HOOPS: B.V. vs. Reed City

**Dedo Jackson splits a double team**
**Will Surles gets off a one handed floater**
**Reed City's Dylan Ridderman knocks a ball loose**

**Dedo sets up the offense**

Saginaw- "Always show your opponent respect"... I think that was the lesson Buena Vista learned yesterday as the Knights hosted Reed City. Buena Vista started the game nonchalant and even though Devante "Dedo" Jackson's 3-pointer gave the Knights a 12-5 lead and four more consecutive points from Jackson made the score 20-11 early in the second quarter BUT Reed City wasn't gonna go away.

The visiting Coyotes continued to scrap and fight for every loose ball, a tip back from Zack Grams cut the Knight lead to 26-23 with less than two minutes until halftime. Sophomore guard George Goodman then gave BV a much needed spark as he scored 10 straight points to end the half and send BV to the locker room with a 36-26 halftime lead.

Reed City started the third quarter with a 6-0 run and a 3-pointer from Grams gave the Coyotes their first lead of the game at 43-41 with 11 seconds left in the third quarter.

The game stayed knotted up for the entire fourth quarter and a "and 1" play from Reed City's Caleb Goodman again tied the game at 53-53 with 1:16 left in the fourth. A steal and open court lay in from Jackson gave BV a two point lead with 30 seconds to play but Grams was then fouled by Jackson and made both free throws to send the game into overtime, the foul was Jackson's fifth.

BV was forced to play overtime without both their best players- Jackson and Anthony Mills, both fouled out, but Goodman and Dequavion Hogg both stepped up and scored 6 points in OT to secure a 70-66 win.

BREAKDOWN: BV came in overconfident and almost let this game slip away. Give Reed City all the credit for never giving up and forcing overtime. BV improves to 3-1 but if they want to keep the winning up they'll need more consistency out of players besides Jackson. Jackson could have finished with 20 assist if his teammates learn to finish plays.

PLAYER OF GAME: Dedo Jackson, BV- Jackson made a heads up play late in the game by sliding over and fouling Grams, forcing him to make both shots in a 1-and-1 situation rather than just giving up an easy basket. Jackson made smart plays like that the entire game as he is turning into a true floor general. Jackson registered 15 points, 6 assist, and 4 steals.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

George Goodman, BV- at times he's too offensive minded and as a sophomore he still needs to learn how to play the game the "correct" way. He can score though as he had a game high 21 points.

Derrick Washington, BV- seems to have found a home after spending his freshman year at Nouvel and Arthur Hill. The sophomore is tough and is focused in on playing hard on both ends and added 12 points including a big lay up in overtime.

Zack Grams, RC- a solid high school player at 6-3 with good fundamentals, did everything for his Coyotes. Played big in the paint and even stepped out and guarded the smaller BV guards.

HOOPS: Arthur Hill vs. DeLaSalle

**Pookie lays in two off the glass**
**Northwestern commit Alex Marcotullio**
**sophomore Jalen Bland**

**Omari Humes boxes out Kevin McCarthy**

Warren- 19 to 2, that was the lead the DeLaSalle had after one quarter of play was in the books. The first quarter saw DeLaSalle run their half court offense and get open look, primarily Alex Marcotullio who was able to score eight points in the opening quarter.

Then it was Maurice "Pookie" Jones who handled the final three quarters as well as he handles the basketball. Pookie and his Lumberjack teammates picked up the pressure and forced 12 turnovers in the second quarter that allowed Arthur Hill to outscore the Pilots 26-12 and five straight points from Pookie to end the quarter cut the Lumberjack deficit to 31-28 at the half.

A Pookie steal, with 4:40 to play in the third, led to a Dell Simon basket which gave Arthur Hill their first lead of the game at 39-38. Kevin McCarthy responded with four straight points for DeLaSalle but the Lumberjacks went on a 7-2 run to end the third quarter and take a 50-44 lead into the fourth.

A 3-pointer from Marcotullio followed by a baseline jumper from Ben Hayes tied the game at 59-59 with 1:35 to play but Pookie's lay up gave the Jacks a 61-59 lead and a steal and dunk from Chris Webb gave the Jacks breathing room as Arthur Hill finished off DeLaSalle from the free throw line for a 69-62 win.

BREAKDOWN: It's tough to have a 19-2 lead after one quarter and loose the game but you knew the Jacks were going to pick up the pressure and Arthur Hill got good shots but just couldn't buy a bucket in the opening quarter. The game was a battle for the final three quarters however it was Arthur Hill who dictated the pace of the game which eventually wore down the Pilots.

PLAYER OF GAME: Maurice Jones, Hill- Pookie just flat out dominated this game. He pushed the ball and the pilots just couldn't run with him. Pookie is becoming a consistent 3-point shooter as he knocked down 4 of 5 on his way to 23 points and 10 assist.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

Jalen Bland, Hill- scored all 11 of his points in the second quarter and that was critical in helping the Jacks get back into the game.

Omari Humes, Hill- Humes played his first game in two weeks and still isn't quite 100% but he was healthy enough to throw his body around in the paint. He needs to regain his feel shooting the ball but he was still a defensive force and pulled down 6 boards.

Mike Schaaf, Hill- out played McCarthy for most of the game by just getting better position and playing more physical.

Alex Marcotullio, DLS- finished with 15 points on mostly open looks but failed to capitalize when he had a hand in his face. Also looked foolish at times defensively when he was caught guarding the much quicker Pookie and tried swiping at the ball.

Kevin McCarthy, DLS- got some shots to fall near the basket but didn't stand out like a future D-1 player should.

Sterling Johnson, DLS- made some nice passes in the first quarter and looked confident running the offense but once the Hill picked up their pressure Johnson was no where to be found.

HOOPS: Beecher vs. Flint Northwestern

**Chris Campbell was a monster against Beecher**
**Janero Walker pulls up for two of his 17 points**
**Travon Mitchell skies for a third quarter dunk**

**Taron Boose gets fouled while shooting**

FLINT- Flint Northwestern and Beecher met up for the feature game in the second day of the Flint Coca-Cola Holiday Classic Tuesday at Flint Central. Despite playing without leading scorer DeAndre Upchurch, Northwestern used a 17-0 run to start the second half to pull away for a 66-48 win.

Northwestern's Chris Campbell controlled the paint and kept the momentum in the Wildcats hands for a majority of the first half. However Beecher's Janero Walker kept his Bucs close as Beecher only trailed 32-29 at the half.

Even though the Bucs were fighting to just stay close in the first half, I was not expecting Northwestern to start the second half they way they did, while Campbell was dropping bunnies in the paint, guards Chatavius Turner and Travon Mitchell were getting baskets in transition. Walkers basket with 2:30 to go in the third stopped the run but the damage had already been done as Northwestern held a 49-31 lead.

But Beecher never threw the towel in and a 3-pointer from Walker cut the lead to 9 points midway through the fourth quarter but that would be as close as Beecher would get.

BREAKDOWN: Northwestern showed up big despite not having Upchurch, Eric Lundy (broken nose) or Walter Trouser for most of the game as Trouser was fighting a back injury. The Wildcats were also without head coach Dave Bush who was out of town due to a family matter but assistant coach Lamont Tolbert stepped up in his place and did a fine job.

Beecher is young and will still be a team to reckon with come March despite a 2-4 record to start the season. What you got to remember is Beecher is a class C team and they play a majority of class A teams all season. Coach Mike Williams has only 1 senior on the team and a handful of talented freshman and sophomore who are still in their learning stage.

PLAYER OF GAME: Chris Campbell, N.W.- finished with 18 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 blocks as Beecher had no answer for the physical power forward. Campbell was a beast on the glass and I actually thought he finished with more than 15 boards.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

Chatavius Turner, NW- is usually the third guard option for the Wildcats but he stepped up big for his team as he racked up 16 points and was even better running the point and not turning the ball over.

Jalen Magee, NW- the sophomore was moved up from the JV team and has always had a reputation as a pure scorer and he showed it in a five minute stretch in the 2nd quarter when he scored 9 points- two 3-pointers and a "and 1" play.

Janero Walker, Bucs- the Buc captain is a true floor general but he is also carrying the scoring load for his team, which is something new for the pass first point guard. Walker finished with 17 points and 6 assist.

Taron Boose, Bucs- Boose did some nice things despite struggling to get shots to fall on this night. He does know how to get to the free throw line and that helped him get to 12 points to go with 8 rebounds.

Javonte Hawkins, Bucs- the 6-4 freshman guard can play. He has a nice stroke from deep and isn't afraid to let it fly. If he continues to work and develop he will be a good one from the class of 2012.

GIRLS HOOPS: Arthur Hill vs. Flint Northern

**Corie Buchanan looks to drop an assist** ** Kiah Douglas finds an easy bucket**
**Chaniese Turner chases down a lose ball**

**Juanita Cochran pulls up for two**

Flint- the S.V.L. title picture became a little clearer last night as Arthur Hill was able to rally back and take a 55-44 decision over Flint Northern in a league game at the Coca-Cola Holiday Classic hosted by Flint Central. Both Northern and the Hill entered the season as my favorites to win the conference crown along with Midland Dow.

Arthur Hill used two fastbreak lay-ups from Kiah Douglas to spark a 6-0 run and take a early 11-4 lead. Northern got consecutive baskets from Chaniese Turner and Latosha Beasley to cut the lead to 11-10 heading into the second quarter. In the second quarter Turner found her groove and swung the momentum back into Northern's favor. Turners' 3-pointer gave the Lady Vikings a 22-21 halftime lead.

The third quarter belonged to Turner and her Viking teammates as Northern took a 37-27 lead with 2:38 to go in the third quarter. But slowly Arthur Hill fought their way back into the contest.

But while Turner owned the third quarter it was Arthur Hill's Corie Buchanan who took over the fourth quarter. The junior's steal and lay in tied the game at 42-42 and senior center, Juanita Cochran, connected on a pair of free throws to give the Lumberjacks a 44-42 lead, their first of the second half. Buchanan continued to do her thing as she made 3 baskets on a Arthur Hill 10-0 run take a 54-42 lead to put Northern away.

BREAKDOWN: this game came down to coach's adjustments in the second half. Coming out of halftime Northern switched to a 1-3-1 zone and Saginaw just couldn't get any high percentage shots off, allowing Northern to take a 10 point lead. In the fourth quarter the Hill switched to an aggressive 2-3 trap and Northern just couldn't handle the pressure, careless turnovers allowed Buchanan and Douglas to get out in transition to go on the big run in the end.

PLAYER OF GAME: Juanita Cochran, Hill- dominated Northern inside, Northern was forced to keep two bodies on the 6-2 center and that opened up scoring chances for the rest of the Lumberjacks. Cochran knew this and chose to pass the ball instead of forcing shots. Cochran seems to have a better understanding of the game and her position which led to 13 points, 16 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 3 assist.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

Corie Buchanan, Hill- took home the tourney MVP plaque and continues to make her case as one of the state's top juniors. She dominated the fourth quarter after being a ball distributor for the first three quarters, she showed great court vision and was right on target with some nifty no-look passes. Finished with 14 points, 4 steals, and 5 assist.

Kiah Douglas, Hill- led the Jacks with 16 points and 9 steals. Continues to out hustle any opponent she matches up against.

Chaniese Turner, Northern- Turner played a strong game even though she just couldn't get shots to fall. She still led her team with 13 points and was the only Northern player to not register a turnover.

Latosha Beasley, Northern- had her hands full against Cochran but she was smart enough to try and take Cochran off the dribble which led to Cochran getting into foul trouble. Beasley registered a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Kierra Bell, Northern- I'm not sure what's going on with Bell right now because she just hasn't played like herself, she hasn't been as aggressive and she seems to just be going through the motions right now. Northern needs Bell to be successful.

GIRLS HOOPS: Benton Harbor vs. Det. Community

**Community's Crystal Bradford**
**Benton Harbor's Destiny Williams**

Harper Woods- It was one of the most pubbed girls games to take place in a long time in Michigan. Benton Harbor features Miss Basketball favorite- Destiny Williams, who is a top 10 player in the country and ESPN even has her ranked #1. On the other side was Detroit Community who is arguably the best "team" in Michigan, along with Country Day.

But even with all the hype, the game got out of control as Community rolled to a 62-44 win. Williams was doing her thing early and kept Benton Harbor close as Community led 14-12 after one quarter.

In the second quarter Community went on a tear and built a 15 point lead. Williams then picked up her fourth foul with 4:30 to go in the quarter but was left in because it was the only way her Tigers could keep pace with the speedy Community team.

In the third quarter Benton Harbor cut the lead to 10 points at 32-22 but then Williams picked up her fifth foul on what looked to be a clean block. From there it was all Community, as the Hurricanes lead 46-28 after three quarters.

BREAKDOWN: Well, Williams is the real deal but from a team aspect they are far from being the #1 team in class A, that's where the AP has them. I understand her team needed her but it was crazy to see her playing with 4 fouls in the second quarter.

As far as Community goes- I just can't wait to see them play Country Day. It is going to be a battle. Nya Jordan and Crystal Bradford are ballers!

PLAYER OF GAME: Nya Jordan, Community: the Michigan commit is undersized for being a forward but she gets the job done. She was able to get Williams in foul trouble and led her team with 19 points and 7 rebounds.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

Crystal Bradford, Community- Jordan got the MVP because she was more consistent for all four quarters but Bradford dominated the third quarter and is a special, special player. The sophomore is also ranked top 10 in the country for her class.

Destiny Williams, BH- foul trouble limited her way below her averages, finished with 10 points and 7 boards. But she is the best senior in Michigan and should still win Miss. Basketball.

HOOPS: Saginaw vs. Det. Southeastern

**Willie Gholston slams home 2 points**
**Greg Hayes pulls up for infront of Carlos Carter****

**Both teams fought hard for every loose ball**

Harper Woods- The Saginaw High/ Detroit Southeastern match-up was the late game Saturday night at Harper Woods and I'm stressing the word "late", especially since both teams took the floor with white Jerseys, forcing an even later tip off since Southeastern had to go back home and get their dark jerseys.

But the fans who stuck around were given a show from two very talented teams! In the end the Jungaleers with stood a handful of Trojan rallies to escape with a 65-61 win.

Southeastern took an early 10-0 lead before Mike Green hit two long shots to cut the lead to 10-5. But then sophomore phenom Brandan Kearney hit a pair of 3-pointers from each corner to build the lead back to double digits at 15-5. In the second quarter, five straight points from Green tied the game at 25-25. Southeastern again responded with a 9-0 run to go up 37-26 at halftime, the run featured a two handed slam from Willie Gholston.

In the second half the Trojans picked up the full court pressure, and forced turnovers kept the score close. Another reason Saginaw was able to stay close was the play of Greg Hayes in the second half. The junior speedster torched Southeastern and connected on two "and 1" plays as well as a short jumper to make the score 51-50 early in the fourth quarter.

However midway through the fourth quarter Hayes was knocked out of the game needing 9 stitches and Saginaw's super sophomore Tommie McCune fouled out. Saginaw refused to give up and a basket from DeAnthony Arnette made the score 61-59 with 1:37 to play. Southeastern wasn't going to let this game slip away and a Kearney free throw along with a huge offensive rebound and tip back from Percy Gibson secured the win for the Jungaleers.

BREAKDOWN: this gave was fast pace and very intense, there were bodies diving all over the place. The coaches were playing chess as they both tried to get an advantage, Saginaw tried to play small ball with their full court press while S.E. wanted to use their bigs as an advantage in the half court game. Saginaw's press causes big problems but late in the game S.E. put the ball in Kearney's hands and he took care of it.

PLAYER OF GAME: Brandan Kearney, S.E.- teammate Kimani Boyton took home the MVP award for leading the team in points but if you know basketball it was Kearney's ability to take care of the ball that sealed the win. Saginaw brought the pressure and Kearney was cooler than the other side of the pillow while handling the press.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

Kimani Boyton, S.E.- is starting to turn into a scoring machine, had a team high 22 points to go with 10 boards.

Willie Gholston, S.E.- one of the nation's top football prospects gave Saginaw problems inside with his physical play. He added 10 points and 6 rebounds but stats don't show how big of a role he played in the win.

Mike Green, Saginaw- Green continues to perform on a high level and has now thrown his name in the top echelon for the Mr. Basketball award. He had team highs of 22 points and 7 rebounds.

Greg Hayes, Saginaw- Hayes was spectacular in the second half... he was flat out ballin! Added 14 points, 5 boards, and 4 steals with most of coming in the third quarter. Early in the fourth he took a hit in the face while driving to the basket, and was knocked out of the game.

HOOPS: Hartland vs. Flint Powers

**Sugar Shane goes up for 2 of his 27 points**
**Vonn Jones led Hartland with 27 points and 10 assist**
**Powers' Demarco Sanders**

**Matt Poches added 20 points and 8 boards**

Harper Woods- this was a very intriguing game due to the match-ups at every position, as big time recruits filled the court on both teams. Hartland is a veteran team looking for some state wide love while Powers brought back almost everyone from a team that advanced to the state championship last year.

Powers used that state final experience to jump out to a 12-2 lead and a 32-16 lead at the end of the first quarter. Powers was off and running and resembled the Harlem Globetrotters as they took turns tossing no look passes to each other. Midway through the second quarter Vonn Jones had seen enough and went on a 3-point bomb fest to cut the lead to single digits. Two baskets from Powers' Shane Moreland built the lead back to 46-29 at halftime.

Baskets from Vonn and Matt Poches kept Hartland close as they again trimmed Powers' lead to 10 points. However Hartland had no answer for Rodney Anderson, who's "and 1" slam put Hartland way and Powers cruised the rest of the way for a 94-71 win.

BREAKDOWN: boy, oh boy, was Powers impressive. They spread the floor with shooters all over the place and they don't waste any time pushing the ball. That was the difference in the game because Hartland's transition defense was horrible and Powers must have had atleast 30 points in fastbreak lay-ups. Powers is so balance in scoring that all five starters reached double figures. Powers will only get tougher in January when transfer Pierre Brackett becomes eligible- giving Powers one of the best defenders in the country.

PLAYER OF GAME: Shane Moreland, Powers- Sugar Shane seems more focused into getting his teammates involved this year. He can still score whenever he wants, as he put up 27 points in this game. But I love his ability to pass the ball and his eagerness to feed his teammates.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

Patrick Lucas-Perry, Powers- PLP played like a seasoned veteran. He controlled the tempo and quickly pushed the ball up the floor. He knocked down a handful of mid range jump shots, which is starting to become his signature mark just like the Piston's Richard Hamilton. Finished with 18 points.

Rodney Anderson, Powers- Hartland was never able to get a body on the 6-8 leaper. Andersons' skills are so raw but the light is starting to turn on for him. He finished with three sick dunks on his way to 12 points and 9 rebounds.

Demarco Sanders, Powers- I was really impressed with Sanders, teamed up with PLP and Sugar Shane, Powers now has three guards that can fill it up. Sanders added 12 points and 8 boards and is much improved from a year ago.

Vonn Jones, Hartland- Powers tried to double team Jones but he was still able to get his. Jones rained six 3-pointers on his way to a 27 point and 10 assist game.

Matt Poches, Hartland- had his motor running which led to 20 points, 8 boards, and 4 steals.