Grand Rapids Christian stars shine one last time in all-star game

Grand Rapids Christian team, from left, coach Eric Taylor, Carter Goodyke, Malachi Hooser, Nate Johnson and Jaylan Ouwinga at the Ring of Fire All-Star Game at Davenport University on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).

CALEDONIA, Mich. - Carter Goodyke didn’t want to take off his basketball jersey.

The Grand Rapids Christian senior got to wear his jersey one last time in the Ring of Fire All-Star Game at Davenport University on Wednesday.

“This means a lot,” Goodyke said. “It’s been a great four years playing with my brothers. So playing with them one more time is special.”

Goodyke was one of four Christian players on the roster, which was coached by Eagles’ coach Eric Taylor.

Jaylan Ouwinga got to wear his jersey again, too. But just during warmups. He had played in an all-star game earlier in the spring.

“I didn’t get to play, but it felt good to put it on again,” said Ouwinga, who will play at Toledo in the fall. “I was only allowed to play in one (all-star game) and I played earlier this year in Detroit.”

Grand Rapids Christian’s Carter Goodyke dunks during warmups at the Ring of Fire All-Star Game at Davenport University on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).

He said it was good playing with his teammates one more time. The highlight was Nate Johnson winning his team’s MVP award.

“It feels good to see my guys out there balling,” Ouwinga said. “Especially Nate, winning the MVP.”

The Eagles had one of the best seasons in school history. They finished 26-3 and made it all the way to the Division 2 state championship game before losing to Warren Lincoln.

“It’s hard falling short,” Goodyke said. “But it’s a great experience playing in a huge environment like that at Michigan State. It was a blessing to make it that far.”

Goodyke, who one two state championships on the soccer field, will play basketball at Hope College in the fall.

“I’m so proud of these guys,” Coach Taylor said. “They’ve put a lot of work in and they’ve had a lot of success.”

Taylor had fun coaching a roster of players that his team competed against for years.

“It was great,” he said. “Such a great experience. And also coaching a lot of guys that you’ve coached against and they’ve had great high school careers.”

Johnson will play basketball at the University of Detroit Mercy and the other Christian player on the all-star roster was Malachi Hooser, who will play at Albion College.  

“I told my guys ‘you’ve done so much for basketball in West Michigan for the past three or four years.’” Taylor said. “That means a lot to me and great for this area.”

Grand Rapids Christian’s Nate Johnson shows off his MVP trophy after the Ring of Fire All-Star Game at Davenport University on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).