Stingy defense and offensive outbursts were the keys for Western Christian on Saturday, as they were able to come away with a sweep of Pella Christian’s basketball teams at Dordt College’s Christian High School Classic. Cori Uitermarkt’s 21 points was no match for Western Christian’s backcourt press and hot shooting, as the Wolfpack took down the Pella Christian Eagles’ girls, 82 – 51 in the first game of the afternoon. The Eagles got out to a good start, sinking two quick outside shots to take an early lead. Western Christian put on a full court press that gave the Eagles all sorts of fits, as it forced more than 30 Pella Christian turnovers. The Eagles did get it to within six at one point, but Western went on a 17 – 0 run to put the game away. Uitermarkt added 11 rebounds, while Paige Engbers also had 13 points and eight boards. The Eagles’ girls finish the 2012 part of their schedule with a 6 – 1 record. On the boys’ side, the Eagles’ post play was virtually non-existent due to Western Christian’s double-and sometimes triple-teaming of Austin VerMeer and their other big guys down below. Pella Christian was able to get within three in the second half but failed to get any closer in a 62 – 46 loss. The Wolfpack’s Michael DenHerder punched in 28 points to lead all scorers. Despite not getting a lot of open looks, VerMeer was able to record a double-double with ten points and 12 rebounds. Pella Christian’s boys fall to 5 – 2 at the holiday break, and will next host rival Pella at home on January 4.

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