Holland Reporter

With a five-year age difference, Rylie and MacKenzie Bisballe never had the chance to play organized basketball together during their childhood. When Rylie was a high school senior, MacKenzie was just starting eighth grade. However, due to an extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA, the sisters now have the opportunity to play together on Grand Valley State University's (GVSU) women's basketball team.

"It's really fun for me," Rylie expressed about sharing the court with her sister. "I've enjoyed just trying to help her learn what coaches teach us here and just trying to help her here for her first year."

MacKenzie shares her sister's enthusiasm. "It's awesome because, as a young kid watching her, I traveled to her AAU tournaments and watched her play. So, actually getting to play with her is pretty cool," she said.

Before joining GVSU's team, the sisters played basketball at home in Lake City with their cousins and brother. These games were competitive but balanced due to the involvement of other family members.

The Bisballe sisters contributed significantly during GVSU's 72-43 victory against Parkside on 616 night. This season, GVSU holds a 22-1 record and ranks as the top team in NCAA Division II. Both sisters have participated in all 23 games this season.

"They're both really good defenders," stated head coach Mike Williams. "Rylie is one of the best defenders and Kenzie is right there already. They have the size and work hard and have great instincts defensively."

In her fifth season, Rylie leads GVSU in scoring, assists, and rebounding with averages of 13 points, 2.3 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game. MacKenzie comes off the bench but ranks third in minutes played per game on the team. She averages nine points, 4.4 rebounds, one steal per game, and leads with 1.4 blocks per game.

Coach Williams highlighted Rylie's leadership skills on the court: "She's a great communicator, directing people," he noted. "It's been a great asset for her to use her voice because she does know what's going on."

Williams observed that while Rylie was initially reserved when she joined GVSU's team, she has grown into a strong communicator over time—a trait he sees developing early in MacKenzie as well.

MacKenzie values learning from Rylie: "She definitely helps me with reminders of things I need to do and just keeps me motivated," she mentioned.

Rylie also tries to guide MacKenzie through teaching moments based on past experiences: "I try to tell her 'You've got it. This is what you've got to do.' But I definitely made those mistakes too," Rylie admitted.

Off-court activities strengthen their bond; they often cook meals together or hang out several times weekly—something Coach Williams has noticed: "It's amazing how close they are," he remarked.

The GVSU Women's Basketball team will face Lake Superior State University on Thursday followed by Ferris State University on Saturday during their upcoming two-game homestand.