Last week was an incredible week for the Lenawee Christian boys' basketball team. Just one week ago they defeated Battle Creek St. Philips in the State Class D Quarterfinals. Following that win, they took on Cedarville in the State Semifinals at the Michigan State University Breslin Center. This paved the way for them to compete against the 2012 and 2013 state champions from Southfield Christian, who blew out their opponent in the semifinal contest last Thursday. The match up was now set for Saturday's state championship contest.
This was new territory for the Lenawee Christian Cougars as they had never gone this far in the tournament before. They had made it to the state semifinals three years in a row from 1998-2000, but this was the first time to go clear to the finals. Southfirld Christian had players who were quick and excellent shooters. They also pressed and double teamed opposing players which causes many turnovers. The Cougars were ready and so were the fans. The Cougar Nation turned out in force to cheer on their boys with great support. The game started with an early lead by Southfield, but the Cougars fought back to actually take the lead at halftime. It was very evident that the boys from Lenawee had caused a great deal of frustration on a club that generally blows out every opponent. The lead seesawed back and forth throughout the second half with Southfield Christian winning by two in the final seconds of the game.
The scoreboard doesn't always reflect the winner.
The Cougars showed great determination and gave at least 120% effort during the entire game. Everyone of the Cougars played as hard as they could to try to win the game. Not only that, they played in such a way that glorified the Lord. It was quite a contrast between one of their player and one of the players from Lenawee Christian when they both fouled out in the fourth quarter. The player from Southfield covered his head with a towel and removed himself from his team. He made quite a spectacle while the LCS player, when he fouled out, went to his team and challenged them to continue playing hard and win the game. Even though they didn't win the game, they certainly came off the court as winner. At the end of the game, one the the LCS players went to the opposing coach and asked if they wanted to meet in the middle of the floor and have prayer together to which the coach positively responded. It was quite moving to see both teams arms around each other givng the Lord thanks for this opportunity. To see high school age boys doing this will bring tears to your eyes.
It was a great game, but most of all the boys from Lenawee represented their school, their parents, themselves and the Lord so well. They can hold their heads high even though the score at then end of the game didn't reflect the outcome we wanted. Those boys are all WINNERS!!!!!
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny
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