Adam Stuursma, latest in family tradition, lights up as Chicago Christian’s star. ‘There’s nothing better.’ – Chicago Tribune

Adam Stuursma is writing the ultimate chapter of a household legacy at Chicago Christian.

Stuursma has had a number of relations star in numerous sports activities for the Knights. His cousin, Andy, is on the college’s Wall of Honor and his older brothers, Matt and Ryan, have been each multisport standouts on the faculty.

Adam, who’s the youngest, is following in household footsteps by taking part in basketball, soccer and baseball.

“All of us wish to play sports activities, and it’s simply enjoyable to have the ability to compete,” Stuursma mentioned. “Enjoying at Chicago Christian has been a dream come true, actually, as a result of I’ve been watching their video games since sixth grade, watching my brothers.”

The senior guard/ahead had a dream night time Wednesday.

He scored a career-high 30 factors and pulled down 10 rebounds because the host Knights rallied from a 16-point halftime deficit for a 63-55 win over crosstown rival Shepard in Palos Heights.

“It did really feel excellent, particularly as a result of we performed in (the Elgin Vacation Match) and went 2-2 and Shepard went 4-0 to win it,” Stuursma mentioned. “We felt like we may have completed higher in that event, so it felt good to sort of get some revenge.”

Matt Stevens scored 10 factors, Joel Crowell contributed 9 and Liam Crotty chipped in with seven for Chicago Christian (6-17), which gained for the primary time in 2023 and snapped an eight-game dropping streak.

Robinson Hale completed with 10 factors and 9 rebounds for Shepard (10-12), whereas Tyrion McGhee and Manny Oroczo every scored eight factors.

With the Knights down 34-18 at halftime, Stevens gave Stuursma some phrases of encouragement. Then he watched his teammate erupt for 20 factors within the second half.

“I bear in mind particularly saying to Adam proper once we have been standing outdoors of the locker room, ‘The sport’s not over. We’ve simply bought to play more durable,’” Stevens mentioned. “Then he went loopy.

“I noticed him believe on one-on-ones. He was making contested pictures. He was doing every little thing. I simply needed to get him the ball and watch him play.”

Stuursma’s two 3-pointers within the third quarter helped Chicago Christian get shut, the latter slicing the deficit to 49-41 within the remaining minute.

He then scored his crew’s first seven factors of the fourth to assist tie the sport at 50-50.

“I felt extra assured,” Stuursma mentioned. “I felt like I may beat them on one-on-ones. Each single time I had it, I used to be capable of go up with it and rating or kick it out to get different folks open pictures.”

Stuursma, who performs tight finish, linebacker and kicker in soccer and is a shortstop in baseball, loves placing on a Knights jersey year-round.

“We now have a lot freedom,” Stuursma mentioned. “Not plenty of faculties help you do this sort of factor. Having the ability to play three sports activities you’re keen on, there’s nothing higher.”

After trailing 52-50, the Knights went on a 13-1 surge to take over, leaving the Astros to marvel how the massive lead slipped away.

“We couldn’t make a basket,” Shepard coach Tony Chiuccariello mentioned. “I believe we have been 2-for-9 within the fourth quarter from the free-throw line. We bought gun shy and we turned the ball over.

“Stuursma performed nice. Chicago Christian made pictures and we didn’t.”

Chicago Christian coach Kevin Pittman was not shocked to see Stuursma step up.

“That’s the Adam that we noticed the entire Christmas event,” Pittman mentioned. “I play, sometimes, 5 to seven guys an evening, and I believe we wore Adam down somewhat bit. We’ve been attempting to get him some relaxation. He hit somewhat little bit of a wall, however now he’s coming again.

“Not that I anticipated him to attain 30, however I’m not shocked he did. We all know he’s succesful.”

Steve Millar is a contract reporter for the Day by day Southtown.