South Christian’s ride comes to an end in the state title game
South Christian senior Jake DeHaan competes against Ferndale in the Division 2 state title game on Saturday, March 25, 2023. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The South Christian basketball players were doing post-game interviews when the Ferndale team walked past carrying the big wooden state championship trophy.
“It’s really tough,” South Christian senior Sam Medensorp said. “We got the runner-up trophy and they got the big one.”
The Sailors’ dominant season came to an end on Saturday night as they lost to Ferndale 44-38 in the Division 2 state championship game at The Breslin Center on the campus of Michigan State University.
“Shots weren’t going in,” South Christian senior Nate Brinks said. “We took like just six shots in the first half and only one of them went in. You can’t win games like that.”
Three South Christian players fall on the court after a loose ball in the second half in the Division 2 state title game on Saturday, March 25, 2023. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).
The Sailors (25-4) were led by Jake Vermaas with 14 points, Jake DeHaan 14 points and Medendorp with 7 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks.
“It doesn’t take away from anything we accomplished this year,” South Christian coach Taylor Johnson said. “We’ve been through it all. Three season-ending injuries, losing your star player (who averages) 20 points per game and still make it to the state finals is an incredible feat.”
The Sailors lost Jaxson Rynbrant, Charlie DeHaan and super sophomore Carson Vis, who broke both wrists in the regional title game.
“It was a hard-fought game,” Taylor said. “I thought we played at our speed. That really helped us. But a few turnovers and calls that didn’t go our way. (Ferndale) hit a couple of big threes and the next thing you know, we’re down four or five. And in high school basketball, with no shot clock, it feels like (you’re trailing) by 10 or 12.”
South Christian senior Sam Medendorp puts up a shot in the Division 2 state title game on Saturday, March 25, 2023. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).
The trio of Brinks, DeHaan and Medendorp have known each other since they were little kids.
When did Brinks first meet Medendorp?
“Third grade when we started playing at Courthouse (basketball complex) together,” Brinks said. “He’s a goon. But I loved him. My brother and his brother played together at one point so we were water boys together.”
Mednedorp had a similar story about the first time he met DeHaan.
“That goes way back,” he said. “My first memory of Jake DeHaan was at Courthouse. When I wasn’t able to score, I’d just give the ball to Jake and he’d score. It’s the same way now. It’s been like that for 10 years.”
South Christian coach Taylor Johnson on the sidelines in the Division 2 state title game on Saturday, March 25, 2023. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).
But when Medendorp was asked about this being their last game together, he got a little choked up.
“I’m just gonna miss the connection,” he said. “Joking around at practice and running around in the hotels. Just being friends, not just on the court. Playing with my brothers. This is the most fun I’ve ever had playing basketball. I’m not playing with teammates, I’m playing with brothers.”
This was the first year that Johnson coached at South Christian after six years as an assistant coach at Grand Valley State University.
“With a new coach, you’re like ‘oh boy, here we go,’” DeHaan said. “But he’s everything you could ask for in a coach. He has trust in his players he has confidence in every single one of us. And our team chemistry is amazing. I’m just sad it’s come to an end.”
All three seniors have won state championships before. Brinks and DeHaan in football and Medendorp in soccer. But this still hurts.
“These guys are winners in my book,” Johnson said. “They’re always going to be winners … I love these guys.”
The South Christian players can’t hold back their emotions while watching Ferndale celebrate their state title at the Division 2 state title game on Saturday, March 25, 2023. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).
