Spring Arbor, MI - The Cougars wrapped up their 2022/23 basketball season yesterday versus the visiting Lancers, but were unable to close the season on a high note, losing by a score of 69-103.
 
The Lancers jumped on the Cougars early with an 8-0 advantage out of the gate, but the Cougars managed to battle back and keep the lead at single digits for the first portion of the first half. Freshman Ty Rykse came off the bench and went on a personal 7-0 run to electrify the Cougar squad with just over 10 minutes remaining in the first half. The Lancers quickly responded, however, and ballooned their lead to double digits again, and took a 52-31 advantage into the intermission.
 
In the second half, the Cougars battled, but were unable to garner enough momentum to mount a comeback. The Lancers, who needed the win to at least secure a share of the regular season Conference Champions title, continued to push their lead and before long, put the game well out of reach for the Cougars.
 
Spring Arbor flashed moments of immense improvement all throughout the season, both improving their conference record and overall record from the prior season. They lose veteran experience and leadership in senior guard Nate Flannery, who was honored yesterday for senior day, but look to return the rest of their young and promising core. The future appears bright for Cougar hoops.
 
The Basics:
Spring Arbor 69, Grace 103
Spring Arbor, MI
Spring Arbor 11-17, (5-13 CL) Grace 25-3, (15-3 CL)
 
Game Stats:

• Freshman Gabe Newhof cemented his historic freshman season by leading all scorers with a game-high 27 points and 8 rebounds, bringing his season averages to 19.6 points and 9.2 rebounds. Both were top-5 averages in the Crossroads League, with his scoring being 5th highest, and his rebounds being the best mark in the conference.
• Kevyn Robertson added 12 points and Ty Rykse offered 12 points off the bench.
• The Cougars struggled to flex their defensive muscle, as the Lancers cruised to victory behind 66% shooting from the floor and 53% shooting from behind the arc.
• The Cougars effectively crashed the glass, as they outscored the Lancers in second chance points 10-6.
• The Lancers were led in scoring by Frankie Davidson, who scored 18 points.