Heading into Thursday’s game against Byron Center, the boys freshman basketball team needed to win out and get some additional help in order to secure a share of the conference championship. The first task for the Rangers was to defeat the number-one ranked Byron Center Bulldogs, a team that has held the number one spot in the OK White for a few weeks now. In FHC’s last meeting with the Bulldogs, Byron Center found great success by playing aggressive defense and finishing many shots, which led to a Bulldog win. This time around, the Rangers changed the game with their offensive firepower. 

Head coach Gordon Shields preached getting out to a fast start because it was something the boys failed to do in their first matchup with Byron. Both the Rangers and the Bulldogs started off cold offensively in this game. The game’s pace was slower to start, as each team tried to feel each other out. At the end of the first quarter, FHC tallied 11 points. By halftime, the Rangers amassed 22 points. The third quarter was when the Rangers gained a sizeable lead. Led by Brendan Cargill’s 9 points in the third quarter, the team scored nineteen points. Thanks to this scoring tear from Brendan, FHC’s chances of winning proliferated. Byron Center started the fourth quarter fast, which closed the gap for FHC’s lead. Scoring only five fourth-quarter points, it seemed like FHC’s chances at a conference championship were diminishing. However, excellent play in the later stages of the contest sent the game to overtime. Specifically, Tyler Dickinson had a crucial three-point shot to tie the game. In overtime, Seder Middaugh took over down low, scoring a few buckets and getting to the free-throw line. The Rangers would seal the deal in overtime, winning by a score of 54-49. 

Brendan Cargill led all scorers with 21 points and went 8-8 from the free throw line. Tyler Dickinson also had a crucial game, with the game-tying three and 10 points as well. Struggling with foul trouble early, Seder Middaugh had a slow start but finished the game phenomenally for the Rangers. Despite having four fouls, his defense was spectacular late for FHC. Similarly, Denis Medic added a few buckets with a total of 6 points. 

After its biggest win of the season, FHC’s conference championship hopes still remain alive as it heads into the final game of the season. In order for the Rangers to win a share of the conference, these two things have to happen: the Rangers have to beat Northview in their last game of the season, and Grand Rapids Christian has to beat Byron Center. If those two events happen, Christian, FHC, and Byron Center will have to each share a slice of the conference. The Rangers must remain focused on the task at hand, though, as they have to win this Tuesday against Northview to even have a fighting chance at a conference title.