Photos courtesy of Troy L. Hugen Photography

While the results of their final season on Eagle Lane fell shy of their ultimate goal, the seniors for the Pella Christian boys basketball team left their mark on the program.

Among the Eagles eight seniors this season were Tysen De Vries, Dane Geetings, Isaiah Breems, Benny Schirz, Josiah Vos, Caleb Van Arendonk, Kaden Kruid, and Trae Van Maanen. Since four of this year’s seniors began their varsity careers as sophomores, Pella Christian compiled a 53-23 overall record and a Little Hawkeye Conference mark of 23-16. The Eagles were among the last 16 teams standing in Class 2A each of the last three seasons, reaching at least the Substate Championship game, while also making it to the State Tournament semifinals twice. 

During their careers, the eight seniors combined to record 2,454 points, 1,120 rebounds, 583 assists, and 309 steals. While this season didn’t end the way Pella Christian had hoped, head coach JD Boer said this year’s seniors left a lasting legacy on the program.

“This is a group of guys that really committed to being part of something bigger than themselves, and we talk about that often. Give over get, to just give everything you have to your team and these guys did that. Not only this year, but in the past as well. And I think you saw that with a successful basketball team, but I think I see it more in just the way that they interact with each other and the way that they love each other. This senior class is a special group and one that I couldn’t be more proud of.”

The Eagles ended their 2023-2024 season with an 18-6 overall record.