Coach Gary Bailey released the 2010-11 roster today.  This roster includes all players that are on Varsity and JV.  “We have not decided what our varsity or jv rosters will be yet,” said Bailey.   “We will begin that process when practice starts next month.  We are extremely happy with this recruiting class.  It has all of the pieces necessary to keep the tradition  going here at Grace.  I am anxious to get these guys all together and get going.  Open gyms all summer have been really competitive and the new guys have played well.  We have three transfers and ten freshman in this class.”  

* New players are in blue

The Tiger Den apparel store at Grace is finally open.  The store has a few shirts and sweatshirts available now with many more shirts, sweatshirts, hats, pictures and miscellaneous items coming soon.   You can visit the store online by clicking the Tiger Den button the the athletics site..  You can also visit the store in the Adrich Center on the GBC campus to make your purchase.

The men’s and women’s teams from soccer and basketball woke up early saturday morning to help with the Metro Cruise Charity Race.  The student athletes were stationed around the 5K and 10K road course to help runners and for crowd control.  35  students in all joined some staff to help make this a very great event.  Although Grace has no affiliation with the Metro Cruise, the planners asked if they could make part of their course through the GBC campus.

Coach Gary Bailey traveled to Allegan, MI to speak at the Sportspower Basketball Camp today at Camp Beech Point.  Coach Bailey was invited down by friend Jeremiah Hamlet, the basketball camp Director.  All-American, Allen Durham, was also invited to speak at the evening session.  “It was great to help out at the camp today,” said Bailey.  “It’s always great to share some basketball stories.  More importantly, we were able to talk about grades, character, and follow through with the campers.  There was a lot of talent at this camp.  I hope we made an impact and see some of these guys playing at the college level.” 

Coach Bailey speaking to the campers

Camp Director Jeremiah Hamlet plays defense on All Durham

Allen Durham wowing the campers.

Paul is standing next to President Obama's right side.

Paul Nelson, a 2010 graduate of Grace,  made the final cut for the Army National Team.  Paul had been practicing with the team as they made their cuts.  It was officially announced that he made the team earlier this week at a practice.   There were over 330 applicants for the roster spots.

Paul was surprised when President Obama showed up to work out with the team.  Paul said the President told him “he had a nice shot,”

Marquis Johnson

Marquis Johnson, a 5’11″ guard out of Creston High School has been accepted to Grace and will play for the Tigers next year.  Averaging 8 ppg, 3 rpg, and 5 apg, Marquis finished his senior season as the point and two guard for CHS.  Marquis was also awarded the Sportsmanship Award at Creston.

“When I went to watch Marquis play, I was immediately impressed with his on court demeanor and how cool he played under pressure”, said Coach Gary Bailey.  “He really can get to the basket and he jumps well.  He is very athletic and will really push our upper classmen in practice as he learns our system.  Marquis is another one of those players that people will wonder how he was overlooked by some of the bigger schools, as long as he continues to work.”

Marquis is the son of Edward Johnson, Sr. and Treena Edwards.

Head Coach Gary Bailey announced today the signing of Mike Mokma out of Rogers High School in Wyoming, MI.  Mike is versatile swingman standing 6’7″.  “Mike’s brother John played for us back in 2005-06 and it is always great to have family of alumni want to carry on the Grace tradition,” said Bailey.  “Mike is really smart with the ball and seems to make good decisions.  He can shoot the ball and he jumps really well.  He is the type of kid that will make a buzz in the NCCAA if he keeps working hard.  We are really happy to have Mike as a Tiger.”

Mike received the “Most Improved Player Award” his junior year at Rogers and  averaged 11 points and 8 rebounds his senior season.  Mike is the son of Dave and Deb Mokma.

Coach Bailey speaking to the players

Allen Durham going through drills at the clinic

Coach Gary Bailey and Allen Durham traveled to Wooster, OH to take part in the 6th annual Round Lake Boys Basketball Camp.  The camp runs from Tuesday through Friday.   Coach Bailey and Allen ran the coaches clinic on the opening night for the campers and staff.

Good friend Rick Cooper invited the guys down after the National Championship game in Springfield, MO.

To follow the camp or to get more info on Round Lake Camp go to: http://www.roundlake.org/10camp/boysbball.php

Paul Nelson

From the desk of Coach Gary Bailey:  

Recently, Paul Nelson shared his story with me of his military decision.  Now it has taken a new twist and I asked him to write it down so that we could share it with everyone…….here it is.  

In my youth I heard stories about my families military service in the Army.  My great grandfather fought in France during WWI, my grandfather fought in the Philippines during WWII, my father served in Korea during the Vietnam War and my brother fought in Afghanistan.  My brother received an Army ROTC scholarship to Western Michigan University and became the first GBC student approved to cooperate with the WMU ROTC program.  My brother,Stephen, spoke to me about the possible opportunities of applying for a ROTC scholarship and joining the military.  My family history helped me in making the decision to proceed.  I enlisted on April 24,2008 in the Army National Guard and applied for the ROTC scholarship program at WMU.  The summer of 2008 I completed basic and advanced Field Artillery training at Ft. Sill, Ok.  I returned in the fall of 2008 to begin ROTC training at WMU in addition to my studies at GBC.  The summer of 2009 I spent at Ft. Lewis, Wa in leadership training.  On May 8th, 2010, I graduated from GBC and was commisioned, by the Army, as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army National Guard.  I will be completing the Army Leadership Developmental Assessment course this fall and be assigned to a Military Police unit in Taylor, MI.
The Army basketball journey began when my brother provided me with information about the “All Army” team.  I began the application process, which included requesting authority from the local command to allow me the time to participate.  It was a clear answer to prayer when all of the superiors gave permission and the team chose to send me an invitation to “try outs”.  Today 7/21/2010 begins the first day and the tryouts will continue for three weeks here at Ft Myers, VV.  I am thankful for the opportunity to possibly represent the Army while playing the game of basketball.  I would appreciate if you would remember me in your prayers!   

Thanks,  

Paul  

*  Paul is the only player in Grace history to win three national championships in basketball (2006, 09, 10).  Paul also finished his career with 1,101 points which ranks #14 on the all-time scoring list.  

Paul was selected by the Department of the Army to be brought on active duty to participate on the All Army Basketball Team. The team will be training at a mid major NCAA D-1 level school as there will be 3 weeks of trial camp to be conducted at Fort Myer,VA from July 21 – August 14, 2010. The team will then participate in the Armed Forces Championships, August 15-23, 2010 at Fort Myer, VA. This will be followed by the CISM (World Military) Basketball Championships in Seoul, Korea from August 24 - September 18, 2010. 

Steve Nelson (Brother), Dean Nelson (Dad), and Paul Nelson

Paul Nelson at University of Wisconsin Parkside (NCAA II)