GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Grand Rapids Christian boys basketball team has had loaded squads over the years. This season is no exception with at least five seniors going to play at the next level.
However, the Eagles have their eye on the prize as they aim to win their first state title since 1966.
"There's nothing like getting into that postseason and making a run," Grand Rapids Christian head coach Eric Taylor said.
The Eagles feel ready for a run after finishing the regular season 20-2 overall. They have not been to the state title game since 2017.
"We're going to do everything we can to make sure we are prepared," Taylor said. "Take one game at a time. We are not going to get ahead of ourselves. We are going to go out and do what we've been coached to do."
What the Eagles have been coached to do is live by the D.U.F.T. acronym, which stands for discipline, unselfishness, focus and trust. It's paid off.
"The team is out here fighting for each other each night," Grand Rapids Christian senior Nate Johnson said. "We just want the best for each other. We want to see each other get as far as possible in the game of life and the game of basketball."
In the game of basketball, Grand Rapids Christian knows the energy amps up to another level when it's time to win or go home...
"The community, everybody, makes it more hype but we just have to keep buying in and listening to [coach]," Grand Rapids Christian senior Jaylan Ouwinga said. "We've got a name for ourselves right now. Going into the playoffs should be fun."
What makes the ride the most fun is the brotherhood that the Eagles created through basketball continues to live on.
"It's super special," Grand Rapids Christian senior Carter Goodyke said. "Having some of your best friends for the last four years being able to take the court with them each and every night, it is definitely a blessing for sure."
But what would be the biggest blessing of them all is winning the program's first state title in 58 years.
"We've worked really hard to set a standard here at Grand Rapids Christian High School for our boys basketball program," Taylor said. "I think the guys have accomplished a lot during that time. We've got a lot of work to do. Collectively, I think we are on the same page and continue to trust each other and play unselfishly."
Grand Rapids Christian will play the winner of the Grand River Prep and Kelloggsville showdown at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Unity Christian High School for a spot in the district title game.
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