By Justin Stulpe
The Grand Rapids Community College men’s basketball team notched its 12th straight win with a 113-105 victory over Lake Michigan College, highlighted by a record-setting performance from freshman guard Marshaun Flakes.
The game began with both teams exchanging scoring runs, as Lake Michigan College kept the contest close by capitalizing on forced turnovers by GRCC. Flakes led the Raiders early, scoring 12 of their first 20 points and helping them build an eight-point lead. However, LMC rallied to take a three-point lead at halftime, fueled by 18 points off Raider turnovers. GRCC, by contrast, scored just five points off turnovers. Despite the deficit, the Red Hawks had no answer for Flakes, who scored 23 points, including five 3-pointers, in the first half to keep the Raiders within striking distance.
Despite already setting a team season high for 3-pointers made, Flakes continued his scoring barrage in the second half, hitting four more 3-pointers to help the Raiders chip away at Lake Michigan College’s lead. Flakes went on a 13-4 personal scoring run, bringing his total to 39 points with more than 10 minutes remaining, and shifting the momentum in favor of GRCC.
In addition to Flakes’ scorching shooting, the Raiders’ improved defense played a key role in their second-half comeback. By forcing tough shots and making crucial stops in the final moments, GRCC was able to claw back within striking distance. Head coach Joe Fox credited freshman wing Gaden Muxlow for his vital defensive contributions, particularly in limiting the scoring of LMC freshman guard Jovon Dancy Jr. Muxlow was tasked with face-guarding Dancy, a strategy that helped contain the Red Hawks’ top scorer.
“Gaden did a fantastic job, turned the whole game around for us,” Fox said.
After reclaiming the lead at 83-82 with a pair of free throws, Flakes and the Raiders never relinquished it, holding on for a 113-105 victory. Flakes finished with a school-record 53 points, shooting 17-of-28 from the field, 9-of-13 from beyond the arc and 10-of-12 from the free-throw line.
Flakes described his scoring outburst as “one of those days,” acknowledging that the shots were simply falling. He also credited his teammates for encouraging him to keep shooting and playing freely.
“My teammates were just telling me to keep going,” Flakes said.
Flakes not only set a school record with 53 points, but also logged the second-most 3-pointers in a game in Raider history, hitting nine on an impressive 69% shooting clip. He also made his presence felt in other areas of the game, posting a double-double with 10 rebounds, while adding five assists, seven steals and two blocks. Flakes’ all-around performance was pivotal in helping GRCC secure an eight-point win over a tough Red Hawks team.
Along with Flakes and Muxlow, freshman guard Zeekeal Jackson added a solid 23 points on 8-of-14 shooting, along with six rebounds, helping the Raiders’ bench find offensive stability in his 28 minutes of action. Freshman guard Tyran Thomas contributed 15 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, going 8-of-10 from the free-throw line to help seal the victory for GRCC with the clutch shooting from the charity stripe.
For LMC, freshman guard Jeremias Berchal posted a highly efficient 37 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and five steals to lead the Red Hawks in the back-and-forth contest. Freshman forward Elijah Thornton added 23 points and five rebounds, while freshman guard Michael Thornton chipped in 14 points and four assists despite the close loss.
Fueled by Flakes’ record-setting performance, the Raiders have won 12 straight games and improved to 15-2 on the season. GRCC will next face Southwestern Michigan College on Jan. 18, aiming to move to 3-0 in conference play and extend their winning streak to 13 games. The teams split their two matchups last season, and the game will be played at 3 p.m. on the road against the Roadrunners.
