In a competitive non‑conference matchup on Saturday, December 21, 2024, the Kenowa Hills Knights hosted the Big Rapids Cardinals at 2:00 PM in Grand Rapids. The Knights pulled off a strong finish to secure a 61–53 win, closing out Big Rapids’ calendar-year schedule with a tough loss.
First Half: Kenowa Hills Pulls Ahead
From the opening tip, both teams traded baskets in a near-even opening quarter. However, Kenowa Hills closed the first period on a 3‑point surge to capture an 8‑point lead, 19–11. Big Rapids responded in the second quarter, led by Gabe Njenga, who knocked down key shots—including contested efforts—to pull the Cardinals closer. But late turnovers allowed the Knights to build another run, and they held a seven-point advantage at halftime.
Second Half: Big Rapids Battles Back, Falls Short
Coming out of the break, the Cardinals came alive defensively. Ty Gielczyk and Liam McLaughlin added opening buckets that helped force tough shots and tempo changes. Entering the fourth quarter, Big Rapids had erased the deficit and held a narrow lead, 42–39. A three-pointer from Cole Haist and a lay‑in from Njenga flipped the margin in Big Rapids’ favor early in the fourth.
But Kenowa Hills responded with a decisive 7–0 run following a Big Rapids timeout, reclaiming the lead. Despite trailing by only four points with two minutes to play, the Cardinals could not capitalize down the stretch. Key free throws by the Knights and missed threes by the Cardinals sealed an eight-point final margin.
Individual Performances
- Gabe Njenga led Big Rapids with 24 points, including critical made contact shots in Q2.
- Ty Gielczyk contributed nine points and was a force on the boards.
- Cole Haist added eight points, including a pivotal fourth-quarter triple.
- Liam McLaughlin rounded out the scoring with seven points.
Kenowa Hills’ offensive balance and timely free throw shooting overcame Big Rapids’ late surge and home-court energy.
Implications & Context
Kenowa Hills closed out December with a high-profile win over a solid conference opponent. For Big Rapids, the loss dropped them to 6–2 overall entering the holiday break, with a 4–1 home record and 2–1 on the road for the season so far .
This game also marked the final contest of the calendar year for both squads—a symbolic endpoint before winter break and the return to league play. The competitive tone and lead changes made clear that each team’s postseason potential hinges on consistency and execution in late-game situations.