News Summary
East Grand Rapids triumphed over Detroit Country Day High School, securing the Division 2 Boys Lacrosse State Championship with a score of 15-10. The match showcased the elite talent in Michigan high school lacrosse and highlighted standout performances, including senior Gavin Buck’s four goals and Owen Stropkai’s record five assists. This victory marks a significant achievement for East Grand Rapids and head coach Kyle Osipoff, while also signaling a transition for Detroit Country Day’s coach Chris Garland.
East Grand Rapids secured the Division 2 Boys Lacrosse State Championship by defeating Detroit Country Day High School 15-10 on June 6, 2025. The championship match took place at the University of Michigan, showcasing the top high school lacrosse talent in the state. This victory enhanced East Grand Rapids’ overall record to 20-3 for the season, marking a significant achievement for the Pioneers.
From the onset of the game, East Grand Rapids displayed dominance, taking an early 4-1 lead by the end of the first quarter. Their offense was led by senior attacker Gavin Buck, who scored a match-high four goals. Senior Bennett Winkel also made a notable contribution, netting three goals to help solidify the Pioneers’ lead. The team’s strong start continued into halftime, with East Grand Rapids leading 7-2 and limiting Country Day’s scoring opportunities.
In the second half, Detroit Country Day responded with a stronger offensive strategy but struggled to close the gap significantly. The Pioneers’ junior Kaden Goosens played a crucial role in maintaining possession, winning 26 of the 29 faceoffs throughout the game. The score remained largely in favor of East Grand Rapids as the match progressed, despite an admirable effort from Country Day’s players, including seniors Keke Yearego, Luke Fisher, and Rhys Kenney, who each scored two goals.
A standout performance came from senior Owen Stropkai, who achieved a state championship game record with five assists, further emphasizing his playmaking abilities throughout the match. East Grand Rapids maintained their lead effectively, ensuring victory by the final whistle at 15-10.
This championship win represents a significant milestone for East Grand Rapids, as it is also the first title for head coach Kyle Osipoff during his tenure. He expressed a profound sense of pride in leading his team to the championship, highlighting the honor it is to achieve such heights with them.
Conversely, this match marked the end of an era for Detroit Country Day, as coach Chris Garland announced he would step down from his position after six seasons. Country Day ended their season with a record of 20-4, a commendable statistic, but they faced disappointment in their fourth consecutive championship game appearance.
The championship game garnered significant attention, attracting numerous spectators both in-person and online. Tickets were priced at $11 for access to both finals games and were exclusively available for online purchase. The event was live-streamed through NFHS Network and MHSAA.tv, providing viewers across the state with the opportunity to witness the action from home.
With East Grand Rapids capturing the title, the landscape of high school lacrosse in Michigan continues to evolve, highlighting the emerging talent and competitive spirit in the sport. The players, coaches, and fans will surely carry the memories of this championship match as a testament to their dedication and skill.
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Additional Resources
- MHSAA: EGR Denies Country Day Repeat Attempt
- USA Today HSS: Detroit Country Day vs East Grand Rapids
- MLive: East Grand Rapids Claims Division 2 Lacrosse Title
- MLive: Full Circle Moment for East Grand Rapids Lacrosse Coach
- MHSAA: Preview of Boys Lacrosse Finals
- Wikipedia: Lacrosse
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lacrosse
