Nov. 24, 2025, GRAYING, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College basketball earned a sweep on the road Monday at Kirtland Community College, with the Raider women winning behind dominant defense and the men completing one of the wildest comebacks in recent program history. Both teams were facing the Firebirds for the second time this month after defeating them on November 1 at the North Central Michigan Tournament.

WOMEN: GRCC 56, KIRTLAND CC 35

The GRCC women's basketball team improved to 5-2 with a 56-35 victory powered by a defensive performance that controlled the game from start to finish.

Despite season lows in rebounding and three-point percentage, the Raiders made up for it by taking exceptional care of the ball, turning it over a season-best 9 times while forcing Kirtland into 24 turnovers. All 12 Raiders who played scored, showcasing the roster's depth and balance.

Stat Leaders:

• Sophia Wozniak — Game-high 12 points, team-high 3 assists
• Tianna Daye — 8 points, game-high 3 steals
• Averi Peot — 6 points, 6 rebounds
• Alison Rockburn — 7 points, 2 steals
• Ta'Tyana Hardiman — 4 points, team-high 7 rebounds

The women will return to action at the Montcalm County Shootout on Nov. 29–30, opening against host Montcalm CC before facing Macomb CC.

MEN: GRCC 102, KIRTLAND CC 101

In a finish that will be remembered for years, the GRCC men's basketball team erased a 14-point second-half deficit and pulled out a stunning 102-101 win, improving to 6-1 on the season.

The first half featured seven lead changes, with Kirtland taking a narrow 54-53 lead into halftime. The Firebirds controlled much of the second half (leading by as many as 14), and after a wild, banked-in three at the end of the shot clock, Kirtland led 98-92 with just 50 seconds left.

Then the Raiders took over.

Zeek Jackson sparked the rally with a layup,

EJ Bowman's steal set up Jared Demoff for another bucket, making it 98-96,

After Kirtland split free throws, Jackson scored again to cut it to 99-98,

Kirtland hit two more free throws to go up 101-98.

With time running out, a missed Raider three seemed to end the comeback—but Jackson grabbed the offensive rebound and kicked it out to Demoff, who buried a deep three while being fouled with 3.4 seconds left. His free throw completed the rare four-point play, putting GRCC ahead 102-101. Kirtland's desperation jumper at the buzzer fell short. CLICK HERE FOR THE SHOT.

Stat Leaders:

• Jared Demoff — 20 points (8-12 FG), 5 rebounds, game-winning four-point play
• Zeek Jackson — 19 points (7-14 FG), 2 blocks
• Tyran Thomas — 18 points
• EJ Bowman — 17 points
• Nate Keil — 17 points

GRCC will also head to the Montcalm County Shootout next, opening against Macomb CC on Nov. 29 before facing Owens CC on Nov. 30.

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