Coming off an undefeated season last year, the Sunnyside (Wash.) Christian High School Knights were facing a challenging year of men’ basketball. “We graduated seven senior players, and this group needed to improve and learn how to play the game, to accentuate each player’s strengths,” said Coach Dean Wagenaar. The team went on to a 20-5 season and a State Championship title. Senior Joel Koopmans was awarded the State Tournament MVP.
“We just felt as though the young men played extremely well and utilized their strengths,” said Wagenaar. The championship game was a nail-biter as it went into overtime. “To come back in OT and have Ryker [Van Belle] hit the three to win was a bit crazy,” said Wagenaar of the team’s 38-37 win over Tekoa-Oakesdale. “More importantly, we hope some Christian life transformation and fellowship occurred. I hope the players have learned some Christlike behaviors/virtues as they have been a part of the program.”
