One of the biggest moments for Pella Christian in 2016-2017 came in one of the best boys’ basketball seasons in program history.

Eagles Head Coach Larry Hessing earned his 600th career victory during one of the Eagles’ hottest streaks of the season in a 72-59 win over Norwalk in January.

Assistant Basketball Coach Dan Branderhorst says Hessing’s impact on the players that have passed through the Pella Christian program has been invaluable.

“I think when a lot of people think about Pella Christian, they think about a great basketball tradition. He’s such a big part of that and he’s impacted so many student athletes over the last 23 years. He means a lot because he really cares not just about the basketball games, but about the students themselves.”

The Eagles’ fell just short of Hessing’s elusive first-ever basketball championship, however, and finished 2nd for the 5th time with the long-time head coach after falling to Western in the state championship game.

Hessing ended the season with 615 wins as a coach all-time, and owns a 423-154 record in his 23 years with the Eagles.