete)

Rick earned 6 varsity letters at G-A, four in track and two in football.

Rick rushed for 1321 yards and 18 touchdowns his senior season in football. He helped the Rams make it to the Silverdome in 1990. On the way the Rams beat three teams all ranked above them in the state. For his career he ended up with 1767 yards gained, 22 touchdowns and 140 points.

Tyson’s track career started out rather slowly. He decided to give up basketball and joined a winter track club. Running against the best track athletes in a four state region provided the spark Rick needed. Concentrating on the 400 meter dash, Rick was undefeated in both his junior and senior seasons. As a junior he was KVA, Regional and State Champion. His time of 49.6 seconds set a new G-A record. He duplicated that fete his senior year again winning all three titles and lowering his school record to 49.1 seconds. That record still stands today.

Rick was also a running back at Manchester College. In two years, 1991 and 1992, the school went from a 3-8 record to an 8 -3 record. 

Running track at Manchester he set the school record in the 400-meter run at 48.3 in 1993. His times qualified him for the Nationals in both the 400-meter and 300-meter runs. In that same year Rick was ranked in the top 20 in the nation in the 400-meter run.

(Editor's note: Above information provided by Dale Martin)

1953 Tennis Team

State Class “C-D” Runner-up Team; KVA and Regional Champions

Team consisted of Dave Noud, Charlie Ayers, Jim Beadle, Marv Richardson, Jack Taylor, Marion “Ponch” Rutherford and Coach John Caldwell (Photograph courtesy of Dale Martin) 

 1953 Tennis Team 

The ’53 tennis team won the third straight KVA league and tournament titles. The Rams had now won 38 straight league matches without a loss.

In the Regionals the Rams used their strength in doubles competition to win the team title. Jim Beadle and Dave Noud defeated teammates Marv Richardson and Ponch Rutherford in the finals in a three set marathon.

Both doubles teams made it to the semi-finals of the State Tournament where they lost. As a result the team finished as the runner-up to Grand Rapids Lee. (Editor's note: Above information provided by Dale Martin).

1963 STATE CLASS “C-D” CHAMPIONS - 1963 REGIONAL RUNNER-UP - 1963 KVA CHAMPIONS

 BACK ROW: COACH JIM VAN ZANDT, BILL LEMMIEN, JIM MAXSON, WAYNE ROELOF, GLYNN GRAY, DAN AUSTIN, DANA FRYE, FRED MILLS. MIDDLE ROW: GREG TOWNSEND, RAY ADAMS, DAN STEWART, RON JENNER. FRONT ROW: JACK CAMPBELL, DAVE WILSON, JEFF FENNINGS, MIKE PIERMAN (Photograph courtesy of Dale Martin)

1963 Tennis Team 

In the KVA the Rams claimed their 13th straight League and tournament championship. In the finals it was all G-A. Mike Pierman beat Fred Mills in the singles final and Jack Campbell and Dave Wilson beat Dan Austin and Jim Maxson to win the doubles competition. The Rams piled up 18 points to runner-up Parchment’s 6.

In the Class C Regionals G-A was tied with St. Augustine with the doubles finals deciding the championship. Austin and Maxson lost to Kibby and McGuire in a three set match, 6-2, 3-6 and 10-8. The Rams, defending State champions, would have only one doubles team going into state competition. 

In the State Tournament both East Jordan and St. Augustine would have two singles and two doubles teams. Add in a strong Grosse Pointe team and the Rams seemed to have little chance of repeating as champion. As the competition unfolded, the other schools took turns upsetting one another. Meanwhile, Austin and Maxson took the opportunity presented them. Playing their best tennis of the season, they rolled to easy wins in their first two rounds of play. In the finals they met Portenga and Wright of Grosse Pointe with the winner claiming the championship. They lost the first set 5-7 and won the second set 6-1. In the final set they outlasted their opponent 10-8 to give G-A its second straight State Class “C-D” title. (Note: Above information provided by Dale Martin)

1970 State Class “C” Champions

BACK ROW: COACH LIVINGSTON, TODD BLAKE, JIM CHAPIN, BOB HINSON, MIKE BOLTON, TOM GUTHRIE, RANDY ROTH, GARY TOLMACS, VERN ELDRIDGE, MGR JEFF FRENCH, COACH MARTIN. THIRD ROW: COACH MCGINNIS, MIKE CUTLER, MIKE CHAPIN, DENNIS BRESSON, RICK TUPPER, DENNIS O’LEARY, DENNIS STRINGHAM, DAVE SIMON, COACH FORRESTER, COACH MASKILL. SECOND ROW: MGR HOWES, COACH VANZANDT, CARL CHASE, DAN OVERKAMP, TIM VON EITZEN, RON CURRY, JIM BLAKE, RICK LINDSAY, COACH COX,-COACH SULLIVAN. FRONT ROW:-MGR DANIELS,-STEVE PEARCE, JOHN RANES, KEVIN OSTLUND, BARRY NOORA, DAN THOMES, COACH MORGAN

1970 Football Team 

The 1970 Rams won the Class C State Championship with a perfect 9-0 record. The offense scored 408 points (45 per game), a school record while the defense held their opponents to 32 points (3.5 per game). G-A averaged 427 yards per game and gave up only 71 yards per game. The defense recorded 6 shutouts in 9 games. For G-A it was its 4th State title in 9 years, the 9th KVA title in 12 years and 5th undefeated team in 12 years. (Please note: Above information and photograph courtesy of Dale Martin)

 

 

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