The JV Dux capped off an incredible season with a 59-48 non-conference victory against a talented Reeths-Puffer team on Tuesday night. With the victory, the Dux finished the season with a 17-3 record, going 11-1 in conference. They finished off the season with a 14-game win streak, with their last loss coming 55 days ago.

"The win streak was something that we tried to not think about," Coach Ray said. "It is impossible to not lend some thought to the idea of winning the rest of your games, but I am so proud of how our guys took it one game at a time. They came to practice each day ready to improve. They approached every game with the same mindset. Without that constant focus, I think most teams slip up along the way. Luckily, we did not."

Rocking white headbands as a team, the Dux started with a lineup of Brendan Gabrion ('22), Isaac Hondorp ('22), Hunter Busscher ('22), Toby Reinardy ('22), and Zach Schwartz ('22). Eli Mack ('22), who is out with an injury, was considered an "honorary starter" for the team.

"This group of guys has kept an incredible attitude all season," Coach Ray said. "It is not easy being in a position where playing time is inconsistent. But these guys never once complained, always came to practice and pushed their teammates, and we were a better team for it. Without these guys, we would not have had the same amount of success. They earned their starting spots tonight due to their work all season."

Kylan Arnold ('22) led the way for the Dux with 20 points. Bergen Loeprich ('22) and Drew Weenum ('22) had 13 points and 12 points respectively. 

Tyler Schurman ('22) also made his JV basketball debut, trading in the manager role for a jersey. He played incredible defense for 30 seconds.

"Tyler has been a huge part of our team, coming to practice each day ready to do whatever we need him to do," Coach Ray said. "The guys loved having him be a part of our team. I loved his willingness to get into the game. It was especially nice of his teammates to treat him like any other player, putting Tyler into complex switches on defense."

For the JV team, the attention now turns to the varsity's quest for a district championship, as well as an off-season of intense skill sessions and workouts. 

"Basketball never stops. While our season is over, we still have a chance to push each other and improve as these guys prepare for the varsity level," Coach Ray said. "They have a chance to keep taking Zeeland West basketball to new heights. On a day-to-day basis, though, I will miss coaching these guys. I loved every single second of the season, and I am really sad that it had to end."