Tri-Unity state champs got to play one more time in all-star game
Tri-Unity Christian seniors, from left, Wesley Kaman, Jordan VanKlompenberg and Owen Rosendall, played in the Ring of Fire All-Star Game on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).
CALEDONIA, Mich. - Owen Rosendall said he was a little rusty.
The Tri-Unity Christian senior hadn’t picked up a basketball since the season ended in March. So it was fun to put on a jersey again and play in the Ring of Fire All-Star basketball game on Tuesday at Davenport University.
“That was fun,” Rosendall said. “My dad was saying before the game said ‘just start spraying. It’s just an all-star game’. So I just went out there and had some fun.”
He got to play with teammates Jordan VanKlompenberg and Wesley Kaman one last time. The trio helped lead Tri-Unity Christian to the Division 4 state championship after beating Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart 79-59.
VanKlompenberg was happy to wear the Tri-Unity jersey one more time. But it was bittersweet.
“It’s definitely sad,” he said. “We played a lot of great games together. But we don’t have summer ball or (regular season) games to look forward to.”
Tri-Unity Christian seniors Owen Rosendall plays in the Ring of Fire All-Star Game on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).
How’s it feel to be the only players in area to win a state title last season?
“It feels pretty good,” Kaman said. “I’ve thought about that a lot before. My last game was a win for Tri-Unity. That’s a great feeling to come out on top.”
The trio didn’t score much in the all-star game, but still had blast.
“It was a lot of fun,” VanKlompenberg said. “I’m glad we all got selected to play and we got to come out here and play one last time. We’re all going our separate ways.”
Kaman had five points, Rosendall hit a 3-pointer for his lone points and VanKlompenberg had two points.
“I love Owen and Jordan,” Kaman said. “They are two of my best friends in the whole world. So it’s pretty awesome to play with them.”
Rosendall will play golf at Grand Rapids Community College and VanKlompenberg and Kaman are still undecided on a school.
Tri-Unity Christian coach Mark Keeler gets his players subbed into the game. From left, Wesley Kaman, Jordan VanKlompenberg and Owen Rosendall and Forest Hills Eastern’s Drew Patten. They played in the Ring of Fire All-Star Game on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).
