GRCC hires Chris Pearl as new boys basketball head coach

It’s a donning of a new era for Grand Rapids Catholic Central boys basketball.

The Cougars announced Wednesday that former Otsego star Chris Pearl will be their next head coach.

Pearl replaces T.J. Meerman, who stepped down last month after raising GRCC’s program among the top in the state.

After an impressive high school basketball career for the Bulldogs, Pearl, who stands 6-5, played for Siena Heights, Grand Valley State and Davenport.

He averaged 15 points and six rebounds per game as a senior while leading Otsego to a 22-4 record. He propelled his squad to three district championships, a regional title and reached the state quarterfinals in 2015 before losing to Milan.

In college, Pearl averaged double-digit points for both Siena Heights and Grand Valley. He was known as a stat-stuffer, often hauling in multiple rebounds with the ability to also collect steals, assists and blocks.

The Cougars, led by Meerman, won a Division 2 state title in 2021, defeating Battle Creek Pennfield in the COVID-19 shortened season. They returned to the Breslin Center in 2022, but lost the state final in overtime to Williamston.

Although GRCC has lost three D1 recruits since 2022 (Jack Karasinski, Kaden Brown and reigning Mr. Basketball Durral “Phat-Phat” Brooks), Pearl still inherits an intriguing, yet inexperienced roster. Juniors Brieland Watkins (6-2), Jordan McCoy (6-0) and Zay Larthridge (6-5) have all impressed early in their prep careers and will now have the keys to the offense.

The 2024-25 boys basketball season begins November 11, when teams can start practices. Games can then start on Nov. 25. The state finals are slated for March 15 at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.