CDN Game of the Week: Lynden Christian vs. Squalicum
When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18
Lynden Christian record: 12-1
Squalicum record: 6-6
Final prediction: Lynden Christian 75-55
Lynden Christian enters the game with the best offense in the Northwest Conference. The Lyncs’ Gannon Dykstra is the leading scorer, averaging more than 25 points and six assists per game. In addition, Lynden Christian has two of the top-five 3-point shooters in Whatcom County. Lynden Christian’s defense has slowly improved throughout the season, currently allowing 52.5 points per game.
Squalicum has one of the most athletic rosters and has been finding its rhythm under first-year coach David Dunham. The Storm have won five of their last six games by a total of 52 points. Squalicum allows the second-least points in the conference (50.2) and has averaged more than six steals per game this season.
Lynden Christian player to watch: Sophomore forward Kaden Veldman
Veldman is an efficient 6-foot-4 forward for the Lyncs this year. As of Jan. 12, Veldman is ranked second in field goal percentage in Whatcom County (68.8%) and second in rebounds per game (9.7). Veldman’s success on both sides of the court has allowed Lynden Christian to win games by a margin of nearly 26 points.
Squalicum player to watch: Senior guard Marcus Nixon
Nixon is an athletic, defensive-minded 6-foot guard for the Storm. He is ranked second in steals per game in Whatcom County (3.7) and played a role in Squalicum’s stout defense. In Squalicum’s victory against Cedarcrest, Nixon finished with six points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals.
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.