Brendan Cargill putting up big numbers for Forest Hills Central

Forest Hills Central senior Brendan Cargill drives to the basket against Hudsonville on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. He’s averaging 27 points per game. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Brendan Cargill knew what the Forest Hills Central scoring record was since he put on the green and white basketball uniform as a sophomore on varsity.

But the senior guard never thought he’d be able to break the mark of 44 points in a game. 

Cargill stepped to the free-throw line with the game on the line in a 66-63 win over Forest Hills Eastern on Jan. 24 to surpass the school record. He’d finish with 44 points. The record was held by Tyler George, who had 41 in 2018.

“I knew what the record was,” Cargill said. “It was in the back of my mind. But it was a close game. So we needed all the points we could get. It came down to free throws in the end.”

It’s been a huge season for Cargill, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound point guard. He’s had four games of more than 30 points and he’s averaging 27 points per game.

“Whatever it takes to win,” Cargill said. “If its taking more than double the shots that I took last year, then that’s what I’ll do.”

Forest Hills Central senior Brendan Cargill (1) with teammates before a game at Hudsonville on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. He’s averaging 27 points per game. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).

Forest Hills Central coach Jordan George has enjoyed watching Cargill blossom from a shooter into an all-around scorer.

“He’s such a competitive kid that I knew he was going to expand his game somehow,” George said. “It’s crazy to think that last year he was our third offensive option. He had his moments last year where it was obvious that he could shoot the ball. This year - with the ball in his hands more - he has become a shot creator. More than just a catch-and-shoot guy. He’s been really impressive.”

Cargill is a scrappy, physical and skilled basketball player. He got even stronger from playing football. He was a part of a football team that won the Division 3 state championship in 2023.

“That was awesome,” he said of FH Central beating Mason 27-10. “Unforgetable. Such a special team. Everything about it was awesome.” 

Which sport does he like most?

“I like basketball more than football,” Cargill said. “But I love them both.”

Forest Hills Central receiver Brendan Cargill catches a pass against Zeeland East on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. He was a wide receiver and defensive back for the Rangers. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).

He said he doesn’t plan to play both in college, but he hasn’t made up his mind yet. 

“Definitely basketball,” said Cargill, who has an offer from Hope College. “But I’ll consider both for sure. When people tell me how tough it would be to do both, that makes me want to try it even more.”

But making a deep run in the football playoffs makes it challenging to get ready for basketball. This past season, the Rangers were 9-3 in football and made it to the regional title game on Nov. 15. 

“The toughest part is not having enough time to get my shot ready for the season,” Cargill said. “I’m always ready to go physically.”

George said he loves having multi-sport athletes on the basketball team.

“Our football program is a well-oiled machine,” George said. “The way that they have those guys in the weight room … just physically developing. You saw it with Ty Hudkins, who was a defensive stopper for us, and now with Brendan. It’s a huge benefit. Football has definitely helped him.”

This basketball season has been a bit of a roller-coaster ride. 

The team is 9-6 after a loss to Hudsonville on Jan. 28. The Rangers started the season winning four games in a row. But they have lost four of their last five.

“We’ve had our ups and downs,” Cargill said. “It’s part of the season. But we’ll keep working. We’ve got some goals ahead of us.”

Forest Hills Central senior Brendan Cargill puts up a shot against Whitehall at the Cornerstone Holiday Tournament on Dec. 23, 2024. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).