HOLLAND – Despite a delay of more than an hour, excitement was palpable throughout DeVos Fieldhouse during a recent basketball matchup. The evening took on special significance as the Hope College men’s basketball team welcomed British social media producers Josh & Jase, marking their first visit to an American college basketball game during their tour of West Michigan.
With over 758,000 followers on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, the duo has quickly garnered attention from Michigan residents since their arrival, sharing their enthusiasm for the state as they made it their inaugural destination in the U.S. Fans lined up in droves to capture a selfie with Josh & Jase, who were seated among the Dew Crew in the Hope student section.
The halftime festivities saw the pair engaging in a halfcourt challenge, nearly making the shot by a mere inch. However, the true highlight of the evening was the performance of the Hope College men’s basketball team, which secured an 86-76 victory over Adrian.
Parker Hovey led the way for the Flying Dutchmen, achieving an impressive near triple-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and tying the fieldhouse record for blocks with nine, a feat last accomplished by Nate VanArendonk in 2012. “We took back control and that is growth,” Hovey remarked on the team’s focus during the game.
Hope coach Greg Mitchell praised Hovey’s all-around contribution, stating, “The ability to fill stat columns by him is just unbelievable.” The game showcased a blend of defensive prowess and transitional offense, though the team experienced some frustration with turnovers.
Marcus Wourman played a crucial role in sealing the win, hitting a timely three-pointer to extend Hope’s lead, while also capitalizing on a Bulldog turnover. He finished with 17 points alongside team efforts from Justice Mims (14 points) and Avery Sanchez (9 points).
The community atmosphere was further enhanced by the presence of Josh & Jase, as Hovey noted the strong energy and excitement they brought to the game.
In addition to the men’s success, the Hope women’s basketball team also showed a strong performance, defeating Adrian 84-65 on the road. The No. 9-ranked Flying Dutch improved their record to 13-2 and 6-1 in the MIAA, showcasing dominant teamwork with all five starters scoring in double figures.
This engaging evening for Hope College basketball, highlighted by both local talent and international visitors, underscores the positive spirit of sports, community, and cultural exchange.