Bowers, Kamphuis lead Kent City to a sixth consecutive district title

 

LAKEVIEW–Lexie Bowers and Hailey Kamphuis combined for 33 points as Kent City won its sixth consecutive district girls basketball title with a 49-45 victory over Morley-Stanwood on Friday night.

 

Bowers, a senior, had a game-high 17 points. along with seven rebounds and four assists. Kamphuis, a sophomore, scored 16 points, including 4-of-8 from beyond the arc. Savannah Miller also finished in double digits with 10 points. Maddie Geers led Kent City with nine rebounds and added six points. Abby Pecynski contributed five rebounds and four assists.

 

Bowers, who has been a part of four district championships and a key member of the Eagles past two state runner-up journeys, was pleased with the outcome.

 

“I think it’s really cool to be a part of those four district championships,” said Bowers, who played a substitute role as both a freshman and sophomore before stepping into scoring and leadership roles as a junior and senior.

 

“This was really fun tonight because we had a lot of other players step up,” she said. “Everybody played with a lot of confidence and we made our shots when they mattered. And we made some key 3-point shots.

 

Kent City got out in front and led 10-7 by the end of the first quarter. The Eagles extended their lead to 20-11 by the half.

 

The Mohawks narrowed the gap to 30-23 by the end of third period by outscoring Kent City 12-10 in the quarter. Morley-Stanwood outscored Kent City 22-19 in a wild and high scoring fourth quarter. 

 

Lynsey Biller led the Morley-Stanwood attack with 15 points.

 

Winning another district title is just one of the goals for Bowers and her Eagle teammates.

 

“We really want to get back to the Breslin again this year,” said Bowers.

 

Kent City (20-4) will take on Saugatuck (15-9) next Tuesday in a Division 3 semifinal regional contest at Shelby. On the other side of the bracket is two teams the Eagles are very familiar with in either Hart and Grand Rapids NorthPointe.

 

Earlier this season, Kent City defeated Hart and last season they took down Grand Rapids NorthPointe in regional final action.

 

“We know those teams are very talented and very experienced,” said Bowers.