Rachel Bruinsma
By Ron Rop
Local Sports Journal
Western Michigan Christian’s senior duo of Rachel Bruinsma and Vanessa Eekhoff helped lead the Warriors to a lopsided 70-39 victory over the Grand River Prep Titans on Tuesday night.
Bruinsma led the way with 24 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and four steals while Eekhoff had 21 points and 12 rebounds.
And while both players posted impressive numbers, it was Grand River’s Mariah McCully who took top scoring honors. The freshman poured in 32 of her team’s 39 points in the nonleague game.
“I liked the way we played with more intensity than we have been,” WMC coach Mike Henry said. “That will serve us well down the road.”
The Warriors gradually pulled away thoughout the night, but it was evident right from the start that McCully would be an offensive threat that required plenty of defensive attention. She scored from both inside and outside.
WMC led 14-6 after one, 36-22 at the half and 47-30 after three quarters.
The inside game of Bruinsma and Eekhoff was just too much for the Titans to stop.
Senior point guard Julie Merz added seven assists and four steals for WMC (6-3). Alyssa Wright also chipped in eight points.
No other player scored more than two points for Grand River, which reportedly will be joining the River Valley Conference next school year.
Western Michigan Christian 70, Grand River Prep 39
GRAND RIVER PREP
Essence Cutts 0 2-4 2, ChiChi Jigo 0 1-2 1, Megan Lawrence 1 0-0 2, Anna Mugica-Canos 1 0-0 2, Mariah McCully 10 10-12 32. Totals 12 13-18 39.
WESTERN MICHIGAN CHRISTIAN
Alyssa Wright 4 0-1 8, Olivia Varnado 1 0-0 2, Julie Merz 2 0-0 4, Sarah Hughes 2 0-0 4, Cassidy Kraker 1 0-0 2, Jessica Knoll 1 1-2 3, Rachel Bruinsma 10 4-4 24, Lindsey Johnson 0 2-2 2, Vanessa Eekhoff 9 3-5 21. Totals 30 10-14 70.
GR Prep 6 – 16 – 8 – 9 — 39
WMC 14 – 22 – 11 – 23 — 70
3-pointers: McCully (2). Fouled out: none. Total fouls: Grand River Prep 16, WM Christian 15. Technicals: none. A: 100.
