While You Were Away…
by Seth Miller
Both Grace basketball teams were busy over Christmas break. Both teams fared well as the men compiled a 5-2 and the women compiled a 4-1 record.
Men’s Basketball
The men began their slew of games with a matchup against No. 25 Madonna in Detroit, Mich. Grace triumphed 80-76 behind a career-high of 27 points from Greg Miller. Grace, then, faced off against No.22 Rochester in Detroit, but lost 68- 60. Following that loss, Grace traveled to Boston, Mass. to face off against Fisher College. Behind a career-high 25 points, which included 7 three pointers from Niko Read, Grace rebounded with a 88-55 victory. Travelling on to Amherst, N.Y., Grace squared off against Daemen but lost in a shootout 88-81. The Lancers finished their road trip with a resounding 92-76 win over Wilfrid Laurier behind 19 points and 3 steals from Elliot Smith. The Lancers resumed play after Christmas on January 2 on the road against Spring Arbor. Behind a great performance from Bruce Grimm Jr., who had 25 point and 5 steals, Grace won 71- 60. In their final game of Christmas break, Grace pounded Goshen 82-64 as freshman Brandoz Vanderhegghen had the best game of his career with 14 points and 5 rebounds.
Women’s Basketball
The Lady Lancers began their games with a matchup with IU-Northwest. Grace prevailed 66-54 behind Juaneice Jackson’s 27 points. After Christmas, the Lady Lancers traveled to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to compete in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic. In their first game, Grace came from behind to win 75-70 due in large part to freshman Gabby Bryant’s best game of the season with 23 points, which includes five 3-pointers. Following that game, the Lady Lancers faced off against Iowa Wesleyan, falling 54-44. Traveling back home, the Lady Lancers responded to the loss with a 67-46 shellacking of Spring Arbor behind 23 points, 5 steals, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists from Juaneice Jackson. Finishing their games over Christmas break, Grace traveled to Goshen and was victorious 78-69 with Juaneice Jackson contributing 26 points.
The men’s team next faces Marian at home on January 15 at 7 p.m. and the Lady Lancers face Marian on the road on January 16 at 7 p.m.
