HOOPS: Midland vs. Saginaw High

**Mike Green gets ready to knock down a 3-pointer**
**Freshman Kevin Marshall makes a move to the basket**
**Jimmy Davis scored a game high 21 points**
**Malcolm Shaw shoots over 6-10 Branden Crane**

Saginaw- The final score seems like it was an easy victory for the defending champs but Midland High made the Trojans sweat a little more than expected in the first half of Saginaw's 77-56 win.

The Chemics came out knocking down shots from all over the court and quickly took an 8-2 lead in the opening minutes, which led to an 18-10 lead at the end of the first quarter. Even after trailing, the Champs didn't seem affected at all and stuck to their game plan which saw Coach Lou Dawkins play as many as 10 players in the second quarter. Consecutive baskets from Mike Green and Jimmy Davis cut the Midland lead to 32-30 at the half.

You could sense that Saginaw's depth started to wear down Midland in the second quarter and in the third quarter Saginaw really turned up the pressure with their full court press. Tommie McCune's long 2-pointer gave Saginaw a 35-32 lead and Green's NBA range 3-pointer gave Saginaw a 43-33 lead. The Trojans ended the third quarter with a 10-0 run to outscore Midland 28-8 in the third.

The 28 point third quarter performance buried the Chemics as Saginaw cruised through the final quarter for the 21 point win over their SVL foe.

BREAKDOWN: No, this isn't last year's Trojan team but Saginaw has simply reloaded with plenty of talent and this year's team might just be deeper than the previous two. Now with that being said, they do lack experience and are still learning Coach Dawkins' system but seniors Mike Green and Jimmy Davis are doing a great job of leading the way.

Midland was bombing 3's from all over in the first half, but Saginaw was never rattled, and you could just feel at halftime that Saginaw was going to blow up in the third quarter.

PLAYER OF GAME: Mike Green, High, 6-1 guard- the senior captain followed Tuesday's 35 point and triple double performance with another standout game of 20 points, 8 assist, 7 rebounds, and 5 steals. Green made big shots when he had to but did a phenomenal job of getting his teammates involved.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

Jimmy Davis, High, 6-1 guard- led Saginaw with 21 points. Has really improved his all-around game and it showed last night. Along with Green, Davis gives Saginaw two lights out shooters.

Tommie McCune, High, 6-7 wing fwd- McCune had a quiet night scoring, chipped in with 7 points and 8 rebounds, but was impressive on the defensive end by challenging every Midland shot they took in the paint. Also dominated the much taller Branden Crane.

Demetrius Simmons, High, 6-2 PG- Simmons is very athletic and his length forced a lot of steals in this game. In his first year at the point he does a good job of handling the offense.

Trey Babers, High, 6-4 wing- I'm just a big fan of Trey and I think he has a chance to be really good. The sophomore is bouncy and had 3 key steals in the third quarter.

Kevin Marshall, High, 6-7 PF- the freshman played hard and was banging around with the 6-10 Crane. He ran the floor well and blends right into the speed of the varsity level. He had a real big block in the third quarter that fired up the crowd.

Branden Crane, Midland, 6-10 C- Crane has improved but this just wasn't the type of game that he would stand out in. He just couldn't handle the speed of Saginaw and was really a nonfactor in this one.