Gunnar Dykstra scored a game-high 27 points and Lynden Christian boys basketball cruised through Squalicum 80-52 in Northwest Conference action Saturday, Jan. 18 at Squalicum High.
The Lyncs relied on their defense and 3-point shooting, tallying seven blocks and 12 3-pointers. Dykstra had a hot shooting performance, finishing with nine 3-pointers. He also had three rebounds and an assist.
Blake Elston led the Storm with 17 points and four rebounds. However, the Storm had a quiet start, allowing the Lyncs to take a 13-0 lead in the first four minutes. Squalicum’s Ezra Nichols ended the run with a 3-pointer.
Yet, the Lyncs continued to rally to an 18-6 lead at the end of the first quarter. Storm’s Orion Granberg-Kiddle started the second quarter by making both of his free throws after being fouled going for a layup.
Lynden Christian began to respond within the paint from Luke VaanKooten and Kaden Veldman. The two of them combined for 24 points and 15 rebounds. Dykstra finished the second quarter with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from the left corner to make it a 40-23 lead.
In the second half, the Lyncs’ defense switched to a full-court press, forcing Squalicum into five turnovers in the first few minutes and giving the Lyncs a 47-25 lead. Once Squalicum handled the press, they were able to chip away at the lead slightly. Storm’s Hunter Calloway and Ty Hoffmann led with seven combined points in the third quarter.
Although Squalicum began to break down Lynden Christian’s defense, the Lyncs were still able to score five 3-pointers in the quarter to take a 63-35 lead.
In the fourth quarter, the reserves began to trickle in and make their impact on the court. Nicholas picked up four late points to slim the lead but the Lyncs came out victorious.
Lynden Christian (13-1) will host Anacortes at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22. Squalicum (6-7) travels to Sedro-Woolley at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21.
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.
