Courier Clips

Eash shoots 47 but Couriers lose two at McCormick Creek

2009-05-15T22:50:00.003-04:00

Evan Stutzman chips out of a sand trap on the
18th hole.

Justin Horst prepares to putt.

Justin lines up his putt while a South Bend Washington
golfer watches.
---

NAPPANEE (Mon., May 11, 2009) - Sophomore Tyler Eash shot a 47 but the Couriers fell to Jimtown and South Bend Washington in varsity boys golf at McCormick Creek. South Bend Washington won with a team score of 177 followed by Jimtown's 202 and Clinton's 204.

Junior Jordan Bontrager finished with a 50, freshman Justin Horst added a 51, junior Atlee Bender and senior Evan Stutzman both shot a 56 for the Couriers (1-6). Washington's Ryan Cole was the low-score medalist with a 41.

The Couriers are idle until a season-ending match at Black Squirrel Golf Course in Goshen May 26 against host Bethany Christian and West Noble. The Bethany Christian Bruins lost to the Couriers 188-238 at Timber Ridge on April 23.

Couriers lose two on the road

2009-04-29T23:01:00.002-04:00

WARSAW (Mon., Apr. 27, 2009) - Justin Horst shot a career-best 44 and Tyler Eash rebounded from a 9 on the first hole for a 47 but the Couriers fell to Lakeland Christian 176-191 at Rozella Ford Golf Club.

Jordan Bontrager and Evan Stutzman both carded scores of 50 for the Couriers (3-4) who have never beaten the Cougars on the golf course.

Lakeland Christian won the JV match 249-258.

AUBURN (Tues., Apr. 28, 2009) - Lakewood Park squeaked by the Couriers 191-193 at Bridgewater Golf Club.

Tyler Eash topped the Couriers with a 45. Evan Stutzman added a 47, Atlee Bender 50 and Justin Horst 51.

The 3-5 Couriers return home Thursday to host La Lumiere.

Couriers beat Bethany by 50 strokes

2009-04-23T23:01:00.002-04:00

MILLERSBURG (Thurs., Apr. 23, 2009) - In their best performance of the young season, the Couriers varsity boys golf team easily outpaced Bethany Christian 188-238 at Timber Ridge.

Senior Evan Stutzman paced the Couriers with a school-record round of 43 with Atlee Bender close behind with a 44. Jordan Bontrager shot a 49 and Justin Horst 52 as the Couriers tied their best nine-hole performance set against Trinity on May 16, 2008.

Jared Schwartzentruber led the Bruins with a round of 44.

The Couriers visit Lakewood Park Tuesday at the Bridgewater Golf Club in Auburn. The Couriers finished third and the Panthers fifth in the five-team Fairfield Invitational earlier this month.

Couriers fall to LaPorte foe

2009-04-20T23:24:00.002-04:00

LAPORTE (Thurs., Apr. 16, 2009) - The Couriers varsity boys golf team lost to La Lumiere 186-212 at Legacy Hills Golf Course in their first 9-hole match of the year.

Senior Evan Stutzman led the way with a 49. Justin Horst added a 53, Atlee Bender 54 and Jordan Bontrager 56.

La Lumiere handled the Courier JV 215-266. Eighth-grader Corby Miller shot a team-best 64 for the Couriers, now 0-1.

The varsity drops to 2-3 and visits Lakeland Christian Tuesday on the Rozella Ford Golf Course in Warsaw.

Couriers take third for best opening weekend

2009-04-13T21:45:00.003-04:00

MILLERSBURG (Sat., April 12, 2009) - The Couriers golf team placed third out of five teams in the Fairfield Invitational at Timber Ridge Golf Course. It was improvement over a fifth-place finish in a seven-team field in 2008.

The Fairfield Falcons won their own event with a team score of 347. West Noble finished second with a 388 followed by the Couriers 402, Eastside 406 and Lakewood Park 424. Fairfield's Brad Shipley shot an 84 to garner medalist honors.

Atlee Bender shot a school-record 91 to lead the Couriers. Evan Stutzman and Justin Horst carded 103s and Tyler Eash opened his first season of golf with 105.

The Couriers (2-2) travel to Rozella Ford Golf Club in Warsaw to face Lakeland Christian on Tuesday, April 21. In two tries, the Couriers are winless against the Cougars.

Knepp sees improvement in golf program

2009-03-26T23:09:00.002-04:00

March 26, 2009 - Entering the third season of varsity boys golf at Clinton Christian, Coach Matt Knepp welcomes back three letterwinners. Evan Stutzman (50.8 average per nine holes) is a senior, Atlee Bender (57.0) and Jordan Bontrager (51.0) are juniors.

Coach Knepp says, "Key returning players will be Stutzman and Bender. Senior Dwylin Gingerich, Bontrager, sophomore Tyler Eash and freshman Justin Horst will compete for the final three spots. Horst, who took up golf just two years ago, is playing well and is a nice surprise. We are still a young program but we are definitely improving every year."

The 2008 squad finished 5-8 and graduated two key performers in Joel King (50.8) and Mike Troyer (50.0). Dustin Yoder, who carded a 53.2 average as a sophomore, is not out for the team in 2009.

Knepp's assistant for a second year is Jared Hochstetler. The Couriers play all their home events at Timber Ridge Golf Course near Millersburg.

The season opens at the Fairfield Invitational April 11 at Timber Ridge, also the home course of the Falcons.

2009 Clinton Christian Couriers varsity boys golf roster

Dwylin Gingerich, senior
xEvan Stutzman, senior
xAtlee Bender, junior
xJordan Bontrager, junior
Tyler Eash, sophomore
Justin Horst, freshman

x - Returning letterwinners

2009 Clinton Christian Couriers junior varsity boys golf roster

Shad Miller, freshman
Corby Miller, 8th
Ethan Miller, 8th
Lance Miller, 8th
Cory Eash, 7th

My ICST All-Tourney Team and stats

2009-03-08T17:21:00.002-04:00

Benj Shirk's 2009 ICST Finals All-Tournament Team

Most Valuable Player: Evan Stutzman, Clinton Christian
Dustin Yoder, Clinton Christian
Taylor Bradbury, Horizon Christian
T.J. Baldonado, Horizon Christian
Jake Andringa, Heritage Christian

Honorable mention: Jordan Bontrager, Clinton Christian; Luke Jones, Horizon Christian (awarded Christian Character Award by ICST); Case DeJong, Heritage Christian; Gavin Harvey, Columbus Christian; Derek Roth, Columbus Christian

Disclaimer: These picks are solely my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the ICST Committee, schools or fans.

2009 ICST Finals Top Scorers
Player, school Pts.
Evan Stutzman, Clinton Christian 33
Dustin Yoder, Clinton Christian 30
Taylor Bradbury, Horizon Christian 27
Jordan Bontrager, Clinton Christian 21
T.J. Baldonado, Horizon Christian 21
Luke Jones, Horizon Christian 20
Jake Andringa, Heritage Christian 18
Case DeJong, Heritage Christian 11

Girls championship game: Heritage Christian 57, Kings Academy 23

Go to BracketMaker.com for the final brackets for both tournaments. Audio of the boys' semifinals and video of both finals are available from HoosierAuthority.com.

Couriers avenge early-season loss, cruise past Lions for ICST championship

2009-03-08T16:31:00.003-04:00

Brothers Justin Stutzman (45) and Evan Stutzman (44)
celebrate with family after the semifinal win.

Senior Jesse Yoder cuts down his piece of net.
----

LAFAYETTE, IN (Sat., Mar. 7, 2009) - Horizon Christian's Luke Jones managed just 3 points and the Couriers upended the Lions 52-32 in the 2009 ICST championship game at Faith Community Center.

After Taylor Bradbury's field goal in the first quarter, the Lions (26-7) had cut the Couriers' lead to 7-5. The Couriers responded to score the next 6 points for a 13-5 lead at the first break. By halftime, the Couriers were up 26-12.

In the second half, the Couriers added to their advantage and took their biggest lead at 52-29 late in the fourth quarter. The Lions' Jones, who had 17 points in a semifinal win, hit a three-pointer for his only points of the game for the final 52-32 count.

T.J. Baldonado scored 11 points and Bradbury 10 for the repeat state runner-up Lions from Indianapolis.

Evan Stutzman led the Couriers with 15 points in his final game while juniors Jordan Bontrager and Dustin Yoder added 13 and 12 points. The Couriers, who won the 2006 ICST title, finished 17-12 and avenged a 61-51 loss at Horizon Christian December 6.

In an early-afternoon semifinal the Couriers raced out to a 17-8 lead against the Heritage Christian Defenders but barely escaped with a 54-51 victory.

The Defenders charged back to tie the game at 42 through three periods. In the fourth a three by burly forward Case DeJong and field goals by Zach Kooiker and Jake Andringa put the Defenders on top 49-44. But the Couriers were not done. Evan Stutzman nailed two three-pointers sandwiched around a '2' from Dustin Yoder and the Couriers had scored 8 straight and reclaimed the lead at 52-49. Two missed free throws by the Couriers in the final minute gave the Defenders a chance to tie but a late trey was off the mark.

Jake Andringa's 18 points paced the Defenders (17-7) in their first trip to the state finals. DeJong contributed 11 points off the bench.

Stutzman recorded his second-straight 18 point game and Yoder pumped in 18 as well. The Couriers advanced to the ICST championship game for the third time.

Lions and Couriers joined by Defenders and Crusaders in "wide-open" ICSTS finals

2009-03-05T21:12:00.007-05:00

One thing is certain. No repeat champions will be crowned at the 2009 ICSTS state finals. Covenant Christian, who won the last two boys titles, has joined the IHSAA and Trinity, last years’ girls champion, lost to Heritage Christian in the North regional.

Last year’s boys runner-up Horizon Christian (Central Region) is joined in the 2009 boys field in Lafayette by Clinton Christian (North), Heritage Christian (Northwest), and Columbus Christian (South). Clinton lost to Covenant Christian in the 2008 Final Four at Anderson University.

In the first boys semifinal at 11:00 am the Horizon Christian Lions (25-6) meet the Columbus Christian Crusaders (16-16). The Lions defeated the Crusaders 53-46 during the regular season.
The Lions, coached by Keith Meyers, are making their third finals appearance in the last four years. Leading the way are record-setting seniors Luke Jones and Taylor Bradbury. Jones has over 500 points this season and Bradbury has set a new standard with 20 double doubles for a team that averages over 60 points per game.

Kevin Roth’s Crusaders are part of the tournament field for the first time since 2005. Roth describes his team as “a young team that is eager to learn and (has) great potential.” Key players are 6’5” senior center Derek Roth (14.4 pts. per game, 8.3 rebounds per game) and 5’8” sophomore guard Luke Mathis (10 ppg, 4.6 rpg). The Crusaders earned their berth with a 56-52 overtime surprise of South regional favorite Lighthouse Christian.

Two teams who have never faced each other battle in the second boys semifinal slated for 1 pm. The Clinton Christian Couriers (15-12) upset regional favorite Trinity enroute to winning the North while the Heritage Christian Defenders (17-6) replace Covenant Christian as the Northwest representative. Both the Couriers and the Defenders played Covenant Christian in the regular season with Heritage winning 46-43 and Clinton losing 51-47.

The Couriers make their fourth trip in five years to the ICSTS finals. Coach Chad Schrock’s young squad is led by 5’10” senior forward Evan Stutzman, who averages 14.2 pts. and shoots 75.9% at the free-throw line. Other key contributors are 6’4” junior center Jordan Bontrager (10.8 pts., 6.4 reb.) and 5’9” junior guard Dustin Yoder (8.4 pts., 39.3% three point shooting).

The Defenders from Dyer counter with high-scoring 5’11” senior center/forward Jake Andringa. Andringa averages 22.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and over 2 steals per game. He is shooting 49% from beyond the arc and 85% at the foul stripe. Five-foot-eleven junior guard Zach Kooiker adds 6 points per contest. Joel Noorman’s Defenders shoot 47% from the field and 37% from three-point range as a team.

The two winners will meet for the 2009 state championship. By the end of evening, a new champion will be crowned. It could be a former winner or a new one. Altogether, "Hoosier Hysteria" should reign again.

Third time a charm, Couriers capture regional crown again

2009-02-28T21:31:00.004-05:00

SOUTH BEND (Sat., Feb. 28, 2009) - A 15-of-19 team performance at the free throw line proved crucial as the Couriers dropped Granger Christian 42-30 in the Indiana Christian Schools Tournament Series (ICSTS) North Regional championship game.

Granger Christian kept the game close in the first quarter and trailed the Couriers by just one (15-14) entering the second quarter. An 11-4 run in the second by the Couriers staked them to a 26-18 halftime lead. When I looked like they might pull away, the Couriers' offense could produce only 4 points in the third quarter and lead shrank to 30-26. The Knights' Scott Kane cut the score to 30-28 but the Couriers scored 6 of the next 8 points and then nailed 6 straight free throws in the final minute to ice their second straight North Regional title.

Evan Stutzman scored 18 points, all in the first half, and Dustin Yoder 10, all but 2 in the second half, to lead the Couriers (15-12). Stutzman grabbed 9 rebounds and Yoder 7 while Jordan Bontrager (shooter in above photo) blocked 3 shots. Scott Kane finished with 10 points for the Knights who finished 11-13.

In the first semifinal the Couriers upset host school Trinity 45-40. The Titans had won the two regular-season battles.

An aggressive Courier defense played a key role in Trinity's 9 first-quarter turnovers enroute to a 13-4 Courier edge at the first stop. The Titans slowly cut into the lead and twice drew within one point in the fourth quarter, once on a three-pointer by Nick Scott and once on two free throws by John Zwerneman. Jordan Bontrager sank two free throws with 6.3 seconds remaining to give the Couriers their final 5 point advantage.

Dustin Yoder tallied 13 points for the Couriers. Jordan Bontrager added 12 and Evan Stutzman 11. Tyler Eash came off the bench to dish out 5 assists.

Al Scott's Titans finished the season with a 16-9 record, one of their best in recent years. Matt Keenan scored 14 points and Nick Scott 13. Both are seniors.

Couriers fans will now follow the team to the ICSTS Final Four at the Faith Community Center at Faith Christian School in Lafayette next Saturday, March 7. Northwest Regional winner Heritage Christian of Dyer will be the Couriers' opponent in the second semifinal at 1:00 p.m. The Central and South winners meet in an 11:00 a.m. semifinal with the championship set for 7:15 p.m following the girls state final at 5:15.

See tournament results on BracketMaker.

ICSTS regionals tip off Tuesday

2009-02-21T22:25:00.002-05:00

Granger Christian faces the Benton Bucks Tuesday, February 24 to open the 2009 Indiana Christian State Tournament Series (ICSTS) playoffs.

Seventeen teams will compete for four regional crowns with all but the first game contested Saturday, February 28. Northern regional favorites Trinity (16-8) and Clinton (13-12) battle each other Saturday morning to begin their quest for a state finals birth. Northwest regional favorites are Heritage Christian and Faith Christian (10-13). In the Central region, Horizon Christian (23-6) is a heavy favorite with a 4-0 mark against others in the field. Lighthouse Christian (11-9) beat Columbus Christian (13-14) by just two points in the regular season and will open up against each other in the South regional.

The four regional advance to the final four at Faith Community Center in Lafayette on Saturday, March 7. With Covenant Christian exiting for the IHSAA, a new champion will be crowned. Horizon, last year's runner-up, and Clinton Christian are possible repeat finalists.

Find the brackets for both the varsity boys and varsity girls tournaments in "My Favorite Links" on the left side of my blog. I hope to update scores as I receive them.

Couriers unable to sustain late rally, lose to Cavaliers

2009-02-21T22:09:00.003-05:00

John Miller shoots a free throw in the varsity game.
Courier rebounders are Evan Stutzman and Dwylin
Gingerich (back to camera).

Justin Horst (24) prepares to fight for the loose ball.
The JV wrapped up a 13-3 season with a 59-33 loss.
Sophomore post Judson Yoder was ill and missed the game.
------

GOSHEN (Fri., Feb. 20, 2009) - A 22-5 rally in the third and fourth quarters fell short as Fort Wayne Canterbury squeaked past the Couriers 64-59 on Senior Night at Clinton Christian.

Except for a 2-2 tie, the Cavaliers led the entire game. They built lead to 15 points (50-35) on Marquel Cooper's field goal with 2:50 left in the third quarter. Then, the Couriers began a furious comeback capped by Dustin Yoder's three-pointer that cut the lead to 57-55 with 1:32 left in the game. The margin was still two when the Cavaliers' Jason Williams traveled with 1:11 remaining, but the Couriers could not take advantage and were forced to foul.

Williams finished with 17 points, Andy Ottenweller 13 and Josiah Gerardot 11 for the Cavaliers (10-8).

Senior Evan Stutzman led the Couriers with 18 points in his final home game. Yoder added 15 and fellow junior John Miller 12.

Other seniors recognized before the game were starting guard Jesse Yoder (finished with 4 points in the game), forward Dwylin Gingerich (2) and guard T.J. Miller (0). All four seniors started the contest.

Next up for the 13-12 Couriers is Trinity (16-8) in the Indiana Christian State Tournament Series (ICSTS) North Regional semifinals.

Century mark eclipsed in Courier win

2009-02-20T22:02:00.004-05:00

GOSHEN (Tues., Feb. 17, 2009) - For just the fourth time in school history, the Couriers reached or surpassed 100 points in a 101-17 win over White's Institute of Wabash.

Jordan Bontrager paced the Couriers (13-11) with 23 points. Judson Yoder tallied a career-high 17. Also reaching double figures were Dustin Yoder with 14 points, Atlee Bender 12 and Jesse Yoder 11.

Mark Bates tallied 8 for the visiting Warriors (0-15).

The 84-point margin of victory set a new single-game record.

Knights slip past Couriers

2009-02-15T21:55:00.002-05:00

DEMOTTE (Sat., Feb. 14, 2009) - A flagrant foul in the game's final minute benefitted host Covenant Christian enroute to a 51-47 win over the Couriers.

To his surprise, Dustin Yoder was tagged for a flagrant foul with the Couriers down 48-46 and 33.5 seconds remaining. The Knights' Alex Anderson hit both free throws and the Couriers could draw no closer.

In the second quarter the Couriers had built a 28-20 lead. The Knights came back to take a 40-38 lead entering the fourth. The game was knotted on seven occasions with the Couriers' Jordan Bontrager scoring on a layup to secure the final tie at 46-46 with 1:20 left in the contest.

Mark Bowers and Evan DeKock tallied 14 points each for the Knights (10-6). Anderson added 10 points and 8 rebounds for the winners.

Dustin Yoder managed 12 points, Evan Stutzman 11 and Bontrager 10 for the Couriers, now 12-11. Jesse Yoder added 5 assists.

The Couriers JV (13-2) edged Covenant Christian 42-39. Covenant fell to 11-1. Justin Stutzman scored 10 points and Justin Horst 8 for the Couriers. Horst hit two clinching free throws with 9.6 seconds to go in the game.

Both teams host White's Institute of Wabash Tuesday night.

Couriers cruise at home

2009-02-15T21:51:00.002-05:00

GOSHEN (Tues., Feb. 10, 2009) - Five Couriers combined to make 8-of-14 three pointers in a convincing 48-28 rout of Granger Christian.

Jordan Bontrager led the Couriers with 14 points, including 2 threes, and 8 rebounds. Evan Stutzman also snared 8 rebounds to go with 8 points (2-for-2 treys).

The visiting Knights, now 9-9, got team-high totals of 7 points from both Travis Thomas and Scott Kane.

Surprisingly, the Couriers connected on just 10-of-32 two-point field goals but still improved to 12-10.

Couriers snap losing streak, down Wildcats

2009-02-07T23:39:00.004-05:00

GOSHEN (Sat., Feb. 7, 2009) - The Couriers broke a two-game home winning streak, beating the Howe Military Cadet Wildcats 58-41.

With a 21-point second quarter, the Couriers avoided what was otherwise a close game. The Couriers led 16-14 after one period. After the 21-6 second period, both teams netted 21 points in the second half.

Wildcat senior Karl Vaughn, averaging 23 points per game, dropped in 18 points and grabbed 8 rebounds and 8 steals. Graham McLaren added 8 rebounds and 5 steals for the Wildcats (2-10).

Five Couriers scored at least 8 points. Dustin Yoder and Atlee Bender paced them with 13 apiece, a career high for Bender in a reserve role. Jordan Bontrager (top photo), Jesse Yoder and Evan Stutzman added 8 points each. Bontrager finished with 7 rebounds, Dustin Yoder 6 assists and John Miller (leading charge, bottom photo) 6 steals.

The team converted on 24-of-52 field goal tries for 46 percent and 7-of-9 free throws for 78 percent. The Wildcats shot only 28 percent from the field on 15 of 56.

The JV nearly matched the varsity in point output, easily handling the Wildcats 55-30. Justin Stutzman tallied 13 points, Judson Yoder 12 and Tyler Eash 10 for the 12-2 Couriers.

The varsity plays its fifth-straight home game Tuesday night versus Granger Christian. Both teams are in the ICSTS North Regional at the end of the month. The Knights are 1-2 against the field while the Couriers are 5-2.

Bruins erupt for 27 in fourth, upend Couriers

2009-02-07T23:36:00.004-05:00

GOSHEN (Tues., Feb. 3, 2009) - The Bethany Christian Bruins poured in 27 fourth-quarter points for a come-from-behind 58-52 win at Clinton.

The Couriers led 24-23 at the half and 34-31 through three periods.

Seth Kauffman's 22 points and Mark DeLeeuw's 15 paced the victors, now 8-6.

Evan Stutman scored 17 points, Dustin Yoder and Jordan Bontrager 12 for the 10-10 Couriers.

Bethany won 39-19 in the JV contest, becoming only the second team to beat the Couriers JV in 13 tries

Titans hold off rallies, edge Couriers

2009-02-01T16:30:00.003-05:00

GOSHEN (Sat., Jan. 31, 2009) - In a makeup game rescheduled from January 16, the Trinity Titans withstood Courier rallies in the third and fourth quarters and downed the Couriers 46-40.

The Titans came out strong in the first half on the way to a 22-14 halftime lead. Then, Dustin Yoder opened up the third quarter with a three pointer and John Miller added a two at 5:01 to draw the Couriers win three at 22-19. After Trinity's Mike Dits' field goal, Evan Stutzman scored the game's next four points at the line and the Couriers trailed by only one, 24-23, with 2:18 left in the third period. The Titans scored the next four points for a 28-23 edge going into the fourth.

In the fourth the Titans twice extended their lead to 10 points. Trailing 43-33 with only 2 minutes left, Yoder started another Courier rally with a trey. Stutzman added a field goal and the deficit was 5 points (43-38) with 49 seconds left. John Zwerneman came back with a two for the Titans before Jesse Yoder's two made the score 45-40 with 19 seconds on the board. The Couriers were forced to foul and the Titans' Nick Scott hit one of two free throws with 2.7 seconds left to secure the victory.

Mike Dits and Matt Keenan put up 11 points apiece for the 13-5 Titans. Scott, who scored 36 points in a 54-51 win over the Couriers January 3, was held to 6 points.

Stutzman was the only double-digit scorer for the Couriers with 15 points. Dustin Yoder added 8.

Judson Yoder scored 10 points as the JV Couriers (11-1) gritted out a 32-22 win.

Bethany Christian (7-6) visit the 10-9 Couriers Tuesday night. The Couriers get another chance against the Titans in the semifinals of the ICSTS North Regionals at Trinity, February 28. Neither team has swept the season series since the Couriers won three in their undefeated 2005-2006 season.

Couriers solid in home win

2009-02-01T16:21:00.004-05:00

GOSHEN (Fri., Jan. 30, 2009) - Jordan Bontrager and Dustin Yoder both tallied 13 points as the Couriers beat the Lakeland Christian Cougars 47-29.

Jarod Franklin tallied 12 points from the Cougars (6-11), who have scored 29 points in each of their three games against the Couriers this year.

Evan Stutzman reached double digits again with 12 points for the Couriers.

Matthew Beiler and Justin Stutzman scored 11 points each while Judson Yoder and Justin Horst both recorded 10 in the Couriers 50-29 victory in the JV contest. The JV improved to 10-1.

With their 10th win of the season, the varsity Couriers (10-8) recorded a double-digit win season for 18th straight season. Since 1991-92, the program's worst record is a 12-12 campaign in 1995-96.

Photo: The shot is in the air as Jesse Yoder blocks out Chris Valentine for the rebound.

Couriers unhorsed by Knights in overtime

2009-02-01T16:14:00.002-05:00

STURGIS, MI (Tues., Jan. 27, 2009) - Jed Landis' coast-to-coast basket at the close of overtime lifted the MCE Knights over the Couriers 84-82.

The Knights led 22-14, 42-35 and 60-53 at the first three stops. The Couriers tied up the hosts 75-75 at the end of regulation with a 22-15 edge in the fourth quarter.

Evan Stutzman flirted with the Couriers single-game scoring record before winding up with 38 points, including 6-of-9 from beyond the arc. Atlee Bender added a career-best 12.

Landis paced the winners with 36 points. Ben Granger dropped in 24 points and Sam Becze 16 in the Knights' first win over the Couriers (9-8).

The Couriers won the JV game and raised their record to 9-1.

ICSTS boys brackets updated

2009-01-26T23:29:00.001-05:00

Irvington Community and Christian Prep are no longer in the ICSTS Tournament. Check out the updated brackets by going to my link to the ICSTS brackets link on BracketMaker. The link is in My Favorite Links. The changes affect only the Central and South regionals and leave the tournament with 17 teams.

Couriers surrender lead, game in fourth

2009-01-24T23:13:00.002-05:00

GOSHEN (Fri., Jan. 23, 2009) - The Community Baptist Cougars took their first lead with about four minutes left in the game but hung on to topple the Couriers 59-55.

The two teams battled for control of the game in the first half with the Couriers entering the locker room up 27-23. An early 13-6 in the third quarter that included two three-pointers by Dustin Yoder and one by Evan Stutzman saw the Couriers take their biggest lead at 40-29 with 5 minutes to go in the period. The Cougars scored the next 7 points to draw within four (40-36) to begin their comeback bid.

With 4:06 remaining in the contest, AJ Kuhn's 3 gave the Cougars a 50-49 lead, their first of the game. Evan Stutzman scored 40 seconds later as the Couriers regained the lead. The lead was short-lived as the Cougars outscored the Couriers 9-4 over the final 3:27.

With the Cougars up 56-55, Tanner Hulin missed two free throws at :28.1. Then, at :09.5, Kuhn made it three straight misses before dropping his second for the game's final point.

Evan Stutzman scored a career-high 24 points and Jordan Bontrager added 10 for the Couriers. John Miller had 8 rebounds and 4 assists.

Jason McQueen finished with 21 points, Hulin 18 and Kuhn 11 for Community Baptist (4-2).

Although the Cougars won, the Couriers still lead the series 12-11.

Judson Yoder scored 15 points as the Couriers (8-1) prevailed 57-37 in the JV game. The visitors fell to 3-1.

A trip to the Amigo Centre near Sturgis, Michigan is next for the Couriers. The opponent Tuesday will be the MCE Knights. The Couriers (9-7) edged the Knights 69-64 on December 16.

Bontrager double-double leads romp over Tigers

2009-01-22T23:08:00.004-05:00

GOSHEN (Tues., Jan. 20, 2009) - Jordan Bontrager posted a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds in a 66-39 home win over First Baptist of Mishawaka.

The Couriers drilled 6-of-13 three pointers and outrebounded the Tigers 47-23.

Jesse Yoder added 13 for the winners. Nathan Merrill tallied 14 points and Cody Long 10 for the visitors.

In the junior varsity game, the Couriers upped their record to 7-1 with a 43-21 win.

With a 9-6 record, the Couriers are just one win away from an 18th consecutive season of 10 or more wins. They will have to get past rival Community Baptist of South Bend on the Couriers home court Friday to reach that goal. The Cougars enter the contest with a 3-2 record after a 55-54 loss to Granger Christian Tuesday. Granger Christian is the only foe both teams have played this year. The Couriers beat the Knights 59-51 on January 6.

Shots fall as Couriers roll to victory

2009-01-19T16:16:00.003-05:00

WINONA LAKE (Sat., Jan. 17, 2009) - Jordan Bontrager hit 7-of-8 field goals and the team shot 53 percent as the Couriers roared past Lakeland Christian 63-29.

After beating the Cougars by just 3 points on the same court January 2, the Couriers led 40-18 at the half this time and continued to build the lead throughout the game.

Bontrager paced the Couriers with 15 points and Evan Stutzman registered 13 for the night. Two reserves played some of their best basketball of their young careers. Sophomore forward Judson Yoder scored 11 points and grabbed 9 rebounds while junior guard Atlee Bender drained 2 three pointers enroute to a career-high 8 points.

Jarod Franklin scored 8 points and Chris Valentine 7 for the hosts (5-8).

The Couriers (6-1) triumphed in the JV contest 41-26.

Winners of 3 of their last 4 outings, the varsity Couriers (8-6) hope to continue the streak at home against First Baptist Tuesday. The Couriers close out the week at home vs. Community Baptist, a game rescheduled from January 13.

Community Baptist game rescheduled

2009-01-14T19:41:00.002-05:00

Tuesday's scheduled home game against Community Baptist has been rescheduled for Friday, January 23. The game was postponed because of the snowy weather.

The Couriers host Trinity of South Bend Friday night. The Titans defeated the Couriers 54-51 in the Cougar Classic at Lakeland Christian January 3.

Panthers prevail over Couriers in sizzler

2009-01-12T17:58:00.002-05:00

AUBURN (Sat., Jan. 10, 2009) - Evan Stutzman's three-pointer at the final horn rimmed out and the host Lakewood Park Panthers survived a scare from the rival Couriers 47-46.

The Panthers, 14th ranked in 1A, never led by more than 6 points in the contest. Despite 22 turnovers, the Couriers held a number of leads including their biggest at 44-40 with 2:14 remaining in the game.

Brock Taulbee broke a 46-46 tie with 1:06 left for the Panthers' final margin of victory. Then, the Couriers worked the clock for a final shot.

Stutzman led all scorers with 22 points. Dustin Yoder added 14 but no other Couriers scored more than 4 points.

Tommy Strine and Casey Weaver had 8 points each for Panthers (6-2). Taulbee dropped in 7 as every Panther who saw action scored.

Lakewood Park handed the Couriers (5-1) their first loss, 36-26, in the JV contest.

Community Baptist (3-1) visits the Couriers (7-6) Tuesday night. The Cougars have not traveled to face the Couriers since January 21, 2000. The Couriers won that game at the Grace Brethren Church gym in Osceola by a 53-44 count.

Big runs key to Courier victory

2009-01-09T20:28:00.003-05:00

GOSHEN (Thurs., Jan. 8, 2009) - The Couriers used big runs, including a 16-2 scoring skein at the end of the first half, to top the Benton Bucks 66-50.

Evan Stutzman's all-around game of 15 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists led the Couriers (7-5). Jesse Yoder added 13 points and 7 rebounds while Dustin Yoder tallied 12 points with 2 steals. Jordan Bontrager pulled down 11 rebounds and blocked a school-record 8 shots. Richard Miller and Arnell Yoder held the previous record with 7 blocks each.

As a team, the Couriers again shot well at the free-throw line, hitting 10 of 12 attempts. They outrebounded the Goshen-area Bucks 41-28, blocked 10 shots and committed just 13 turnovers.

Former Courier Aaron Eash paced the Bucks with 16 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block and 1 steal. Kyle Roberts put up 16 points as well. The Bucks shot just 19 of 64 from the field for 29.7 percent and 6 of 15 from the charity stripe for 40 percent.

The Couriers won the JV contest 57-22, upping their season mark to 5-0.

The Couriers trek to Auburn to face Lakewood Park Saturday. The Panthers are 5-2 before a game Friday and led by 6'5" senior Tommy Strine who averaged 25 points as a junior, including 35 against the Couriers. They are 2-0 against common foes with wins over Lakeland Christian (58-34) and Bethany Christian (43-42).

Couriers build big lead, stave off Knights rally in win

2009-01-07T22:58:00.004-05:00

MISHAWAKA (Tues., Jan. 6, 2009) - Judson Yoder's three free throws and Evan Stutzman's two free throws in the final 36 seconds secured a 59-51 Courier win at Granger Christian.

The Couriers roared to 6-0 and 20-3 leads in the first half. At one point, they scored 14 consecutive points on the way to a 36-12 halftime advantage.

The lead was 42-18 midway through the third quarter when most of the starters were taken out. By the time the starters returned with 6:30 left in the fourth, the lead had narrowed to 44-33. The Knights continued to claw back and got within 52-49 on Travis Thomas's free throws with 1:26 left. The Couriers scored their final 7 points at the line and held the Knights to a field goal by Joey Steenbeke.

Eight Couriers contributed to a very balanced scoring attack. Evan Stutzman led with 13 points. Dustin Yoder, John Miller and Jordan Bontrager added 9 apiece. Judson Yoder (shooter in photo) grabbed 6 rebounds, Tyler Eash (#22 in photo) passed out 4 assists and Bontrager blocked 2 shots.

Thomas led the Knights with 17 points. Scottie Kane added 12 and Steenbeke 10.

The Couriers (6-5) return home for the first time in 23 days when they host the Benton Bucks Thursday. The Benton Bucks are a homeschool/club team from the Goshen area.

Couriers win one of three at Cougar Classic

2009-01-04T23:01:00.002-05:00

WINONA LAKE (Fri., Jan. 2, 2009) - Despite shooting only 30 percent from the field at 36 percent at the line, the Couriers beat the host Lakeland Christian Cougars 32-29 in the Cougar Classic Friday afternoon.

The Couriers trailed only twice in the game but struggled to find any rhythm. Evan Stutzman scored 9 points and Jesse Yoder 8 in the win.

Chris Valentine paced the Cougars (4-5) with 11 points.

WINONA LAKE (Sat., Jan. 3, 2009) - The Huntington Eagles scored 11 of the game's final 13 points to break a 38-38 tie to dump the Couriers 49-40 in a midday game.

After trailing 25-19 at the half, the Couriers had rallied to take a 32-31 lead late in the third quarter. Colin Featherston scored a field goal at :40 to give the Eagles a 33-32 lead at the break. The Couriers got baskets from Dustin Yoder and Jordan Bontrager to take leads of 34-33 and 36-35.

Kolby Shultz's second three gave the Eagles a 38-36 lead with 5:45 left. Evan Stutzman then tied the score but Jesse Yoder's two free throws at 3:27 would be the only other points for the Couriers.

Jesse Yoder finished with 13 points, Stutzman 12 and Bontrager 10 for the Couriers. The Eagles, 16-1 and tournament champions with a 3-0 record, got 15 points from tourney MVP Featherston and 11 each from all-tourney member Shultz and Matt Weaver.

In a late afternoon contest, the Couriers outscored the Trinity Titans 22-10 in the fourth quarter before succumbing 54-51.

Trinity (9-3) led 44-29 at the last stop but narrowily avoided overtime when Dustin Yoder's three-point attempt at the buzzer was waved off.

Other than an early 2-2 tie, the Titans led the entire game. The Couriers connected on 9-of-16 field goals, including two treys by Stutzman and one by Dustin Yoder, in the final period.

Stutzman tallied 17 points for the Couriers. He was named to the all-tourney team along with Jesse Yoder, who contributed 12 against the Titans.

Nick Scott carried the Titans with 36 points, all but 5 in the first three quarters. No other Titan scored more than 6 points.

The Couriers, now 5-5, get their next chance at a win Tuesday at Granger Christian. Fierce rivals for many years, the two schools have played only once in the last five years. The Couriers beat the Knights 61-50 February 28, 2008 in the ICSTS Northern Regional.

Named to the Cougar Classic All-Tourney Team were: Kolby Shultz, Huntington Eagles; Mike Dits and Nick Scott, Trinity; Evan Stutzman and Jesse Yoder, Clinton Christian; Most Valuable Player: Colin Featherston, Huntington Eagles

Team records in the round-robin tournament: Huntington Eagles (homeschool) 3-0, Trinity 2-1, Clinton Christian 1-2, Lakeland Christian 0-3

Couriers take 2nd at Bethany Invitational

2008-12-24T18:37:00.002-05:00

GOSHEN (Sat., Dec. 20, 2008) - Junior Seth Kauffman and seniors Mark DeLeeuw and Jordan Weaver combined for 53 points as the more experienced Bethany Christian Bruins handled the Couriers 66-47 in Bethany Christian Invitational championship.

Jordan Bontrager led the Couriers with 19 points but the team could not overcome 23 turnovers in the final.

Kauffman had 22 points, DeLeeuw 18 and Weaver 13 for the champions (4-3).

In the 11:30 semifinal avenged an earlier loss and defeated Elkhart Christian 60-50. The Couriers committed 23 turnovers but the Eagles had even more problems with 28 miscues.

Bontrager paced the Couriers with 21 points while Evan Stutzman added 16 and Judson Yoder 13. The point totals were career highs for Bontrager and Yoder.

Jess Alexander's 12 led the Eagles. Kyle Revella and Drew Lyon each added 10.

Bethany beat Lakeland Christian 66-45 in the first semifinal. Lakeland Christian (4-4) went on to edge Elkhart Christian (2-5) 53-48 in the consolation game.

The 4-3 Couriers play next on Friday, January 2 at 1:30 p.m. against Lakeland Christian. The game begins the two-day, round-robin Cougar Classic at Lakeland Christian in Winona Lake. For the fifth straight year, the Couriers and Cougars are joined by Trinity of South Bend and the Huntington Eagles, a homeschool team.

Couriers turn up the offense for third win

2008-12-17T22:52:00.002-05:00

GOSHEN (Tues., Dec. 16, 2008) - Jesse Yoder made four free throws late in the game as the Couriers overcame the Michiana Christian Ed. (MCE) Knights 69-64.

Knights' star guard Jed Landis scored 15 of the game's first 19 points as the visitors took a lead they would not relinquish until the fourth quarter.

The Couriers held Landis to 2 points in the second quarter but still trailed 32-26 at the half. They were down six entering the fourth quarter before a 10-2 run tied the game at 55-55 with 5:24 remaining.

After the Knights took the lead again on two free throws by Landis, the Couriers scored the next nine points to go up 64-57. Partly due to some free-throw woes by the Couriers, the Knights made one last rally to draw within one, 65-64, with 36 ticks left. However, Yoder calmly nailed four free-throw attempts in the final 28.6 seconds to seal a Couriers victory.

Landis poured in 39 points and Ben Granger added 12 for the Knights, coached by 1991 Clinton Christian graduate Steve Eberly.

Evan Stutzman led the balanced Courier attack with 19 points. Dustin Yoder finished with a career-high 17 points and Jesse Yoder contributed 14 points, including 8-for-10 at the line.

The Couriers made just 10-for-21 free throws as a team but held the Knights to just 11 foul attempts (11-for-11 for the game).

The Couriers (4-0) cruised to a 47-12 victory in the JV game.

Lakewood Park, 4-1 and ranked 12th in 1A, hosts the Couriers (3-2) in Auburn Friday night. Starting time should be about 7:30 pm.

Panthers' center Tommy Strine scored 35 points in a 76-75 overtime loss at Clinton on February 16, 2008.

Couriers plagued by early turnovers, late fouls

2008-12-14T17:23:00.002-05:00

GOSHEN (Sat., Dec. 13, 2008) - The Couriers nearly recovered from 10 first-quarter turnovers but committed 16 second-half fouls in falling to Elkhart Christian 45-42.

The visiting Eagles (2-3) capitalized on a flurry of Courier turnovers to take an 8-0 lead with 6:40 remaining in the opening quarter. That lead grew to 16-6 at the first stop.

Led by 9 points from John Miller and 7 from Jordan Bontrager, the Couriers turned it over only 3 times in the second and third quarters. Going into the final period, the Couriers stood on top 29-28.

In the fourth quarter, the Couriers sent the Eagles to the free-throw line for 18 attempts. The Eagles connected on 13, taking the lead for good 36-35 on Drew Lyon's second make with 4:31 left on the clock.

Evan Stutzman missed two three-pointers on the game's final possession. The Couriers fell for the first time in their own gym. Their record on their home floor is now 7-1.

Elkhart Christian's 6'5" center Lyon led all scorers with 15 points. Mitchell West added 13 for the Eagles.

Bontrager tallied 12 points and Miller 11 for the Couriers (2-2). Miller added 4 assists and Stutzman 9 rebounds.

The Couriers topped the Eagles in the JV game 29-20.

The Couriers entertain the Michigan Christian Educators (MCE) Knights Tuesday night.

Both teams prepare to meet again in the Eagles' next game at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in the Bethany Christian Invitational. Bethany (2-3) plays Lakeland Christian (3-3) at 10:00 in the first semifinal.

Couriers fall to #3 after 1-1 week

2008-12-09T21:56:00.002-05:00

The Couriers dropped one spot to #3 in the ICSTS Top Five poll after beating the Elkhart County Hawks 48-44 Thursday and losing to ICSTS top-ranked Horizon Christian 61-51 Saturday.

The Hawks led the Couriers 23-15 at the half before the Couriers turned it around in the second half to run their record to 2-0. Evan Stutzman scored 16 points. Jordan Bontrager added a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Satori Stahl tallied 16 points and Aaron Rife 11 for the visitors.

The Lions used a balanced offense to improve to 7-1 while dropping the visiting Couriers to 2-1. Daniel Burtner dropped in 17 points, Luke Jones 16 and Josiah Godbey 12. Horizon roared to a 40-25 halftime lead and shot 50 percent from the floor for the game.

Jesse Yoder's 15 points and Evan Stutzman's 14 paced the Couriers who shot just 39 percent from the floor (20-for-52), were outscored 14-5 at the free-throw line and committed 18 turnovers.

The Couriers open their second year in the Sagarin ratings in 373rd out of 411 schools. They host #346 Elkhart Christian (1-1 before Prairie Heights tonight) Saturday. The junior varsity tips off at 6:00 followed by the varsity.

The ICSTS playoff pairings are set; Couriers open with longtime rival Trinity

2008-12-09T00:30:00.007-05:00

The 2008-09 Indiana Christian State Championship Series (ICSTS) tournament pairings were drawn last Friday. Nineteen boys teams and 13 girls teams will compete for a spot in the state finals in Lafayette on Saturday, March 7, 2009.

A new boys champion will be crowned with the departure of Covenant Christian (DeMotte) to the IHSAA. Horizon Christian and Clinton Christian were also in the 2008 Final Four.

The Couriers begin tournament play against North regional host Trinity of South Bend at 9:30 am, February 28. The winner plays the Lakeland Christian-Benton Bucks/Granger Christian winner at 3 pm that Saturday.

I've entered the boys tournament pairings in easy-to-read bracket format on BracketMaker.com. Click on the link I have provided here, then select ICSTS Boys Basketball Tournament: www.bracketmaker.com/find.cfm?location=IN&sport=Basketball

I hope to update the results during the tournament. Although the Couriers do not have a girls team, I will try to put the girls bracket on BracketMaker, too. (I have done this. Go to this link: www.bracketmaker.com/find.cfm?location=IN&sport=Girls%20Basketball and select 2009 ICSTS Girls Basketball Tournament.)

Beginning today, Tuesday, December 9, 2008, I will be putting a link to the brackets in "My Favorite Links" in the lefthand sidebar of this blog. This link will not get buried like a link within a post.

Couriers win fourth straight opener

2008-11-30T21:47:00.002-05:00

GOSHEN (Sat., Nov. 29, 2008) - Jordan Bontrager tallied 14 points and blocked 2 shots as the Couriers downed Hamilton 53-42 to win their fourth-straight season opener.

Bontrager scored 12 points and senior Jesse Yoder 7 during a 32-21 run by the Couriers in the second and third quarters. The Mariners led 11-10 at the first break and 17-15 with 6:11 left in the second quarter but could pull closer than six points in the final period.

Yoder finished with 11 points, senior Evan Stutzman 9 points and 7 rebounds and junior John Miller 9 points and 4 assists.

The Couriers opened the season for the first time on their home court. Last year's opener was at Hamilton.

The Elkhart County Hawks visit Clinton (1-0) Thursday. The two squads have not met since the 2001-02 season. The Couriers hold a 4-0 edge in the series.

The Couriers junior varsity beat Hamilton in their opener 30-24.

Couriers tune up against the alumni

2008-11-23T19:55:00.004-05:00

The 2008-09 varsity lost, 57-47, but senior
Evan Stutzman converted this three-pointer.
The current Couriers led until midway through
the fourth quarter.

Evan Stutzman (44), Mike Troyer (2008 grad)
and others vie for the rebound on Dustin Yoder's (12, far
right) jumper.

Couriers boast “good chemistry” but lack veterans

2008-11-20T22:50:00.002-05:00

GOSHEN (Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008) – At many schools, the outlook could be bleak with only two returning letterwinners. Apparently, Couriers varsity basketball coach Chad Schrock does not feel this way. "This team has good chemistry. They seem to fit well together," says Schrock of the 2008-2009 squad.

Eight seniors, including 1,000-point-club member Todd Martin, and Aaron Eash have moved on from last year's 22-4 team. Senior forward Evan Stutzman and junior guard Dustin Yoder. Stutzman chalked up 8.2 points and 4.5 rebounds on 50% field-goal shooting (40% on 3s) as a starter while Yoder averaged 3 points. Yoder missed time to injury and played in only 10 games.

Schrock projects Stutzman and Yoder as starters for the opener with senior Jesse Yoder and juniors John Miller and Jordan Bontrager. Bontrager, listed at 6'3" last year, provides height that the Couriers have lacked the last two years. The Couriers have not had a six-footer on the roster since Shannon Beachy (6'2") in 2005-06.

Other varsity candidates for the upcoming season are seniors Dwylin Gingerich and T.J. Miller; juniors Atlee Bender and James Riegsecker; and sophomores Tyler Eash and Judson Yoder, a 6'4" forward.

The Couriers have strengthened their schedule this year with the addition of the Bethany Christian holiday tourney. Schrock expects it to be "tough." Other teams in the field are Bethany, Elkhart Christian and Lakeland Christian.

The Indiana Christian State Tournament Series (ICSTS) title may have a new champion with two-time defending champion Covenant Christian focusing on its transition to the IHSAA. The Couriers open in the #1 spot on the ICSTS Top Five with 2008 runner-up and December 6 foe Horizon Christian #2 and Trinity, a yearly rival, #4. To this end, Schrock says, "I am looking forward to a great year (of) trying to bring the state title back to CCS."

Bert Bontrager returns as the varsity assistant and junior varsity head coach.

The Couriers host the annual Alumni Jamboree tomorrow night.

Hamilton visits Clinton Saturday, November 29 at 6 pm to open the regular season.

Several Couriers awarded

2008-11-13T22:30:00.002-05:00

Volleyball awards were presented Tuesday night at the school. Nicole Hochstetler and Jade Hathaway received captain awards. Nicole was also a co-MVP for most assists and Jade co-MVP for most consistent passing. By recording the most kills, Karmen Yoder was other co-MVP. Katlynne Miller received the Courier mental attitude award.

With no seniors on the 2008 squad, Coach Jeanette Hathaway could welcome back her entire roster in 2009.

In other Courier news, the basketball season begins with the alumni jamboree on November 21 at 6 p.m. The regular season tips off at home against Hamilton on Saturday, November 29.

Tourney newcomer tops Couriers for state championship

2008-10-26T21:13:00.002-04:00

INDIANAPOLIS (Sat., Oct. 25, 2008) - ICSTS newcomer Faith Christian of Lafayette defeated the Couriers in three straight games to win the state title at Horizon Christian.

In the afternoon, the Couriers ended the season of South regional champion Lighthouse Christian of Bloomington in 3 games, 25-21, 25-23, 25-16.

On the day, Megan Troyer had 7 aces and Nicole Hochstetler 26 assists. Karmen Yoder had 10 kills in the semifinal and Natalie Bontrager 8 kills against Faith. Bontrager registered 16 digs against Lighthouse while Jade Hathaway and Troyer had 16 apiece in the final.

The Couriers finished 22-15-1, winning at least 20 games for the second straight year. First-year head coach Jeanette Hathaway led the team to their first appearance in the state championship match since defeating Lakeland Christian in 2005.

Couriers repeat as regional champs

2008-10-20T23:02:00.002-04:00

GOSHEN (Sat., Oct. 18, 2008) - In what turned out to be a wide-open tournament field, the Couriers defended their 2007 ICSTS North Regional title over Trinity 25-11, 25-10, 25-16 Saturday night.

Played in Clinton's new gym for the first time, the regional was home to two five-game semifinal matches. Trinity topped Lakeland Christian in the first semifinal before the Couriers ended the Goshen Blue Blazers' season.

The Couriers (21-14-1) now prepare to meet the South Regional champion at 3 pm at Horizon Christian School in Indianapolis Saturday. Faith Christian of Lafayette and the hosts square off at 1 with the final set for 7 pm.

Fulton County Christian won the 2007 state title. The Couriers, who downed Horizon for third place, were crowned state champs in 2004 and 2005.

Cougars are latest home victim

2008-10-01T23:38:00.002-04:00

GOSHEN (Tues., Sept. 30, 2008) - Led by Natalie Bontrager's 16 kills and Karmen Yoder's 9 aces, the Couriers edged Community Baptist on their home floor 25-14, 25-22, 24-26, 18-25, 15-3.

Nicole Hochstetler finished with 25 assists while Yoder also recorded 14 kills and 21 digs.

Following a 3-4 record last weekend at the Calumet Baptist Invitational, the Couriers take a 17-11-1 record into Thursday's home match with Jimtown (12-7). The Jimmies lead the series 6-0.

Couriers handle Westview, fall to Lady Crusaders

2008-09-25T23:54:00.002-04:00

The Couriers downed the Westview JV in two games, 25-20, 25-10, Monday. Natalie Bontrager had 5 aces and 4 kills, Megan Troyer 4 aces, Nicole Hochstetler 7 assists and 8 digs, Karmen Yoder 5 kills, Kami Miller 2 blocks and Jade Hathaway 8 assists.

The winning did not continue Tuesday as the visiting Plymouth Lady Crusaders edged the Couriers 25-19, 28-26, 17-25, 25-18. Karmen Yoder starred with 7 aces, 14 kills, 3 blocks and 19 digs. Nicole Hochstetler recorded 20 assists while Natalie Bontrager had 8 kills and 26 digs.

While the Couriers (13-7-1) are just 1-4 in their last five matches, they have a chance to start a long streak of victories at the Calumet Baptist Invitational Friday and Saturday. The Couriers have never won the tournament in five tries but earned second-place finishes in 2005 and 2007.

Couriers overcome 2-1 deficit to edge Tigers

2008-09-11T21:49:00.004-04:00

MISHAWAKA (Tues., Sept. 9, 2008) - First Baptist pushed the Couriers to the limit before the Couriers prevailed 26-24, 23-25, 21-25, 25-23, 15-10.

Karmen Yoder led the Couriers with 18 kills. Nicole Hochstetler added 28 assists, Natalie Bontrager 6 aces and 23 digs, and Jade Hathaway 23 digs.

The Goshen Blue Blazers homeschool team visits the Couriers (12-3) Saturday. The Blue Blazers are potential ICSTS regional foes.

Couriers win 1, lose 2 to start September

2008-09-11T21:49:00.001-04:00

In varsity girls volleyball action the Couriers went 1-2 this past week. They defeated the Goshen Blue Blazers 17-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-19, and lost to Faith Christian 11-25, 21-25, 11-25 and Lakeland Christian 16-25, 20-25, 22-25.

Karmen Yoder notched 12 aces and 15 kills in the home three-way match with the Blue Blazers and Faith Tuesday. Natalie Bontrager added 14 kills and 22 digs.

The Couriers (11-3) travel to Mishawaka to play First Baptist Tuesday. Coach Hathaway and the Couriers beat First Baptist in three games August 19.

The Goshen Blue Blazers homeschool team visits Clinton Saturday afternoon to complete the Couriers' schedule for the week.

Couriers struggle, edge Titans in five games

2008-09-01T17:37:00.004-04:00

GOSHEN (Fri., Aug. 29, 2008) - The Couriers varsity volleyball team is 2-0 at their new gym. The 25-22, 16-25, 13-25, 25-23, 15-12 win over Trinity was nearly their first loss at home.

While the Couriers struggled to find consistency, the visiting Titans took a 2-1 lead after three games before the hosts took two close games for their 10th victory.

The Couriers (10-1) host Faith Christian of Lafayette and the Goshen Blue Blazers (home school) in a tri-way match Tuesday.

In photo above: Nicole Hochstetler pops the ball up in the air as Karmen Yoder and Megan Troyer prepare to make the next play.

Couriers keep winning

2008-08-28T21:49:00.002-04:00

FORT WAYNE (Tues., Aug. 26, 2008) - The Couriers defeated Keystone in three sets, 25-15, 25-15, 25-20, in their only schedule trip to the Summit City in 2008.

Sophomore Megan Troyer had 7 aces, junior Nicole Hochstetler 6 assists and 6 digs, and sophomore Natalie Bontrager 3 kills.

The 9-1 Couriers host Trinity Friday night. Junior varsity action begins at 6 p.m.

Couriers crowned champs at Trinity tourney

2008-08-25T21:17:00.004-04:00

SOUTH BEND (Sat., Aug. 23, 2008) - The Couriers went 7-1-1 last weekend to win the Trinity School Invitational. The volleyball girls defeated the Lady Crusaders of Plymouth 25-15, 25-24, 25-22 in the championship game.

The Couriers are 8-1-1 entering tomorrow night's contest at Keystone in Fort Wayne.

For more scores from the tourney, and other updates throughout the season, go to
www.maxpreps.com/indiana/volleyball/clinton%20christian%20(goshen)/schedule.aspx?ssid=329e8b1d-8f71-4c9f-8000-149c71a014e1&schoolid=3a230368-74d6-469a-866c-abb3d8937809&urpath=,local,team

Couriers prevail in volleyball opener

2008-08-20T22:16:00.003-04:00

GOSHEN (Tues., Aug. 19, 2008) - The Couriers led their varsity volleyball opener against First Baptist of Mishawaka two games to none before fending off the visiting Tigers in four games, 25-19, 25-20, 22-25, 25-21.

The visitors led the third game 16-8 before the Couriers rallied within four. The Tigers built the lead again to 22-15 but the Couriers came back again to close within two points at 20-22. That was their last serious comeback as the Tigers took game three.

In the final game the Couriers jumped on top 23-13. The Tigers were not finished yet as they scored 8 of the match's 10 points before falling.

First Baptist won the JV match.

The Couriers (1-0) play next at 7:30 pm Friday in the Trinity Tournament in South Bend. Pool play continues Saturday followed by a single-elimination tournament.

"New" volleyball team debuts in their new gym

2008-08-17T19:06:00.005-04:00

GOSHEN (Fri., Aug. 15, 2008) - Although their first official match of the season is not until next Tuesday, the 2008 Clinton Christian Couriers volleyball team got some game experience against the Alumni Friday.

An estimated 75 fans watched the Couriers play for the first time at the school's new gym. "New" is the operative word for this year's squad. Junior Jade Hathaway and sophomore Karmen Yoder are the only returning letterwinners for new head coach Jeanette Hathaway.

Hathaway returns to coaching after a four-year stint as a junior varsity coach and varsity assistant for the Couriers from 2002-2005. Her daughter Krystal, a 2008 Clinton graduate, becomes the first Courier alumnus to play collegiate volleyball when he joins the Hesston College women's volleyball team this fall.

Seven sophomores and juniors move up from a 10-3 JV squad to fill the roles left by six seniors plus Emily Hershberger and Janae Horst, neither of whom returned for her senior season. Junior Nicole Hochstetler is the new setter. Other juniors are Kami Miller and Pam Rosas. Megan Troyer, Natalie Bontrager, Katlynne Miller, and Marcy Showalter, all sophomores, round out the roster.

Hathaway says, "I'm excited to be coaching these girls and they're excited to be playing."

Janelle Bontrager enters her first season as the varsity assistant.

The Couriers open the 2008 season at home Tuesday against Mishawaka First Baptist. The school will host the ICSTS Northern Regional Saturday, October 18.

2008 Clinton Christian Couriers
Varsity volleyball roster

Name, Class
*Jade Hathaway, jr.
Nicole Hochstetler, jr.
Kami Miller, jr.
Pam Rosas, jr.
Natalie Bontrager, soph.
Katlynne Miller, soph.
Marcy Showalter, soph.
Megan Troyer, soph.
*Karmen Yoder, soph.

Head coach: Jeanette Hathaway (1st season)
Assistant: Janelle Bontrager
2007 record: 30-6-1 (Third place at the ICSTS state finals)

*Denotes letterwinners

Second Couriers golf team finishes 5-8

2008-06-19T21:58:00.002-04:00

The 2008 Couriers golf team finished 5-8, including a split with Lakeland (LaGrange) and Bethany Christian. Regulars Mike Troyer and Joel King graduate as does Michael Beiler. Senior-to-be Evan Stutzman and juniors-to-be Atlee Bender and Jordan Bontrager are among key individuals set to return in 2009. Coach Matt Knepp also will welcome back incoming junior Dustin Yoder. Freshman-to-be Justin Horst could make the move from the junior varsity roster. The final Courier of this year's squads was Lance Miller, an eighth grade in 2009.

Some highlights and new records follow:

Varsity Golf Records

INDIVIDUALS

Overall Scoring

Best round, 9-hole match: 43, Mike Troyer, vs. Trinity (5-16-08)

Best round, 18-hole match: 94, Mike Troyer, Fairfield Invitational (4-12-08)

Best average, 9 holes, season: 50.0, Mike Troyer, 2008

Best average, 18 holes, season: 94.0, Mike Troyer, 2008

Hole Scoring

Birdies, match, 9 holes: 1, Joel King, Evan Stutzman, vs. La Lumiere (4-17-08)

Birdies, match, 18 holes: 1, Atlee Bender, Fairfield Invitational (4-12-08)

Birdies, season: 1, Atlee Bender, Joel King, Evan Stutzman, 2008

Birdies, career: 1, Joel King (2007-08), Evan Stutzman (2007- ), Atlee Bender (2007- )

Pars, match, 9 holes: 5, Evan Stutzman, vs. Trinity (5-16-08)

Pars, match, 18 holes: 5, Mike Troyer, Fairfield Invitational (4-12-08)

Pars, season, all rounds: 16, Mike Troyer, 2008

Average Hole Scoring

Par fives, average +/- par, season: +1.38, Mike Troyer, 2008

Par fours, average +/- par, season: +1.50, Mike Troyer, 2008

Par threes, average +/- par, season: +1.50, Mike Troyer, 2008

Best performance, eighth grader

Best round, 9-hole match: 59, Justin Horst, at Bethany tri-match (5-8-08)

Best performance, sophomore

Best round, 9-hole match: 50, Jordan Bontrager, vs. Trinity (5-16-08)

Best round, 18-hole match: 108, Jordan Bontrager, Fairfield Invitational (4-12-08)

Best average, 9 holes, season: 51.0, Jordan Bontrager, 2008

Best average, 18 holes, season: 108.0, Jordan Bontrager, 2008

Best performance, junior

Best round, 9-hole match: 46, Evan Stutzman, vs. Trinity (5-16-08)

Best round, 18-hole match: 110, Evan Stutzman, Fairfield Invitational (4-12-08)

Best average, 9 holes, season: 50.75, Evan Stutzman, 2008

Best average, 18 holes, season: 110.0, Evan Stutzman, 2008

TEAM

Wins and Losses

Best overall record, season: 5-8 (.385), 2008

Most wins, season: 5, 2008

Consecutive wins, season: none

Fewest losses, season: 8, 2008

Best dual record: 2-3 (.400), 2008

Best tri-match record: 1-1 (.500), 2008 (Bethany tri-match)

Best tournament record: 2-4 (.333), 2008 (Fairfield Invitational)

Best tournament finish: 5^th place, 2008 Fairfield Invitational

Overall Scoring

Best round, 9-hole match: 188, vs. Trinity (5-16-08)

Best round, 18-hole match: 417, Fairfield Invitational (4-12-08)

Best average, 9 holes, season: 53.87, 2008

Best average, 18 holes, season: 417.0, 2008

Hole Scoring

Birdies, match, 9 holes: 2, vs. La Lumiere (4-17-08)

Birdies, match, 18 holes: 1, Fairfield Invitational (4-12-08)

Birdies, season, 9 holes: 2, 2008

Birdies, season, 18 holes: 1, 2008

Pars, match, 9 holes: 12, vs. Trinity (5-16-08)

Pars, match, 18 holes: 13, Fairfield Invitational (4-12-08)

Pars, season, 9 holes: 34, 2008

Pars, season, 18 holes: 13, 2008

Average Hole Scoring, JV and varsity combined

Par fives, average +/- par, season: +1.90, 2008

Par fours, average +/- par, season: +2.11, 2008

Par threes, average +/- par, season: +1.93, 2008

Through 2008 season

Couriers take 5th at Fairfield Invitational

2008-04-15T21:59:00.004-04:00

MILLERSBURG (Sat., Apr. 12, 2008) - The Couriers varsity boys golf team opened the 2008 season with a fifth-place finish in the seven-team Fairfield Invitational at Timber Ridge Golf Course.

The Couriers shot a 417, two strokes behind Eastside High School. Fairfield took team honors with a 345 team score on a home course they share with the Couriers.

Senior Mike Troyer led the Couriers with the day's sixth-best score of 94. Senior Joel King shot a 105, sophomore Jordan Bontrager 108, junior Evan Stutzman 110 and sophomore Atlee Bender 111.

The Couriers host La Lumiere of LaPorte at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.

Courier golfers will field young team in second season

2008-04-06T20:59:00.003-04:00

With one season under their belts, the Clinton Christian golf team hopes to gain valuable experience and become more competitive. Eight athletes will fill out the junior varsity and varsity squads.

The Couriers, coached by 1996 CCS graduate Matt Knepp, opens the seasons at the Fairfield Invitational Saturday. They host La Lumiere April 17 at Timber Ridge Golf Course in Millersburg in their first home outing. The schedule includes a May 8 three-team event hosted by Bethany with 3A school Lakeland of LaGrange the third competing school.

Courier basketball awards announced

2008-04-03T11:35:00.003-04:00

The annual Clinton Christian School boys basketball awards were presented at the school March 27.

Junior high award winners included Jamin Hochstetler, most valuable; Matt Bontrager, most improved; Lance Miller, mental attitude. Ryan Miller leaves the program after five years as the head coach. The 2007-08 squad finished 6-7, winning three of their last four games and placing second in the ACSI State Tournament.

John Miller and Jordan Bontrager shared most valuable player honors for the junior varsity. JJ Stutzman received the most improved award and Tyler Eash snagged the mental attitude award. The Couriers took second place in a season-ending tourney hosted by Noble/Whitley to post a 12-7 record. Coach Bontrager (90-41, 8 years) needs 10 wins to become the school's first JV coach with 100 wins. Ben Snyder led the varsity to 114 victories from 1999-2006.

Chad Schrock pegged Todd Martin as the varsity's most valuable player. Martin wound up his career with 1,387 points, making him one of only six Couriers above 1,000 career points.

Other varsity awards went to Ryan Miller, most improved; Michael Beiler, mental attitude; Mike Troyer and Martin, co-captains.

All eleven varsity players lettered in a 22-4 campaign that ended in the state semifinals. Evan Stutzman averaged over 8 points and 4 rebounds per game as a starting forward and returns for his senior season. Guard Aaron Eash, whose playing time dwindled when senior Caleb Miller returned from injury, also looks to play a key role as a senior. Dustin Yoder will need to step up as a junior after missing more than half of the recent season. John Miller, Bontrager, Dwylin Gingerich, James Riegsecker and Atlee Bender are possible call-ups from the JV seeking to ensure the school's 13th straight winning season at the varsity level.

Varsity basketball team sets new records in 2007-08

2008-03-15T22:44:00.001-04:00

NEW INDIVIDUAL RECORDS

Games played

Career: 106, Todd Martin, 2003-08 (previous: Sherwin Beachy, 96)

Consecutive: 99, Carl Martin, 2-7-04 to 3-8-08 (previous: Kevin Bontrager and Richard Miller, 81, 1990-94)

Free throws made

Consecutive: 27, Joel King, 2-23-07 to 2-23-08 (previous: Jeremy Yoder, 1994-95 season)

Season: 111, Todd Martin, 2007-08 (previous: 108, Sherwin)

Career: 324, Todd Martin, 2003-08 (previous: 314, Sherwin)

Free throws attempted

Season: 140, Todd Martin, 2007-08 (previous: 131, Sherwin, 1998-99 season)

Career: 401, Todd Martin, 2003-08 (previous: 384, Sherwin)

Three-point field goal shooting percentage

Career: 41.2% (143-347), Todd Martin, 2003-08 (previous: 40.5%, Sherwin)

NEW TEAM RECORDS

Scoring offense

Consecutive games, 60 or more points scored, season: 11 (1-25-08 to 2-28-08) (previous: 9, inaugural 1984-85 season)

Wins and losses

Best record over a five-year period: 89-25 (.781), 2003-08

Rebounds

Season: 746, 2007-08 (previous: 702, 1997-98)

Miscellaneous

Most games, season: 26, 2007-08 (previous: 26, 2000-01 season)

Assorted facts

All-time record: 335-177 (.654)

Record for the last five years: 89-25 (.781)

All-time postseason record: 45-22 (.672)

ICSTS regional titles: 3 (2005 at Columbus, 2006 and 2008 at Trinity)

All-time in-season tournament record: 35-22 (.614)

In-season tournament titles: 7 (1987 Factoryville Holiday Tourney, 1992 Grace Baptist Turkey Tourney, 1997-98 Northern Indiana Christian Invitational, 1998-99 N.I.C.I., 2005 and 2007 Cougar Classic, 2006 Canterbury Invitational)

All-time record vs. IHSAA foes: 48-9 (.842)

All-time record vs. public schools: 2-0 (1.000)

Player notes

Todd Martin finished in the top all time for career points (3^rdwith 1,387), scoring average (10^that 13.0), total rebounds (4^th), overall steals (5^th), total assists (3^rd), assists per game (7^th), free throws made (1^st), free throws attempted (1^st), free throw shooting percentage (2^nd), consecutive free throws made (tied for 5^th with 18), three-point field goals made (3^rd)
On the all-time single-season lists, Todd finished in the top ten in points (tied for 6^th), free throws made and attempted (1^st in both), defensive rebounds (7^th), three pointers made (tied for 8^th), three point shooting percentage (5^th)
Carl Martin finished in the top ten for career points (10^th with 778), total rebounds (8^th), career steals (8^th), field goal shooting percentage (10^th at 51.1%)
Mike Troyer finished in the top ten for career steals (2^nd with 170), career steals per game (4^th), career assists (4^th), career assists per game (6^th), career free throws made (8^th), career free throws attempted (9^th)
Mike also finished in the top ten for a single season in free throws attempted (8^th), steals (3^rd), steals per game (5^th), assists (9^th)
Caleb Miller finished his career 5^th all time for field-goal shooting percentage at 52.4%
In career free-throw shooting percentage, Joel King finished 5^th at 76.4%; his 88.5% in 2007-08 was second-best in a single season

Team notes

The 2007-08 Couriers are the first Courier team to win in-season tournament titles in three straight seasons (2005 and 2007 Cougar Classic, 2006 Canterbury Invitational). The 1997-98 and 1998-99 teams won back-to-back Northern Indiana Christian Invitational (N.I.C.I.) titles.
The varsity has won at least 10 games in 17 straight seasons.
The number of consecutive winning seasons now stands at 12.
The team’s 274 steals was one shy of the record set in 2000-01.
By beating the Huntington Eagles and Community Baptist, the Couriers beat the 2007-08 state runners-up in both the ICBA (Indiana homeschool) and IACS (Indiana Association of Christian Schools).
In the first home game at the new gym the Couriers beat a Noble/Whitley team that placed fourth of 16 teams in the ICBA tournament.
The Trinity Athletic Center has become a home away from home. The Couriers are 5-1 on the Titans’ home court over the last two seasons.

This senior class only missed the state finals once in their career including an ACSI runners-up finish as eighth grade for Todd and Carl. Only the classes of 1994 (4-for-4), 1995 (4-for-4 with Reggie Yoder 5-for-5) and 2006 (4-for-4) have had more success in the postseason.

Couriers finish just shy of the state championship game

2008-03-10T23:30:00.003-04:00

ANDERSON (Sat., Mar. 8, 2008) – For the second straight year Covenant Christian ended the Couriers’ season. This time, the Knights nipped the Couriers 36-34 in the ICSTS semifinals at Anderson University.

Both teams struggled offensively throughout the game but the Couriers pushed to a 29-22 lead early in the fourth quarter. Despite Todd Martin’s seven points for the Couriers, all in the fourth quarter, the Knights surged to victory with a 14-5 run to end the game. A last-second field-goal attempt by Martin fell short ending the Couriers’ season at 22-4.

Alex Anderson scored 13 points for the Knights, who followed up the win by defeating Horizon Christian 53-40 in the championship game to finish 12-11 and repeat as ICSTS champions.

The 22 wins were the second-most in a season for the Couriers. Todd Martin finished third on the all-time scoring list with 1,387 points and propelled the team into the state finals for the third time in four years.

Martin is one of eight seniors graduating this year. The others are Carl Martin, Caleb Miller, Spencer Miller, Ryan Miller, Mike Troyer, Joel King and Michael Beiler. The two Martins, King and Troyer were regular starters. Probable returnees for Coach Chad Schrock are seniors-to-be Evan Stutzman (a starter) and Aaron Eash, and junior-to-be Dustin Yoder. The remainder of the roster will be filled from a junior varsity squad that compiled a 12-7 record for Coach Bert Bontrager.

ICSTS Final Four capsule

2008-03-06T18:52:00.001-05:00

What: Indiana Christian State Tournament Series (ICSTS) Final Four

Where: O.C. Lewis Gymnasium, Anderson University

When: Saturday, March 8, 2008

Schedule: First Assembly Christian (Lafayette) vs. Horizon Christian (Indy), 12:30 p.m.; Covenant Christian vs. Clinton Christian 2:00 pm; Championship, 8:15 p.m.

Records: Horizon 21-5; First Assembly N/A; Clinton 22-3; Covenant Christian of DeMotte 10-11.

Last year: Covenant Christian defeated Mount Eagle Christian of Greenwood 61-19 in the state final.

Notes: Clinton has won 10 straight entering this weekend and 15 of their last 16. Clinton defeated Covenant 66-41 on February 9. Covenant, in the state finals for the third straight year, won the Northwest Regional. In their most recent ICSTS finals appearance in 2006, the Couriers beat Horizon Christian to capture their first ICSTS championship and finish the season 24-0. The Couriers also reached the final four in 2005. Head coach Chad Schrock is 35-11 in his second season at the Courier helm. Senior forward Todd Martin is third on the Couriers’ all-time scoring chart with 1,380 career points.

Clinton player and team statistics: Todd Martin, 17.0 pts., 5.7 reb. per game, 50.6% FG, 42.7% 3s, 79.9% FT, 1.7 st.; Carl Martin, 10.2 ppg; Mike Troyer, 8.3 ppg, 33.3% 3FG, 70.7% FT, 3.4 ast., 3.0 st.; Evan Stutzman, 8.3 ppg, 4.5 reb., 52.4% FG, 41.2% 3FG; Caleb Miller, 8.0 ppg; Ryan Miller, 4.2 ppg; Joel King, 3.4 ppg, 95.8% FT; Spencer Miller, 3.3 ppg, 33.3% 3FG; Dustin Yoder, 3 ppg, 55% FG; Aaron Eash, 2.6 ppg, 38.1% 3FG; Michael Beiler, 0.8 ppg; Team, 62.1 ppg, 36.5% 3FG, 70.6% FT, 28.8 reb., 14.5 ast., 10.60 st.; Opponents, 47.3 ppg, 37.2% FG, 27% 3FG, 64.5% FT, 27.4 reb., 7 ast., 2.7 blk., 7.52 st.

Sources: Keith Meyers, ICSTS website, Kankakee Valley (Ind.) Post-News, Anderson University website

Couriers try to knock off defending champs

2008-03-05T20:00:00.002-05:00

The 2008 ICSTS Boys Basketball Final Four pairings are set. The semifinals and finals, as well as the girls' semifinals and finals, will be held Saturday at Anderson University.

At 12:30 p.m., First Assembly Christian of Lafayette meets Horizon Christian (21-5). The Couriers (22-3) meet defending champion Covenant Christian (10-11) at 2 p.m. The winners return for the state championship game at 8:15 p.m.

Two wins equals trip to state finals

2008-03-02T21:24:00.005-05:00

SOUTH BEND (Sat., Mar. 1, 2008) - The Couriers managed only 46 points against the young Trinity Titans but prevailed 46-31 to capture the ICSTS Northern Regional championship on the Titans' home court.

After building a 13-5 lead through one quarter, the Couriers (22-3) never were seriously challenged again but could not seem to put the game away until late in the game. Todd Martin tallied 25 points to increase his career total to 1,380. He needs 50 points to tie Jeremy Yoder (1991-95) for second place on the Couriers' all -time scoring list.

Junior forward Mike Dits and junior center Matt Keenan both netted 10 points for Trinity (15-12). The Titans reached the title game by dumping the Benton Bucks 57-43 in a mid-morning semifinal. The Titans could return the bulk of their team for 2008-09. Starting guard Kevin McShane, forward Josh Cramer and seldom-used center Kyle Hoover will graduate from the current squad.

At noon, the Couriers steamrolled to a 40-13 halftime lead and eliminated Lakeland Christian 55-44 in the second semifinal. Evan Stutzman finished with 10 points for the Couriers. The Cougars' Jared Franklin scored 13 points and Chris Valentine 11.

The Couriers prepare to play defending state champion Covenant Christian (10-11), winners of the Northwest Regional, at 2 p.m. at Anderson University Saturday. The Central and South Regional winners square off at 12:30 p.m. with the championship contest planned for 8:15 at Anderson University's O.C. Lewis Gymnasium. Directions to the state finals site will be available on the Clinton Christian School web site.

Couriers earn 20th win the hard way

2008-03-02T20:59:00.004-05:00

SOUTH BEND (Thurs., Feb. 28, 2008) - When a team commits 26 turnovers and 20 fouls, that team often loses. That was not the case in the Couriers' 61-50 win over Granger Christian in the opening round of the ICSTS Northern Regional.

While Granger Christian's only leads were 2-0 and 4-2 early in the contest, the Couriers led the Knights by no more than seven points until late in the game. Senior Brad Kendall scored 27 points for the Knights who were also plagued by fouls (22) and turnovers (20).

Junior forward Evan Stutzman went to the free-throw line with the Couriers up 53-49 and 1:45 left in the game. He connected on both attempts and proceeded to score the game's next five points on six more freebie tries over the next 38 seconds. By then, the Couriers had stretched their lead to 60-49 and the Knights were unable to mount a late comeback.

In improving to 20-3 this Couriers' squad joined the 1997-98 (20-5 record), 1998-99 (20-4) and 2005-06 (24-0) teams as 20-game winners in Courier basketball history. Todd Martin finished with 19 points, Stutzman 17 and Carl Martin 14 as the Couriers now lead the series with the Knights 24-21.

Regional opener rescheduled for tonight

2008-02-28T15:48:00.002-05:00

Inclement weather forced the postponement of the Clinton Christian vs. Granger Christian game to 7 p.m. tonight at the Trinity School Athletic Center in South Bend. Look for a review of the game and, hopefully, a preview of the state finals next Tuesday.

Strange conclusion still results in a 'W'

2008-02-25T14:52:00.000-05:00

GOSHEN (Sat., Feb. 23, 2008) – Four Keystone players had fouled out and one was ejected leaving the Eagles with only three players on the court when the officials called the game with 4:24 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Couriers prevailed 73-51.

The two teams traded the lead six times in the first nine minutes. Keystone’s Josh Leichty tied the game at 23 apiece with 5:19 left in the first half before the Couriers outscored the Eagles 10-6 for a 39-33 halftime lead.

In the second half the Couriers scored 20 of their 34 points at the free-throw line. Mike Troyer scored two of those points after an intentional foul and technical foul called against Keystone late in the third period. Spencer Miller had just hit one free throw in a double-bonus situation for Couriers when the officials decided to end the game.

Todd Martin and Spencer Miller tallied 16 points each for the Couriers, who went a perfect 5-0 at the new gym. Troyer added 14. Joel King’s record free-throw shooting streak ended at 27 when he missed the front end of two shots with 5:57 left in the contest.

Keystone (9-10) got 24 points from Serge Portee and 11 from Lucas Wiesenberg.

According to my records, only one other game has been called in Courier basketball history. With Clinton leading 72-41 in Valparaiso February 9, 1993, two players for the host Maranatha Christian squad started a fight on a nearby stairway. The game was brought to an end midway through the fourth quarter.

Also on Saturday, the junior varsity beat Wabash Christian before falling to the Noble/Whitley Warriors for second place at the Noble/Whitley tourney. The younger Couriers finished 12-7, the most wins at that level in at least six years.

Chad Schrock’s Couriers (19-3) vie for their 20^th win of the season versus Granger Christian at 7:00 pm Tuesday in the pigtail game of the ICSTS Northern Regional semifinal at Trinity in South Bend. The winner faces Lakeland Christian (3-17 through Saturday) in the second semifinal set for noon Saturday.

Couriers emerge but Cougars challenge

2008-02-25T14:48:00.004-05:00

SOUTH BEND (Fri., Feb. 22, 2008) – Community Baptist used a 14-5 run at the end of the game to narrow the gap but the Couriers hung on to drop the Cougars 69-58.

Led by Todd Martin’s 31 points, the Couriers zoomed to a 64-44 advantage with 5:04 to go in the game. Despite 24 points from high-scoring forward Seth Quirey, the hosts appeared to be no match for the Couriers. Down by 20, Cougars’ Coach Kip Wellin called a timeout. By the next timeout at 1:54, the Cougars trailed by only 10 points (65-55). Todd secured the win for the Couriers by hitting three-for-four throws in the final minute.

Todd Martin’s game-high 34 points was augmented by Carl Martin’s 12. The team hit 9-of-19 three-pointers in the victory.

Quirey, in his final home game, scored 27 points for the Cougars (9-7). Tanner Hulin added 13.

In what has been a hotly-contested series over the years, the Couriers now hold a 12-10 edge over their rivals from Community Baptist.

Community Baptist jumped out to a 14-7 first-quarter lead and dumped the Couriers 44-36 in the junior varsity matchup.

Couriers snag tough wins over two IHSAA foes

2008-02-19T14:15:00.000-05:00

FORT WAYNE (Fri., Feb. 15, 2008) – The Couriers outscored Fort Wayne Canterbury 21-15 in the final quarter to claim a 62-53 victory.

Todd Martin was 8-12 from the field, including 4-6 from three-point range, and finished with a game-high 22 points. Mike Troyer and Carl Martin each added 11 for the Couriers (16-3). Nick Lewis tallied 15 points, Jason Williams 11 and Zach Tomlinson 10 for the Cavaliers (7-11).

Canterbury won the junior varsity matchup 69-51.

GOSHEN (Sat., Feb. 16, 2008) – On Senior Night, the visiting Lakewood Park Panthers, with only one senior on their roster, took the Couriers to the limit before the Couriers prevailed 76-75 in overtime.

The Panthers (9-9) had the hot hand early as 6’5” junior center Tommy Strine nailed four three-pointers propelling his team to an 18-7 lead and 20-13 after just one period. The Couriers scored 25 points in the second quarter for a 38-34 halftime lead but led by only two points (60-58) heading into the final period.

In the fourth quarter Todd Martin racked up 10 of his 35 points. His last bucket tied the game at 70 to force overtime.

Todd Martin added another field goal to begin the scoring in overtime. Evan Stutzman added two free throws for a 74-70 Courier lead. The Panthers’ Brock Taulbee cut the lead to two before Mike Troyer added two more free throws for the Couriers at 44.6 seconds. Nick Parish’s three-pointer made it 76-75 with 8 seconds left. Strine badly missed a trey with 1 second remaining and the Couriers held on to move to 4-0 in the school’s new gym.

Besides Martin’s 35, Carl Martin added 13 points for the Couriers (17-3). Strine matched Todd Martin with 35 while Parish finished with 13 for the visitors from Auburn.

Andrew Parish scored with 1 second remaining as the Panthers edged the Couriers 39-37 in the junior varsity contest. Tyler Eash registered 13 points and Jordan Bontrager 8 for the Couriers (11-5). Travis Brunk scored 11 points in a reserve role and Jordan Brooker 10 for Lakewood Park.

The Couriers travel to Community Baptist in South Bend Friday. The JV game tips off at 5:30 followed by the varsity. The Cougars (9-5 before Grace Baptist of Plymouth tonight) are led by senior Seth Quirey’s 30+ points per game. He has topped 40 points at least four times this season with a school-record 47 vs. Indiana Christian Academy January 25.

Keystone (9-8 before the Fort Wayne Hawks Friday) visits the Courier gym Saturday at 11 a.m. for junior high and varsity contests. The game will end the regular season for both schools.

Courier capture victory on Valentine's Day

2008-02-15T15:54:00.003-05:00

GOSHEN (Thurs., Feb. 14, 2008) – Joel King set the record for consecutive free throws made and all 11 Couriers managed at least four points as the Couriers beat Portage Christian 75-34 on Valentine’s Day.

With the team trailing 9-8 to the Pacers, Spencer Miller hit a field goal at the horn to put the Couriers up by one at the first stop. The usual starters entered the game in the second quarter and started a 45-10 Courier run over the next two periods.

Ryan Miller continued his hot streak that began in January with 10 points, 12 rebounds and a blocked shot to lead the Couriers (15-3). Caleb Miller and Dustin Yoder also added 10 points.

Adam Reisinger paced the visitors with 21 points.

King set the free-throw record with 32 seconds remaining in the third quarter. Dating back to February 23, 2007, King has drained 25 straight foul shots. Jeremy Yoder held the record previously with 23 in a row from January 17 to February 10, 1995.

A statistician can be wrong!

2008-02-12T12:34:00.001-05:00

Thanks, Dwylin Gingerich, for correcting a couple mistakes lately. I try to always be accurate but lapses of memory, lack of information and plain old human error get in the way sometimes. If anyone else has any questions about the accuracy of any information, please send me a comment. It lets me know you're reading and provides me with some accountability.

Now, get ready for a wild ride, as the Couriers prepare to play four game in five days beginning with a game at White's tonight. Check the school website for the full schedule with times.

Couriers cruise to 13th win

2008-02-11T12:31:00.000-05:00

GOSHEN (Sat., Feb. 9, 2008) – Todd Martin and the Couriers withstood an early challenge from Covenant Christian before felling the Knights 66-41 at the Clinton gym.

The visitors from DeMotte kept pace with the Couriers for the first few minutes of the game, but the Couriers pulled away for a 21-7 at the first break and continued to build the lead over the next two periods. The Knights outscored the Couriers 12-8 in the fourth quarter but they only managed to cut the final deficit from 29 points to 25.

Martin again topped the Couriers with 17 points. Carl Martin contributed 13 points, five assists and four steals. Off the bench, Caleb Miller added 11 points and Ryan Miller 10. The Couriers (13-3) committed just eight turnovers in the contest.

Dan Bykerk led the Knights’ charge with 14 points and nine rebounds. Alex Anderson added 13 for the defending ICSTS champions, now 7-10 for the season.

The Couriers won 30-15 in a low-scoring junior varsity matchup. By improving their record to 10-3, the Couriers have won at least 10 games at the JV level for the second straight season. John Miller scored 7 points for the victors while Brian Wunderink posted 8 points for the Knights.

Also on Saturday, the Couriers’ junior high team lost to Granger Christian by two points in the ACSI state championship game. Todd Martin, Carl Martin, Mike Troyer and Joel King were sixth graders when the Couriers claimed the school’s only junior high ACSI title in 2002.

The JV and varsity make the long trek to White’s Institute near Wabash Tuesday. Coach Larry Vaughn’s Warriors are 2-8 with five straight losses. They defeated Howe Military 74-64 December 13 and lost at Lakeland Christian 61-58 February 2. The two squads will meet for the first time after the cancellation of last year's scheduled matchup due to poor weather conditions.

"Giant" Mirkovic dominates Couriers as Pitino watches

2008-02-08T14:02:00.002-05:00

LAPORTE (Tues., Feb. 5, 2008) - Six-foot-ten DePaul recruit and La Lumiere center Luka Mirkovic scored 37 points and nabbed 17 rebounds as the Lakers downed the Couriers 78-62.

With former University of Kentucky and current University of Louisville coach Rick Pitino in attendance, 6'4" guard DeAndre Haskins added 22 points and 11 boards in the win. The Couriers led 18-15 after one period and 25-23 halfway through the second quarter before Mirkovic scored 14 of the next 16 points for a 39-25 Laker lead.

Todd Martin led the Couriers (12-3) with 17 points. Caleb Miller added 16 as the Couriers' winning streak ended at five games.

The junior varsity won their ninth game beating the Lakers 36-28. At 9-3, the Couriers secured their third consecutive winning season. The varsity already guaranteed a 12th straight winning season with the victory at Howe Military last Saturday.

Both teams host Covenant Christian of DeMotte Saturday at the Clinton gym. Starting time is 3:00. The Knights (6-9 through last week) are the ICSTS defending state champions.

Couriers win with 12-0 game-ending run

2008-02-04T12:04:00.001-05:00

HOWE (Sat., Feb. 2, 2008) – Todd Martin’s three-pointer broke a 48-48 tie midway through the fourth quarter and Couriers held the Howe Military Wildcats scoreless over the final 4:31 of a 60-48 victory.

Behind 17 points and a few blocks from 6’5” center Greg Sillmon, the hosts led most of the first half and took a 28-23 lead into the locker room. At this points, the Couriers only 4 field goals and, unofficially, 18 turnovers. Five different Couriers combined to make 13-of-15 free throws to keep the game close.

In the second half, a number of different Courier defenders held Sillmon scoreless. Evan Stutzman drained a three for a 36-35 lead with 1:50 remaining in the third period, the team’s first lead since the middle of the first quarter. Howe never led again but an Evan Holmes’ field goal forged the final tie with 5:06 to go in the game.

Martin paced the Couriers, now 12-2, with 21 points and senior guard/forward Caleb Miller, in just his second game this season, added 13. Joel King finished with just 7 points but his 4-for-4 free-throw performance tied the school record of 23 consecutive. His current streak began at Community Baptist February 23, 2007. Jeremy Yoder first set the record in the 1994-95 season.

Karl Vaughn dropped in 21 points but Sillmon was held below his 20+ points per game average. The Wildcats dropped their eighth straight to fall to 3-11.

The junior varsity exploded for 18 points in the fourth quarter and downed the Wildcats 40-22. They raised their record to 8-3.

Both teams tangle with La Lumiere near LaPorte Tuesday night. La Lumiere’s coach and athletic director is 1984 Indiana Mr. Basketball Delray Brooks. The varsity Lakers bring an 7-6 record into the contest. Their top players are an explosive frontcourt duo of DeAndre Haskins and 6’10” DePaul recruit and Serbian native Luka Mirkovic.

Clinton website updated plus a preview of Saturday's game

2008-02-01T12:17:00.000-05:00

Check out the new photos and schedules on the school’s website. The basketball schedules includes up-to-date results for the 11-2 varsity, 7-3 junior varsity and 3-6 junior high squads. The volleyball and golf pages also have been updated. Congratulations to the web design class for the improvements. The photos are still a tad slow in opening but the photos themselves are good quality and adequate size. The schedules are mostly accurate although I think the Couriers actually begin postseason play February 26 but I have not seen the regional schedule yet.

The varsity plays only its third game in three weeks when it travels to Howe Military Saturday night. The Wildcats (3-10 before Elkhart Christian Friday) have not won since December 15. Senior post player Greg Sillmon leads the Wildcats and the state in blocked shots and ranks among the IHSAA leaders in scoring and rebounding.

With the demise of Lakeland Christian’s JV, the junior varsity Couriers have been idle since January 22. Bert Bontrager’s team needs two wins to post a third straight winning record.

Couriers #3 in ICSTS poll

2008-01-30T16:37:00.000-05:00

The ICSTS Top 5 weekly basketball poll returns this week. The Couriers are currently ranked third. Former foe Granger Christian is #1 and Trinity of South Bend (12-6) is #5. Horizon Christian of Indianapolis at #2 and Columbus Christian at #4 round out the rankings. Granger Christian was 16-4 after a mid-January win over Community Baptist. They will join Trinity, Lakeland, the Couriers and, possibly, the Benton Bucks in a regional at Trinity at the end of February. To see the poll for yourself, click the link in the sidebar on this blog. It should be updated every Monday or Tuesday.

Couriers soar to 11-2

2008-01-29T12:19:00.000-05:00

WINONA LAKE (Fri., Jan. 25, 2008) - Ryan Miller scored a career-high 16 points as the Couriers thumped Lakeland Christian 66-37.

Todd Martin added 11 points and 4 assists. Carl Martin tallied 10 and senior Caleb Miller, returning from a foot injury, six.

The Couriers have not lost to the Cougars since January 2005.

Chad Schrock's varsity Couriers hosts Portage Christian tonight while the JV remains idle until a 6:00 start at Howe Military Saturday.

Views of Game 1 at the "Courier Gym"

2008-01-22T17:04:00.000-05:00

This photo actually turned out pretty neat (on accident).

You can see most of the crowd and the mezzanine in the

background.

The varsity celebrates their historic win. Coach Chad

Schrock also celebrated the birth of his first child earlier

that day. Congratulations, Coach!

Varsity wins, JV, junior high openers at new gym

2008-01-22T16:58:00.000-05:00

This is our turf!

Todd leads the varsity onto the floor.

Todd makes a move in the varsity game.

GOSHEN – The varsity Couriers beat the Noble-Whitley Warriors 57-47 but the JV lost 36-31 and the junior high fell 39-26 on opening night for the new gym at Clinton Christian School.

Todd Martin’s only 3-pointer of the game put the Couriers up 37-34 in the third quarter to prompt a Warriors timeout. Martin’s “old-fashioned” three-point plays in the first half had tied the game 14-14 and 22-22. His three gave the Couriers nine straight points after falling behind 34-28.

Todd was honored before the game for surpassing the 1,000 point mark on December 8. He and senior classmate Carl Martin both mustered 19 points for the 10-2 Couriers. Andy Scharlacken tallied 12 for the visitors.

The JV led 29-24 in the fourth quarter but finished with their third losses versus six wins for the season. Jordan Bontrager had 11 points, all in the first half, and John Miller eight for the Couriers. Dwylin Gingerich recorded the school’s first blocked shot in the new gym.

Trenton Miller scored the first basket in the “Courier Gym” (my name) just 11 seconds into the junior high for a 2-0 Couriers lead. He also grabbed the first rebound just over a minute later. Matt Bontrager hit the first free throw (12-5 Noble-Whitley, 3:11, 2nd quarter) and Lance Miller nabbed the first steal (3:30, 1st quarter). The junior high trailed just 16-13 at the half but fell behind 33-20 through three quarters and were unable to recover.

All three games were very well attended and the concessions were popular. At halftime of the varsity game, a number of fans tried to make a free throw to win a free Coke.

Cougars latest victim on Couriers "home" court

2008-01-14T12:19:00.000-05:00

MIDDLEBURY (Sat., Jan. 12, 2008) – The Couriers did not let the delay of the opening of the new gym stop them from winning their 13th straight at Heritage Middle School, this time downing Lakeland Christian 66-51.

Seniors Ryan Miller and Michael Beiler each made his first start of the season to give the Couriers an all-senior starting lineup for the first time this season. Other starters were Todd Martin, Carl Martin and Spencer Miller.

Ryan Miller helped the Couriers (9-2) build an early 6-0 advantage en route to tying a career-high with 12 points. Evan Stutzman also scored 12 and Spencer Miller finished with 10 as the Couriers defeated the Cougars for the 10th consecutive time.

The Couriers host Fort Wayne Keystone Friday at a location to be determined early this week before entertaining the Noble/Whitley Warriors Saturday at Clinton’s new gymnasium. The community is invited to an open house at 3:00 pm Sunday to celebrate the grand opening of the school’s first competition gym.

Couriers get revenge, beat Titans

2008-01-14T12:18:00.000-05:00

SOUTH BEND (Fri., Jan. 11, 2008) – With two minutes remaining in the game at Trinity, the Couriers scored six straight points to expand their lead over the Titans to 14 points and rolled 52-38 over the hosts.

Carl Martin led the Couriers with 16 points, including two in the decisive run. Evan Stutzman added 11 and Todd Martin 10.

Nick Scott, whose jumper beat the Couriers on December 29, led the Titans (7-6) with 22 points.

The Couriers junior varsity team allowed 16 points in the fourth quarter but hung to a 37-28 win. Dwylin Gingerich tallied nine points and Jordan Bontrager 7 for the 6-2 Couriers.

Couriers win Cougar Classic despite last-second loss

2008-01-02T16:56:00.000-05:00

WINONA LAKE (Saturday, December 29, 2007) – For the second straight year the Trinity Titans beat the Couriers in the closing seconds of their Cougar Classic matchup.

Nick Scott’s turnaround jumper gave Trinity (6-5) a 42-40 win as the horn sounded. Mike Troyer’s two free throws capped a 5-0 Courier run to tie the game with 28.9 seconds remaining.

The Couriers led 15-6 after one period but scored only two points in the second period to fall behind 19-17 at the half. The Couriers, leading 35-31 early in the fourth, saw the Titans go on a 9-0 run for a 40-35 lead with 46.5 seconds left.

Evan Stutzman hit a three-pointer to pull the Couriers within two at 39 seconds. Ten seconds later, Troyer stole the ball and was fouled on the layup attempt.

On December 30, 2006, Mike Bradley’s free throw at :00 gave the Titans a win over the Couriers. The Couriers win overtime games in 2004 and 2005.

Troyer finished with 13 points, Stutzman 12 and Todd Martin 10 for the Couriers (7-2). Matt Keenan paced the Titans with 15 and Scott managed 13 for the victors.

In a midday game the Couriers downed the Huntington Eagles 58-39 after outscoring the Eagles 22-7 in the final quarter.

The two teams were tied at halftime and the Eagles led 30-26 after Colin Featherston’s steal and basket with 2:45 left in the third period. The Eagles, a team of home schoolers, managed just two points the rest of the quarter to the Couriers’ ten and trailed 36-32 entering the final eight minutes of play.

Mike Troyer, Carl Martin and Todd Martin contributed to eight straight Couriers and a 44-32 lead to start the fourth. The team led by at least 10 points the rest of the contest.

Todd Martin hit four three-pointers and a game-high 20 points for the Couriers. Stutzman contributed 11, Troyer and Carl Martin both 10.

Taylor Frank scored 11 of his 16 points in the first half for the Eagles. Andrew Daniels added 15. Kolby Shultz (6) and Featherston (2) were the only other scorers for the Eagles, who compiled a 2-1 record in the Cougar Classic.

While Trinity, Clinton and Huntington all recorded 2-1 marks at the tourney, the Couriers emerged as champions by allowing a combined 119 points to Trinity’s 133 and Huntington's 137.

Couriers cruise in Cougar Classic opener

2008-01-02T16:54:00.000-05:00

WINONA LAKE (Friday, December 28, 2007) – The Couriers dominated Lakeland Christian 65-38 in the first game of Lakeland Christian’s Cougar Classic.

Todd Martin’s 23 led the Couriers (6-1). Evan Stutzman added 12 and Mike Troyer 11.
Damon Woodard tallied 11 and Michael Matti for the Cougars (2-5).

Couriers drub Wildcats, prepare for holiday tourney

2007-12-17T16:37:00.000-05:00

MIDDLEBURY (Sat., Dec. 15, 2007) – The Couriers converted many of Howe Military’s 17 first-half turnovers, pasting the Wildcats 69-42 at Heritage Middle School.

Todd Martin scored 16 of his 18 points in the crucial first half. Joel King finished with a season-high 15 and Carl Martin added 14.

Greg Sillmon paced the visitors (2-3) with 28 points.

The JV (5-2) struggled but hung on for a 34-24 win. Jordan Bontrager was the only Courier in double digits with 10 points.

These games were the Couriers’ last as a neutral-site host. The Couriers open the new gym on the C.R. 35 campus near Goshen January 12 against Lakeland Christian Academy.

The varsity, now 5-1, plays in the four-team Cougar Classic December 28 and 29. They play the hosts, Lakeland Christian, December 28 at 1:30 p.m. On December 29, the Couriers face the Huntington Home Ed. Eagles at 11:30 a.m. and the Trinity Titans at 2:30 p.m.

Couriers battle, overcome Knights

2007-12-14T07:30:00.000-05:00

STURGIS, MICH. (Tues., Dec. 11, 2007) – With the score tied at 54, Carl Martin’s field goal gave the Couriers a 56-54 win over the Michiana Christian Home Educators (MCE).

The Couriers used up over two minutes before Martin’s game winner at :04. MCE’s desperation three-pointer at the horn fell far short.

Sophomore guard Jed Landis scored nine points in the first quarter for a 15-13 MCE lead. The Knights built their advantage to 26-20 but went into the locker room down 29-28.

With 3:24 left in the game, Martin scored off a rebound for the Couriers’ largest lead of the night at 54-50. Landis tied the game on a four-point play at 3:06.

Todd Martin popped in 22 points, Mike Troyer 11 and Carl Martin 10 for the 4-1 Couriers. Landis poured in 27 and Ben Grenger added 14 for the Knights.

James Riegsecker and Jordan Bontrager tallied 10 points each in a 47-20 win for the junior varsity. The team improved to 4-2.

Howe Military visits the Couriers at Heritage Middle School Saturday. The junior varsity game tips off at 6:00.

Martin scores 1,000th, Couriers down Eagles

2007-12-10T16:49:00.000-05:00

ELKHART (Saturday, December 8, 2007) - The Couriers outscored Elkhart Christian 22-0 at the free-throw line, defeating the Eagles 71-59.

The Eagles soared to an early 12-3 lead before Mike Troyer (8 points) and Todd Martin (2) spearheaded a 10-0 Courier run. The Couriers held a narrow 20-19 lead at the first break.

Elkhart Christian’s Dan Bruckner and Chris Hovan combined for 13 points in the first five minutes of the second quarter for a 32-30 Eagles lead. Hovan scored again with 34 seconds remaining until halftime but the Couriers held a 40-34 halftime advantage.

Four Eagles scored in the third period to cut the Couriers lead to five (53-48). Hovan’s field goal 49 seconds into the fourth quarter drew the Eagles within one at 53-52 but the Eagles could not get closer than six the rest of the way.

Mike Troyer finished 8-of-9 at the free-throw line and paced the Couriers (3-1) with 24 points. Carl Martin added 18, Todd Martin 13 and Evan Stutzman 11. The Couriers made 22-of-28 free throws in the game to the Eagles 0-for-1.

Hovan dropped in 20 points and Bruckner 18 for the Eagles (3-1). Devin Blankinship finished with 10.

Todd Martin scored his 1,000th career point in the game and held the Eagles’ second-leading scorer Joel Heare to six points.

Elkhart Christian’s junior varsity edged the Couriers 47-46 in overtime. Jordan Bontrager topped the Couriers (3-2) with 14 points while John Miller contributed 11. Jess Alexander scored 12 for the winners.

The Couriers visit Michiana Christian Home Educators at Amigo Centre near Sturgis, Michigan Tuesday.

Couriers rated by Jeff Sagarin

2007-12-04T12:12:00.000-05:00

For the first time ever, the Couriers are ranked in the Indiana High School Basketball Sagarin Ratings for the 2007-2008 basketball season. Jeff Sagarin has compiled a fairly complex computer ranking system that ranks Indiana basketball teams from #1 to #402. The Couriers are 390th this week with a win over Hamilton (377th in 1A) and a loss to Bethany Christian (342nd in 1A). They received no points for the win over unaffiliated First Baptist. Check out the link to the Sagarin Ratings in the left column to learn more about these ratings and see how the Couriers rate against future IHSAA opponents. Saturday's opponent Elkhart Baptist (1-0 before tonight's game at Prairie Heights) is #352 in Class 1A.

Pettifor, Bruins beat Couriers at the buzzer

2007-12-03T12:09:00.000-05:00

MIDDLEBURY (Saturday, December 1, 2007) – Bethany Christian senior Stephen Pettifor scored in the closing seconds as the Bruins shocked the Couriers 56-55. Due to a scheduling conflict, the game was played the Northridge High School fieldhouse.

Led by senior forward Todd Martin’s 20 points, the Couriers held a narrow lead much of the game. Senior guard Joel’s only basket gave them their largest lead at 38-30 with 6:13 remaining in the second quarter.

The Bruins tied the game twice but led just once (24-22) until Pettifor’s game winner. With 2:06 to go in the contest, Evan Stutzman’s field goal put the Couriers up 55-48 but the Bruins tallied the final eight points. The Bruins emerged with their second-straight win in the series between Elkhart County's basketball-playing Mennonite schools.

Senior forward Carl Martin finished with 15 points and Stutzman 12 for the Couriers (2-1). Todd Martin was 7-for-11 at the foul stripe but his teammates converted only 4-of-12 attempts.

Pettifor recorded a game-high 21 points and junior Mark DeLeeuw added 10 for the Bruins.
The Bruins won 60-53 at Bethany on December 2, 2006 and lead the series 2-1.

Jordan Bontrager scored 18 of his 19 points in the second half and the Couriers topped the Bruins 42-30 in the JV game. Sophomore guard John Miller had nine points and junior forward Dwylin Gingerich eight as the Couriers improved to 3-1.

Both Courier squads play next at Elkhart Christian Academy Saturday night. The Couriers and Eagles renew a series that ended in 2003. First-year Eagles coach Drew Ryall starred for Elkhart Baptist (as it was called then) from 1997-2001.

Couriers tame Tigers

2007-12-03T12:08:00.000-05:00

MISHAWAKA (Friday, November 30, 2007) – Junior forward Evan Stutzman’s career-high 18 points led the Couriers past First Baptist 60-33 in Mishawaka. Senior forward Ryan Miller added 12 points.

The Couriers won the junior varsity contest 46-29. Sophomore James Riegsecker scored 14 points and classmates Atlee Bender and Jordan Bontrager chipped in 10 and 8 apiece.

Couriers sink 26 freebies, top Hamilton in opener

2007-11-30T12:06:00.000-05:00

HAMILTON (Thurs., Nov. 29, 2007) - The Couriers varsity boys basketball team made 26-of-40 free throws to win their season opener at Hamilton 65-56.

Carl Martin topped the Couriers with 17 points, including a layup at halftime for a 30-27 Courier lead. Mike Troyer added 16 points and Todd Martin 15 for the winners (1-0).

The host Marines led 17-10 after one period but committed 28 fouls to the Couriers' 9. Jake Taulbee had 24 points and Matt Frey for the Marines.

In the junior varsity contest, Matthew Beiler's defense sparked a furious rally in the fourth quarter that fell short by a 36-32 count. John Miller netted 12 points and Jordan Bontrager 9 for the 1-1 Couriers, who had opened the season with a 45-39 win at Lakewood Park November 19.

The Couriers visit First Baptist in Mishawaka tonight and host Bethany Christian at Heritage Middle School in Middlebury.

Expectations high as Couriers feature eight seniors

2007-11-20T11:50:00.000-05:00

With all but one player back for 2007-08, the Couriers varsity boys basketball team anticipates improvement on last year’s 13-8 record.

Five seniors return to the starting lineup led by all-everything 5’11” forward Todd Martin. Martin averaged 20.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.8 steals in 2006-07. He enters the season with 956 career points.

Five-foot-eight forward Caleb Miller (12.4 points) and 5’10” center Carl Martin (10.0) return solid offensive help from a squad that averaged 61.4 points last year. Joining them in the starting five are 5’7” point guard Mike Troyer (6.0) and 5’11” guard Joel King (3.6).

Four other letterwinners add depth for Chad Schrock’s second team. Seniors are 5’10” forwards Spencer Miller (2.8) and Ryan Miller (2.7) and 5’11” forward Michael Beiler (1.3). Sophomore Dustin Yoder, a 5’9” guard who netted 1.7 points per game last year, is the other returnee. Yoder suffered a bone fracture in practice but Schrock expects him back for the season opener at Hamilton November 29.

After leading a 10-5 JV team in 2006-07, 5’11” junior forward Evan Stutzman and 5’6” junior guard Aaron Eash will contend for minutes off the bench.

Tough opponents should include Trinity, La Lumiere, Fort Wayne Canterbury, Lakewood Park and Community Baptist. LaLumiere, coached by former Indiana University player Delray Brooks, features 6’10” Serbian native Luka Mirkovic, a DePaul recruit, and star forward De'Andre Haskins.

The ICSTS Northern Regional returns to Trinity in South Bend February 26 and March 1. The four regional winners across the state will vie for the championship at Anderson University March 8.

After playing “home” games at numerous different venues since the program’s induction in 1984, the Couriers plan to open their first competition gym in January. Until then, home games will be played at Heritage Middle School.

2007-2008 Regular-season varsity boys basketball schedule

November
29 – at Hamilton, 7:30 pm
30 – at First Baptist (Mishawaka), 7:00 pm

December
1 – Bethany Christian, 7:30 pm
8 – at Elkhart Christian, 7:30 pm
11 – at Michiana Christian Home Ed. (Sturgis, Mich.), 8:00 pm
15 – Howe Military, 7:30 pm

Cougar Classic at Lakeland Christian Academy (4-team round-robin)
28 – Lakeland Christian, 1:30 pm
29 – Huntington Area Home Ed. Eagles, 11:30 am
29 – Trinity (South Bend), 2:30 pm

January
11 – at Trinity (South Bend), 7:30 pm
12 – Lakeland Christian, 7:30 pm
18 – Keystone, 7:30 pm
19 – Noble-Whitley Area Home Ed. Warriors, 7:30 pm
25 – at Lakeland Christian, 7:30 pm
29 – Portage Christian, 6:00 pm

February
2 – at Howe Military, 6:30 pm
5 – La Lumiere, 7:30 pm
9 – Covenant Christian (DeMotte), 4:30 pm
12 – at White’s (Wabash), 7:30 pm
15 – at Fort Wayne Canterbury, 7:30 pm
16 – Lakewood Park, 7:30 pm
22 – at Community Baptist, 7:00 pm

Head coach: Chad Schrock (13-8, 2nd year)

Assistant: Bert Bontrager

Volleyball awards presented Tuesday night

2007-11-15T11:49:00.000-05:00

Varsity: Karmen Y., most improved; Krystal H., co-MVP, co-captain, 4-year award; Ashley H., Courier mental attitude, 4-year award; Kayla M., co-MVP, co-captain, 5-year award. Not pictured: Karmen H., 4-year award.

Junior varsity: Janessa B., most improved; Nicole H., most valuable; Pam R., Courier mental attitude.

Final varsity volleyball stats for 2007

2007-11-06T12:04:00.000-05:00

CATEGORY LEADERS

KILLS

Karmen Hochstetler 272
Emily Hershberger 248
Kayla Miller 200
Karmen Yoder 196
Jill Bontrager 176

TOTAL ATTACKS

Kayla Miller 872
Karmen Hochstetler 858
Emily Hershberger 857
Jill Bontrager 702
Karmen Yoder 679

ATTACK PERCENT (MIN. 5 ATT./MATCH)

Janae Horst .258
Karmen Hochstetler .197
Karmen Yoder .163
Emily Hershberger .160
Jill Bontrager .150

ASSISTS

Ashley Hochstetler 564
Kayla Miller 383
Jill Bontrager 30
Krystal Hathaway 25
Karmen Hochstetler 20

TOTAL SETS

Ashley Hochstetler 2044
Kayla Miller 1537
Jill Bontrager 163
Krystal Hathaway 136
Karmen Hochstetler 109

ASSIST PERCENT (MIN. 3 SETS/MATCH)

Ashley Hochstetler .276
Kayla Miller .249
Jill Bontrager .184
Krystal Hathaway .184

ACES

Jill Bontrager 81
Kayla Miller 70
Emily Hershberger 62
Krystal Hathaway 55
Jade Hathaway 41

TOTAL SERVES

Kayla Miller 473
Jill Bontrager 448
Ashley Hochstetler 448
Krystal Hathaway 360
Emily Hershberger 353

SERVE PERCENT (MIN. 5 SERVES/MATCH)

Ashley Hochstetler .944
Kayla Miller .937
Emily Hershberger .921
Krystal Hathaway .897
Jill Bontrager .864

TOTAL RECS

Krystal Hathaway 579
Jill Bontrager 386
Jade Hathaway 273
Kayla Miller 139
Karmen Hochstetler 115

REC PERCENT

Kayla Miller .928
Karmen Hochstetler .922
Jill Bontrager .917
Emily Hershberger .911
Janae Horst .905
Krystal Hathaway .903
Jade Hathaway .886

DIGS

Krystal Hathaway 529
Kayla Miller 474
Ashley Hochstetler 350
Jill Bontrager 333
Jade Hathaway 241

SOLO BLOCKS

Karmen Hochstetler 169
Emily Hershberger 157
Karmen Yoder 82
Ashley Hochstetler 39
Jill Bontrager 37

TOTAL BLOCKS ATTEMPTED
Karmen Hochstetler 186
Emily Hershberger 174
Karmen Yoder 89
Ashley Hochstetler 42
Jill Bontrager 40

BLOCKS PCT. (MIN. 1 ATT./MATCH)
Ashley Hochstetler .929
Jill Bontrager .925
Karmen Yoder .921
Karmen Hochstetler .909
Emily Hershberger .902

TOUCH BLOCKS
Karmen Hochstetler 109
Emily Hershberger 106
Karmen Yoder 59
Jill Bontrager 29
Ashley Hochstetler 29

STUFF BLOCKS
Emily Hershberger 51
Karmen Hochstetler 42
Karmen Yoder 22
Ashley Hochstetler 10
Jill Bontrager 8

2007 Clinton Christian School Volleyball Highlights

2007-11-06T12:01:00.001-05:00

August
18 – Win Green Pool at Trinity Invitational with 3-0 record
18 – Finished in 2nd place at Trinity Invitational (4-1 overall record)
20 – Couriers ranked 3rd in ICSTS weekly poll
30 – Defeat Lakeland Christian in four tight games
30 – Record of 7-1 in August

September
10 – Top rival Lakewood Park in four games; record now 10-1
17 – 100 career wins for Coach Danette Yousey (100-40-6) with win over Westview JV
21 – Beat Calvary Christian (Ill.) at Calumet Baptist for ten-game winning streak
22 – Take second place at Calumet Baptist Invitational with 7-1-1 mark
24 – Couriers take over #1 ranking in ICSTS poll, holds spot through regular season
25 – Down First Baptist for 20th win (20-2-1 record)
29 – Split with talented Faith Christian, Shekinah Christian in Plain City, Ohio
29 – 14-3-1 record in September

October
13 – Second straight win over Bethany Christian
13 – Team ends regular season 26-5 with first-ever win over Fort Wayne Canterbury
20 – Team recovers from 2-0 deficit in ICSTS regional semifinal vs. Goshen Blue Blazers
to win in five games
20 – Edges Lakeland Christian in four games to win third regional title in four years
27 – Fulton County Christian upends Couriers in state semifinal
27 – Win over host Horizon Christian in consolation game
27 – Go 9-2 in October to finish 30-6 for program’s 11th straight winning season and second 30-win season

Record Breakdown
Overall record: 30-6-1 (.824, T3rd best in school history behind 1992 and 2005)
Playoffs: 4-1
Regular season: 26-5-1
Home: 5-0
Away: 10-3
Neutral: 15-3-1
Vs. IHSAA 1A: 4-1
Vs. IHSAA 2A: 1-1
Vs. OHSAA*: 1-1
Vs. ICSTS: 13-2-1
Vs. IACS: 4-1
Vs. Others: 7-0
4-Game Matches: 5-2
5-Game Matches: 1-1

No title but Couriers still end season with win

2007-10-30T11:59:00.000-04:00

INDIANAPOLIS (Sat., Oct. 27, 2007) – The Couriers volleyball season ended with a win in the ICSTS consolation game but a third ICSTS championship will have to wait another year.

With a 25-16, 25-21, 25-21 triumph over host Horizon Christian, the Couriers wrapped up a 30-6 season. Karmen H. had 18 kills and Krystal H. 39 digs in the season finale.

In a midday game, Fulton County Christian ended the Couriers’ title chances for the second straight season. The Overcomers used stellar defense to win the first game 25-22 before the Couriers rebounded for a 25-23 advantage in game two. At that point, Fulton County’s star player Sarah S. switched from tipping to attacking. Her powerful kills and the Overcomers’ defense overwhelmed the Couriers 25-9, 25-15 to set up a repeat state title match with Calumet Baptist.

Coach Danette Yousey loses six seniors to graduation. Setters Ashley H. and Kayla M. started with outside hitter Jill B. Front-row specialist Karmen H. and libero Krystal H. also depart along with reserve defensive specialist Kristi H., Karmen’s twin. Kayla started a record five years on varsity and Ashley was a four-year starter. Krystal and Karmen both lettered four years and Jill three. Kayla played for three state champions while Ashley, Karmen, Krystal and Jill were members of the 2004 and 2005 titlists.

Three starters return for Yousey (118-45-7 in five seasons). Emily H. will be a senior middle hitter joined by sophomore-to-be outside hitter Karmen Y. in the front row. Defensive specialist Jade H., a junior in 2008, returns to the back row. The team’s only other senior Janae H. will be a candidate to start in the front row. Junior Kami M. and sophomore Natalie B., both hitters, rounded out this year’s varsity roster. Move-ups from a 10-3 JV could include juniors Nicole H., a setter candidate, and Pam R., another hitter.

Couriers ready for fourth straight finals trip

2007-10-24T12:03:00.001-04:00

Clinton Christian faces Fulton County Christian of Rochester in an Indiana Christian State Tournament Series semifinal in Indianapolis Saturday.

The Couriers (29-5), winners of the Northern Regional, play at noon following a 10 a.m. match between Horizon Christian and Calumet Baptist at Horizon Christian School. Winners advance to the championship game at 7 p.m. A consolation game set for 5 p.m. will precede the final.

Senior Karmen H. leads the Couriers with 254 kills and 154 blocks. Senior Ashley H. has 529 setting assists and 94.3% serving accuracy. Classmate Jill B. adds 77 serving aces. Senior defensive specialist Krystal H. has recorded 490 digs.

Fulton County defeated the Couriers in the Calumet Baptist Invitational final in September. The Couriers have not played Horizon Christian or Calumet Baptist this season.

This year’s finals appearance marks the Couriers’ fourth straight trip to the ICSTS finals. The Couriers were state champions in 2004 and 2005.

Couriers grab title despite near collapse

2007-10-22T12:20:00.000-04:00

REGIONAL CHAMPIONS

Front row (l to r) Emily H., Natalie B., Jade H., Kami M., Karmen Y., Janae H.

Back row (l to r.) Head Coach Danette Yousey, Jill B., Ashley H., Karmen H., Krystal H., Kristi H., Assistant Coach Kim Yoder

SOUTH BEND (Sat., Oct. 20, 2007) - It is difficult to beat an opponent three times in the same season but the Couriers did it with a four-game win over Lakeland Christian in the ICSTS Northern Regional final.

The Couriers came out strong to take the first game 25-16 but the Cougars roared back for a 25-20 second-game triumph. The Couriers righted themselves for 25-20 and 25-15 win in the next two games for their third regional title in four years and fourth straight trip to Indianapolis.

In a midday game, the Goshen Blue Blazers nearly upset the Couriers with mistake-free play in the first two games of a five-game semifinal. As the Blue Blazers appeared to tire, the Couriers took advantage to win the match 24-26, 25-21, 25-16, 25-16, 15-10. The Couriers went 4-0 against the homeschoolers in 2007.

The Couriers play in the state finals Saturday at Horizon Christian School in Indianapolis. The time and opponent remain unknown at the present time.

Couriers roll in first round

2007-10-22T12:17:00.000-04:00

SOUTH BEND (Fri., Oct. 20, 2007) - The Couriers varsity girls volleyball team built a 16-5 lead against Granger Christian in the first game and rolled to a 25-7, 25-6, 25-11 win in the first round of the ICSTS Northern Regional.

With runs of 9, 12 and 10 consecutive points, the Couriers improved to 27-5 and prepared for a semifinal matchup with the Goshen Blue Blazers.

Final JV stat leaders for 2007

2007-10-18T11:59:00.000-04:00

Overall record: 10-3
Home: 2-0
Road: 8-3
vs. 1A: 1-1
vs. 2A: 0-2
vs. ICSTS: 5-0
3-game matches: 2-1

Individual leaders

Attacking
Kills: Megan T., 63
Attacks: Megan T., 194
Kill %: Megan T., .196 (Kills minus errors div. by attacks minus errors)

Setting
Assists: Nicole H., 161
Total sets: Nicole H., 559
Assist %: Nicole H., .288 (Assists/sets)

Serving
Aces: Nicole H., 44
Total serves: Nicole H., 170
Serve %: Nicole H., .953

Serve receiving
Total receptions: Natalie B., 120
Receiving %: Megan T., .880

Defense
Digs: Nicole H., 74
Solo blocks: Kami M., 8
Touch blocks: Kami M., 7
Stuff blocks: Kami M., 1

Couriers top-ranked team entering tournament

2007-10-17T11:55:00.000-04:00

Clinton Christian faces Granger Christian in the first round of the Indiana Christian State Tournament Series Northern Regional Friday.

The match will be played at 7:00 pm at Trinity School in South Bend.

Leaders for the 26-5 Couriers, #1 in the state in the final ICSTS poll, include seniors Karmen H., Kayla M., Jill B., Krystal H. and Ashley H., junior Emily H., sophomore Jade H. and freshman Karmen Y.

Semifinals are scheduled for Saturday morning at 9:30 and 11:30 with the final at 5 pm Saturday. The Couriers are 8-0 against the tourney field which also includes Trinity, #5 Lakeland Christian and the Goshen Blue Blazers.

The regional champion advances to the final four in Indianapolis October 27.

Seniors smiling after two key victories

2007-10-15T11:44:00.000-04:00

2007 volleyball seniors (clockwise from front): Kristi H., Krystal H., Ashley H., Kayla M., Karmen H., Jill B. Jill had a career day with 17 kills Saturday.

MIDDLEBURY (Sat., Oct. 13, 2007) - Six seniors led the Couriers to an undefeated home mark with wins over Bethany Christian and Fort Wayne Canterbury.

In their first match, the Couriers edged Bethany Christian (14-13) in four games. It was the team's second straight win over the Bruins.

Following a ceremony for the seniors, the Couriers wrapped up a perfect day with their first win over Canterbury. The Couriers went 2-without junior Emily H., a starter.

After a 26-5 regular season, the Couriers prepare to face Granger Christian Friday at 7:00 in the first round of the Indiana Christian State Tournament Series (ICSTS). Regional matches will be at Trinity School in South Bend. The Couriers will be attempting to make a fourth straight trip to state.

Oh so close!

2007-10-12T16:00:00.000-04:00

ELKHART (Thurs., Oct. 11, 2007) - After building a 14-10 lead in the fifth game at Elkhart Christian, the Couriers (24-5) were unable to convert in a 25-21, 18-25, 22-25, 25-19, 14-16 defeat to the Eagles (21-8). The Couriers have not defeated the Eagles since 2005.

The JV won their first game against Elkhart Christian but lost the last two to finish the season 10-3. This record was the best in Courier history since at least 2002. Kim Yoder, a 2006 Clinton graduate, completes her first season as JV coach.

The varsity will enjoy Senior Day and a three-way match Saturday. The Couriers open with Bethany Christian at 10 a.m. followed by Bethany and Fort Wayne Canterbury and, finally, Canterbury and Clinton at noon. All three games will be played at Heritage Middle School. Six seniors will be honored for their years on the court.

Couriers sweep through week

2007-10-09T11:51:00.000-04:00

SOUTH BEND (Fri., Oct. 5, 2007) - Both the varsity and JV Courier volleyball teams completed a 3-0 week with victories in straight games over the Trinity Titans.

The varsity takes a 24-4 record to Elkhart Christian Thursday while 10-2 JV ends its season against the Eagles. The 24 wins by the varsity is the second-most ever in school history behind a 31-6 2005 squad. With 10 wins already, the JV has reached double digits in wins for the third time in four years.

(Left) Karmen Y. prepares to crush the ball past a Trinity opponent.

First game in new gym targeted for January

2007-10-04T17:07:00.000-04:00

According to building committee member Bob Yoder, Clinton Christian's new gym is set to open for basketball games in time for the second half of the season which probably means January sometime. In this photo taken yesterday, the gym looks nice on the outside but there were a number of workers there busily working on the inside. I did not go inside to check it out. Have patience, Courier fans, for we will soon welcome visiting fans to our own venue.

Couriers victors in four

2007-10-03T06:06:00.000-04:00

SOUTH BEND (Tuesday, October 2, 2007) - Emily Hershberger slammed home 15 kills and the Couriers dumped Community Baptist 25-10, 21-25, 25-23, 25-19 in girls volleyball action. The team is now 22-4 and plays at La Lumiere in LaPorte Thursday.

Natalie Bontrager's nine digs helped lead the JV to a 25-19, 25-19 win at Community Baptist. At 8-2, they have already secured another winning season and lead only two wins to reach double-digit victories for the third straight year.

Couriers split with Blazers, Flames in Ohio

2007-10-01T16:15:00.000-04:00

PLAIN CITY, OHIO (Saturday, September 29, 2007) - In their first trip to Shekinah Christian School near Columbus Ohio in three or four years, the Couriers won one match and lost another in a three-way match of Mennonite schools.

In a best-of-three format, the Couriers easily beat Faith Christian Academy of Wilmot, Ohio (near Sugarcreek) 25-12 in their first game. The Blazers won a close second game 25-23 and led 13-6 midway through the third game before the Couriers rallied to eke out a 26-24 clincher.

The Couriers fell behind 7-1 against Shekinah but went on to a 25-21 win in the first game. Playing from as much as ten points behind in each of the last two games, the Couriers were unable to catch up and dropped both games, and the match, by 25-17 counts.

Faith downed Shekinah in two games to begin the day. Each team enjoyed their high points and low points but a number of fans enjoyed renewing acquaintances and making new friends while enjoying three exciting volleyball matches.

Coach Yousey's Couriers (21-4) visit the Community Baptist Cougars in South Bend Tuesday after junior high and junior varsity contests.