Game Analysis: South Haven shows promise with win over Parchment at Kalamazoo College

KALAMAZOO - Southwest Michigan has a new team on the rise, as the South Haven Rams stormed into Kalamazoo College and earned their second convincing win of the season.

The Rams beat Parchment 57-45, maintaining control of the game after jumping out to a first-quarter lead.

Parchment featured the headline name in Ferris State commit Jalen Kampen, who shined throughout the game, but South Haven’s size and strength was too much for Parchment.

South Haven MVP: Isaac Chalupa (6-4, Jr.)

Chalupa was everywhere on Saturday, scrapping for rebounds, scoring around the block, hitting mid-range jumpers and rarely letting his opponent score. He scored 11 points and filled the state sheet after that. He’s a versatile forward who will give SMAC opponents fits this winter.

Parchment MVP: Jalen Kampen (6-3, Sr.)

Parchment had 23 points at halftime. Kampen had 21 of them. That pretty much summed up the game, as Kampen finished with 29 out of the team’s 45 points. He’s an incredible shooter and fluid athlete. He can run the point or play on the wing, and he has the look of a great D2 college guard.

Here’s an analytical breakdown of both teams:

South Haven

The Rams have tremendous team size. Chalupa is a do-everything forward, senior Mathias Bray (6-5) scored 11 points and was nearly unstoppable in the paint, and Max Versaput (6-6) provided quality minutes off the bench and even drained a 3-pointer. South Haven also has a set of 3-point shooters in Noah Weaver (6-1), who has 33 points already through two games and looks like a next-level talent, and Grayson Knox (6-3). Point guard Mason Parks (6-1) also scored 11 points. He has a smooth game and a nice mid-range shot. He will have to add some muscle, though, to reach his full potential.

Parchment

At face value, Parchment needs some other players to step up in support of Kampen, who might average close to 30 points this season, and do so efficiently. Point guard Don’Jae Gilmore showed promise in the second half, finishing with 11 points. He looked like the real deal, and could help take pressure off Kampen. Parchment has good size and athleticism, so it will be interesting to see if they can develop a couple more reliable scorers throughout the season.