Calvin University trio of freshmen play more like veterans

Calvin University freshmen, from left, Luka Ressler, Jalen Overway and Owen Varnado are making a big impact on the Knights. Here they pose after a win over Kalamazoo College on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Owen Varnado took a lob pass from Luka Ressler during an in-bounds play on Wednesday and threw down a loud dunk that sent the Calvin University fans into a frenzy.

It’s going to be a fun four years for fans of Knights basketball.

Varnado, Ressler and Jalen Overway are a trio of freshmen that are having a big impact on Calvin University, which is 13-3 overall and 5-0 in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

“It’s so much fun playing with those guys,” Varnado said. “Knowing we have a big future together for the next few years is pretty cool.”

Calvin coach Bill Sall is more impressed with the trio’s defense.

“They are really hard workers,” he said. “All three of them put the time in. They play at a high level and all capable defenders. Sometimes, that’s the hardest thing for a freshman, to come in and defend at the collegiate level.”

Calvin University freshman Owen Varnado dunks off an in-bounds pass against Kalamazoo College on on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).

Varnado is a 6-foot-5, 215-pound forward out of Muskegon Western Michigan Christian and is averaging 6 points and 4.3 rebounds.

“It’s a privilege,” Varnado said of playing 20 minutes per game. “I know a lot of guys don’t usually get to have this opportunity. Being able to help my team is a huge thing for me that I don’t take lightly.”

Ressler is a 6-foot-3, 200-pound guard/forward from Grand Rapids Catholic Central. He had 14 points in a 74-64 win over Kalamazoo on Wednesday and is averaging 7.2 points per game.

“I worked hard,” Ressler said. “My high school basketball prepared me for this. I have to thank Coach T.J. (Meerman) for that. It is important to know that you’ll make mistakes, but push through those.”

Calvin University freshman Luka Ressler looks to pass against Kalamazoo College on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).

Overway has had the biggest impact of all. The 6-foot-9, 250-pound center has been the most dominant big man in the MIAA. The Holland Christian grad is averaging 18.6 points and 10.1 rebounds per game.

“It’s fun having the three of us come in all knowing each other,” Overway said. “It’s a bond we have.”

They all played travel ball together at one point.

“I’ve played with these guys before and it shows,” Ressler said. “We’re gonna get better every year.”

Sall said the Calvin roster looks completely different this year. The team only has one senior.

“Last year, we had probably the oldest team in Division III with five grad students on the roster,” Sall said. “Now we might have one of the youngest teams. And those guys knew coming here is that ‘hey, you get to come in here with a chance to play.’ It is unique. We are a work in progress.”

So how would Ressler describe the trio?

“Jay’s a scoring threat, and I think I can pass him the ball pretty well,” he said. “Also, Owen and I bounce off each other’s energy.”

Said Overway: “Luka’s a reliable player, he doesn’t mess up a lot. And Owen attacks the rim and he’s been shooting really well this year.”

The roster also includes freshmen Trevin Winkle, DJ Potts-Heard and Michael Morris (GR West Catholic), who is injured this year. 

Calvin University freshman Jalen Overway makes a move to the paint against Kalamazoo College on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).