BOYS BASKETBALL: Rochester Hills Christian avenges top-ranked Midland Calvary Baptist
BY DAN STICKRADT
SENIOR EDITOR
Dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
Twitter: @LocalSportsFans
ROCHESTER HILLS CHRISTIAN — It was only two months ago when Midland Calvary Baptist stunned defending Michigan Association of Christian Schools Division I state champion Rochester Hills Christian in a non-conference boys basketball contest.
The two schools have had plenty of recent history, too, on the playing surface. Just four months ago, the two played in the MACS Division I state title game in boys soccer with Midland Calvary gaining a 1-0, double-overtime upset over Rochester Hills.
This time on the basketball court, the second-ranked Eagles were able to turn the tables on the Kings. Rochester Hills Christian exacted a measure of revenge on top-ranked Midland Calvary, rolling to a 78-53 victory Tuesday to push their record to 17-3 overall.
“We lost to them early in the season and, to be honest, they made their free throws and we didn’t in that game,” offered Rochester Hills Christian coach Jon Bronsing. “I think we have put it together since then. We lost our starting center, Jered Brown, to a knee injury seven games ago, so we’ve had to make some changes. But I think we’re finally coming together in terms of playing without Jared. That hurt, but we’re still a very good team. This was one of our better games this season.
“We’re not as deep, but we have six seniors and players that are used to winning,” continued Bronsing, whose team is a combined 42-5 during the past two seasons. “I think we showed them what we are capable of when we play well as a team.”
Both teams have already clinched league championships this season, with Rochester hills Christian winning the Fundamental Baptist Athletic Conference Red Division and Midland Calvary Baptist the Central Michigan Christian Athletic Conference.
On the same court for the rematch, the Eagles proved to be worthy this time around with the 25-point victory — a 28-point swing since the first meeting. When they met in early December, Midland Calvary Baptist prevailed, 53-50. The Eagles have lost two other games this season, both when they were adjusting to injuries.
Sophomore guard Ryan Patton scorched the nets for a game-high 28 points on Tuesday, while senior backcourt mate Marquez Hatcher added 24 points and six assists for the Eagles. Josh Steiner, Rochester Hills Christian’s tallest player at 6-foot-4, chipped in with 10 points and 15 rebounds for the Eagles, who have won four straight conference titles and is seeking to reach the MACS-I title game in March for the second straight season.
“I think Ryan Patton is our most improved player. Last season he showed signs of being a good player. Now he is our No. 2 scorer this season and very consistent,” noted Bronsing. “And Josh Steiner has really stepped up his game, too, especially with Jered going down with the injury. There’s a chance we might not get him back, either. So Josh has really stepped up. He’s really long and does a great job rebounding. He averaging double figures in rebounding this season.”
Gideon Zelinski scored 19 points and Eric Lewis added 16 points for the Kings, who fell to 13-2 overall.
Rochester Hills Christian will wrap up FBAC play Thursday at home against Clarkston Springfield Christian.
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