Cam Ryans hits buzzer-beater to lift Grand Rapids Northview

WMU commit's game-winning 3 secures regional final win over No. 2 East Kentwood

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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In the biggest high school boys basketball regional final in Michigan, Grand Rapids Northview's Cam Ryans, a Western Michigan commit and Hal Schram Mr. Basketball Award finalist, hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to lift his team to a 52-50 victory over No. 2 East Kentwood. Ryans exploded for 28 second-half points, including 19 in the fourth quarter, to lead Northview's comeback from an early double-digit deficit.

Why it matters

Ryans' clutch shot secured a spot for Northview in the quarterfinals, with a chance to advance to the state semifinals in East Lansing on the line. As a top high school player in Michigan, Ryans' heroics have captured statewide attention and showcase his ability to deliver in the biggest moments.

The details

With 4.4 seconds left and Northview trailing by 1, Brayden Williams inbounded the ball to Ryans at the top of the 3-point arc. Ryans took two strong dribbles right, stopped, and fired an off-balance 3-pointer as time expired, sinking the game-winning shot to secure the 52-50 victory.

  • The regional final game was played on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
  • Northview trailed East Kentwood 24-15 at halftime before Ryans' second-half explosion.
  • Ryans hit the buzzer-beating 3-pointer with 4.4 seconds remaining in the game.

The players

Cam Ryans

A Western Michigan commit and Hal Schram Mr. Basketball Award finalist, Ryans is the superstar player for Grand Rapids Northview High School.

Brayden Williams

The Northview player who inbounded the ball to Ryans for the game-winning shot.

RJ Chapman

A player for East Kentwood, the No. 2 team in Michigan, who was defending Ryans on the final shot.

Brandeon Guyton

The first-year head coach of the Grand Rapids Northview basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“He is a lion. He's just tough. Cam is resilient.”

— Brandeon Guyton, Northview head coach (Detroit Free Press)

“Once he got it going, I already knew he saw the ocean. He got his layups going and his free throws. He worked his way all the way out of it. And it may have been his only 3, but it was the biggest 3 in the game.”

— Brandeon Guyton, Northview head coach (Detroit Free Press)

“He typically makes those shots. He knew exactly what he was doing. He prepared himself for that moment.”

— Brandeon Guyton, Northview head coach (Detroit Free Press)

What’s next

Northview will face Rockford in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, with a spot in the state semifinals in East Lansing on the line.

The takeaway

Cam Ryans' heroics in the regional final showcase his ability to deliver in the biggest moments and cement his status as one of the top high school basketball players in Michigan. His game-winning shot has captured statewide attention and sets up an exciting quarterfinal matchup as Northview continues its quest for a state championship.