In what came to be the final game of the season, the JV Dux defeated their cross-path rival Zeeland East Chix in a classic, hard-fought game by a final score of 61-50. The Dux won or tied every quarter, and capped off the game by making an unbelievable 16/20 free throws in the fourth quarter, after shooting a total of two free throws in the first three quarters combined.

"At the beginning of our season, our Achilles Heel seemed to be our free throw shooting," Coach Ray said. "Tonight was a testament to how much we've improved over the course of the season. Any time we shoot 18/22 (82%) from the free throw, we should feel pretty good about our chances."

The hot shooting of the Dux was not limited to the free throw line. The team hit 11 3-pointers, including four from Josh Agar (2023), two from Chase Holwerda (2023), Deklen Klamt (2023), Skyler Geurink (2023), and one from Myles Steffen (2024). 

"At halftime, we talked about not falling in love with the three-point shot," Coach Ray said. "But sometimes, when it rains, it pours. The guys shot with confidence, and that confidence was sustained throughout the whole game. I know guys like Deklen Klamt have been coming in before school to get shots up. The work you put in 'in the dark' shines in the light."

Alex Lencioni (2023) came off the bench to score three clutch free throws in the fourth quarter, which were also his first points of the season.

"Alex has been a tireless worker all season for us. We love seeing hard work pay off in big moments," Coach Ray said.

After the game, the team learned that the final game of the season would be canceled due to COVID-19 protocols. The JV team ends the season with a 12-3 record, and a 10-3 conference record.

"I am beyond proud of the growth we have seen in our players in this shortened season. The players and their families sacrificed so much for this season to happen. As coaches, we are thankful for the hard work of the players, and the constant support from the families of our players. The people are what make the Zeeland West boys basketball program special," Coach Ray said.

Big thanks to Chase Holwerda, Alex Lencioni, Skyler Geurink, Josh Agar, Andrew Edwards, Myles Steffen, David Rockel, Owen Telgenhof, Sterling Shepard, Deklen Klamt, Ethan Haskill, and Luke Bakker, as well as their families, for making this season what it was. Go Dux!