It started on Tuesday, with a natural rivalry game every night, until it builds to the crescendo on Saturday when the Lynden Christian Lyncs travel nine-tenths of a mile and take on the Lynden Lions at Jake Maberry Gymnasium.
The teams have a combined conference record of 24-0 and 35-1 on the season. It was very similar to 2019 when the teams entered the game with combined records of 20-0 and 34-0. The Lyncs won that one, and went on to take fourth at the 1A State Tournament, while the Lions won their second straight 2A state title.
By the way, the girl’s teams will play at Lynden Christian, Saturday afternoon, at 230pm. They are a combined 21-0 in NWC games, and 34-2 on the season.
In combining all four teams, let’s do the math: 45-0 in NWC games and 69-3 overall.
On both floors, no matter who wins, their sights are set much higher than a win over their rival. All four are state championship contenders, and while winning on Saturday will go a long way on having one-upped their friends and relatives for the next 365 days, their goals are much higher.
This is the rivalry where these players grew up in the same neighborhoods, went to the same churches, had relatives on both sides, and competed with, and against each other, growing up. They are all buddies until they hit the floor, then resume friendships after the final horn.
My high school days were spent at Mount Baker in the 1970’s. All 1A schools at the time in the Whatcom County League, both Lynden and Lynden Christian were everyone’s rival. And, just like now, it’s because they won all the time.
Going through Mount Baker, then being an assistant coach at Lynden in the 80’s and 90’s, I understood the emotions of the rivalry, but not the way those who grew up in it did. I became friends with people on both sides, and on game day, yes, we need to beat them, but I didn’t have what was built in to those who came about it naturally!
In my book on Lynden Lion basketball, “The Green & Golden Years” published in 2015 (shameless plug), I spent time discussing the rivalry, and how it has changed over the years. Let’s just say, it has definitely mellowed. Times have certainly changed, but the main reason is that, other than one head-to-head matchup, they no longer compete for the same big prize. In fact, they have won state championships in the same season four times.
But on to 2025.
This one is easy to preview: They have alternated wins since 2019, and Lynden won last year. So, there’s all you need to know.
Well, we can go a little deeper.
The Lyncs won by 18 points in 2019, and the Lions won by 12 in 2020. After that, they had three straight games decided by three points, and then last year’s 61-56 win by the Lions.
In seeing both teams several times this season, I get the feeling that a lower score favors Lynden, while the faster pace favors Lynden Christian. The Lyncs are generally at, or near, the top of the NWC in scoring offense, while the Lions seem to always lead the league in defense. Though, each is never that far behind the other in offense or defense. And in general, the teams don’t reach their scoring average in this game. So, take whatever the “under” is (for entertainment purposes only, of course).
How the Lyncs can win:
If the Lyncs can break down the Lions defense and create as they have against every other team this season, they will win. The Lions still dominate teams with their man-to-man defense but have played more minutes of zone this season than in the past. I think zone is the way to go against the Lyncs, especially with the Lions size on the inside. The Lyncs are too quick and too good on the perimeter for most teams’ man-to-man defense.
Basically, if the Lions allow the Lyncs to “do what they do,” it will be a long night. But, the way the Lions plan and defend, the Lyncs, I’m sure, will have Plan-B ready to go.
The Lyncs have a big scorer in senior guard, Gannon Dykstra. He can create a good shot for himself anywhere on the floor, or create the same for teammates. The Lyncs are also very creative in finding him on inbounds plays, often with companion cuts out of the same set. He does not have to be their leading scorer for the Lyncs to win games. If he is able to run the floor and create for himself and others, that’s trouble for the Lions.
The Lyncs also have outstanding guards in sophomores Gunnar Dykstra and Dawson Hintz. Both have an abundance of range behind the 3-point line, and Gunnar’s accuracy is sometimes, unbelievable. Just think of any shot you ever attempted playing H-O-R-S-E. Pay special attention to him in the first three minutes of each half. He is especially good at getting others going in those important first minutes.
While the Lyncs have those three in double-figures, they often have eight or more players in the scoring column. Senior forward Luke VanKooten is a definite zone-buster, as an exceptional 3-point shooter when spotting up.
Kaden Veldman also shows great basketball savvy and completes the lineup with clutch scoring and defense.
How the Lions can win:
Let’ go with the opposite. If the Lions defense can control the Lyncs on the perimeter, and dominate the glass at both ends, the way they have all season, they will win.
To control the pace, the Lions will have to count on their young guards. Sophomores Gordy Bedlington, Malachi Koenen, and freshman Jayden Navarre, will have to be meet the challenge of back court pressure.
Once that’s done, in the front court, those guards will have to get the offense moving, no matter what defense they see. Man, zone, or some sort of combination that has been used against the Lions recently. If they can come through, that’s a win for the Lions.
Dominating on the glass will be important in slowing the Lyncs transition. The Lions will run when it presents itself, but quick 3-point misses have come to doom LC opponents.
The Lions can also make hay inside. The 6-6 Brant Heppner, 6-7 Jack Stapleton, 6-5 Spencer Adams, and the high-leaping 6-5 Ty Jorgenson have feasted on opponents interiors this year.
What it comes down to:
In “big” games, each team schemes to control or limit what their opponents likes to do best. The focus is on those who can beat you. I say it all the time: Often in games like this, it’s that third, fifth, or even that seventh leading scorer who came out of nowhere to have a big game.
Who will be this year’s hero?
For Lynden, watch for the 3-point shooting of Malachi Koenen. If the Lyncs key on Heppner and Adams, that could open up Koenen, Bedlington, or Navarre on the wings. Ty Jorgensen’s athleticism could place him in the headlines also.
For Lynden Christian, Luke VanKooten could be the Lyncs answer, same for the same reason as Koenen. For a big guy, VanKooten will find a spot on the 3-point line and nail shots on ball reversal. He won’t shoot that many but will be timely and accurate.
Veldman could be a defensive plus for the Lyncs as well. He seems to have a knack coming out of nowhere for that big blocked shot or rebound.
The conferences two undefeated teams meeting before a potential crowd of 3,000 fans, with one week to go in the regular season. Yes, a huge game. But the perspective will not be lost.
~ Ted House
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