Deklen Klamt (2023) came off the bench to spark the JV Dux to a hard-fought win over rival Zeeland East on Tuesday night, 41-39 to move the team's record to 5-1 (4-1). Klamt scored 9 points, including two 3-pointers and three key free throws in the 4th quarter. 

"Deklen could probably start on just about any team in our conference," Coach Ray said. "He is a pure, knock-down shooter and he showed that tonight. We love having the luxury of bringing him off the bench to ignite our second unit, and he showed what he was capable of tonight."

The game was tight throughout, with the Chix taking a two-point lead at the end of the first and second quarters. A huge stretch at the end of the third, capped by a David Rockel (2023) pass to Klamt for a buzzer-beating three, pushed the Dux lead to five going into the fourth quarter. The Chix fought back to tie it multiple times, however. The tie was not broken until Skyler Geurink (2023) stepped to the line and hit two free throws with 45 seconds to go.

"I thought the Chix brought more consistent energy than we did throughout the game," Coach Ray said. "We had spurts, which propelled us at times, but in order for us to take that next step, we need to learn to channel our own energy consistently throughout all 32 minutes of a game. Nevertheless, I am proud of our guys for sticking together and making shots when we needed them, especially Skyler's two big free throws at the end."

After a timeout with 17.7 seconds to go, the Chix had a chance to tie or take the lead.

"In the huddle, I challenged our team to strive for the 'perfect' defensive possession, meaning that we would be active, communicating like crazy, playing without fouling, and securing the rebound," Coach Ray said. "That was maybe our best defensive possession of the year. Our guys really stepped up in that moment and I hope we can use that as a springboard for the rest of our season.

Geurink finished with eight points, while Josh Agar (2023) scored seven points in his first start of the season. Myles Steffen (2024) chipped in eight points, and Luke Bakker (2024) finished with five. 

The Dux will be back in action at home on Thursday, February 25 against Union High School. The Freshman team will tip off at 4pm, with JV to follow around 5:30pm, and varsity to cap off the night starting around 7pm.