EAST LANSING, Mich. — The buzzer sounded in East Lansing and the Tri-Unity Christian boys basketball team felt a familiar feeling. The Defenders are state champions again, taking down Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart 79-59 in the Division 4 title game.
"I am so proud of these young men," said Defenders head coach Mark Keeler. "This is all about them. I will tell you right now they have been, this year, so coachable. Each time is different but it is exciting to see."
It's the sixth state title for Keeler, who announced next year will be his last leading the Defenders.
The biggest stage in the state is no stranger to this program.
Tri-Unity Christian has played in the past five Division 4 state title games.
However, last year's loss to Munising in the state championship lit a fire in the bellies of this year's team. The Defenders wanted to make sure they were back.
But this time, they wanted to leave as champions.
Their motivation paid off.
"It's a dream come true," said Tri-Unity Christian senior Jordan VanKlompenberg. "I got to be a state champion my sophomore year. Just doing it two times feels amazing, especially after losing last year makes this one feel even better."
Tri-Unity Christian left no doubt, either. The team shot over 60 percent from the field compared to just 30 percent for the Irish. Every starter in the Defenders lineup scored in double figures led by VanKlompenberg with 19 and senior Owen Rosendall with 14.
"Winning the state championship meant a lot, especially as a senior playing with my brothers," Rosendall said. "It is a bittersweet ending, but we just put in the work and it feels amazing. It is what you dream of as a little kid."
Eight seniors will depart the program as Keeler will get one last hoorah in 2025.
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