MUSKEGON CRUISES PAST EAGLETS, TITLE BOUND ON SATURDAY
By Josh Longstreth
The Big Reds had a chance to secure a spot in the Division 1 State Championship with a win over Orchard Lake St. Mary’s on Friday. A team that has been cruising through the State Playoffs, Muskegon has not skipped a beat after an amazing regular season. But we thing that we know is true in March is in the fact that on any given day, any team can be taken down. They would be facing a dangerous Eaglets team who has grinded out some wins against big names this post-season.
But Muskegon knew this, stuck to their style of basketball, and built an early first quarter lead that they would not look back on. One thing that you have to do this time of year is jump on a team that is riding high on momentum early and often. And the Big Reds did just that. So much so that they stapled themselves a spot in Saturday’s Championship with a 65-42 win over St. Mary’s. To no surprise, this is a team that has done it time and time again this season, and their goals are now here with a chance to cap off a tremendous season.
St. Mary’s got on the board first in this one but that would be the only lead for the Eaglets the rest of the game. Muskegon has been battle tested all year and today, they had a chance to show it on the Breslin stage setting up the biggest of them all tomorrow.
The Muskegon defense couldn’t have been better in this one as they held the Eaglets to just 26% shooting on the day while shooting 42% themselves. Muskegon was the aggressor as well which played a huge part by winning the rebounding battle, 36-25.
Wayne State commit Jordan Briggs led the Big Reds with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals on the day. David Day III had a big day of his own with 16 points (5-6 from the field), 5 rebounds and 2 steals. Anthony Sydnor III added 11 points.
Sophomore Trey McKenney led St. Mary’s with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Fello Sophomore Sharod Barnes finished with 13 points. Mason Wisniwewski added 6 points and 8 rebounds.
Muskegon, who improves to 26-2 on the season, will now face Detroit Cass Tech in Saturdays Division 1 Final at 12:15. The Technicians are coming off one of their biggest wins in program history by defeating Grand Blanc in an overtime win on Friday.
