Friday Basketball Preview

Boys
Grant (5-6, 5-4) at Newaygo (3-5, 3-6)
The Tigers have lost a couple of nail biters in a row to TC and Fremont. Schuitema can fill it up with the best of them and when he’s given the defensive attention he deserves Grant has several go-to players that can be counted on like Evans, Butchart, Burrows, et al. The Lions are a game group and some of their younger players like Decker and Long are contributing more as the season progresses.

Tri County (5-4, 4-4) at Fremont  (9-2, 8-1)
The Vikes are the cardiac kids winning 4 out of the last 5-three by 5 points or less including a win over Grant via a buzzer beater by Blake Nelson. The Packers have gotten stronger as the season goes on and their quickness has been a challenge for teams. The Pack won by double figures at TC and they’re home and on a win streak of their own (8) and fighting for a title.

Lakeview (0-5, 0-8)  at White Cloud (3-6, 2-4)
The closest the Wildcats have come to winning a game was a 4 point loss to the Cloud so they will be coming into this one hoping to get off the schneid. Coach Jones' team has been a bit inconsistent but they should be able to score enough points to make it a season sweep but they better take charge early in this one.

Kent City (5-4, 4-2) at Holton (9-2, 6-0)
A win here would be huge for the Red Devils who are fending off Morley for the conference crown and setting up a possible title game in the season closer. Poling has been consistently an impact player with Fowler, Fialek and others providing a tough mix on the court. The Eagles have yet to beat a team with a winning record.

Morley Stanwood (6-4, 5-1) at Hesperia (0-5, 0-9)
The ‘Hawks need this one to keep pace with Holton. The Panthers will put up a fight but this is a steep uphill climb against Morley

Girls
Grant (3-8, 3-6) at Newaygo (9-1, 8-0)
Newaygo is hitting on all cylinders right now and can taste the conference crown that has eluded them. Monday they go to Big Rapids and Tuesday is a trip to CM the two teams chasing the Lions. The Tigers haven't come close to any teams with a winning record and barring a collapse by the home team that won’t change after tonight. This Newaygo squad is the most entertaining team in the area to watch with the Longs, Goodin and a cast of steady contributors but Junior Kayla Fisk alone is worth the price of admission. She goes full steam every second she’s on the court, and no opponent wants to see her defending them.

Tri County (4-4, 4-4) at Fremont (3-7, 3-6)
The Vikes nipped the Packers on their home court a couple of weeks ago before dropping 3 straight then righting the ship with a win over Grant. Fremont is at home and had put together a 3 game win streak before being dismantled at Newaygo on Wednesday. Miller was held to 3 points in that game and Zerlaut managed only 5. They both need to score more, of course, and while  Bennet (Kaitlyn) is going to find the going rough in the paint her rebounding will be a key factor in the final score.

Lakeview (0-5, 0-8) at White Cloud (4-4, 3-3)
The Wildcats yield a boatload of points and can’t score. The Indians should win this by as many points as they choose.

Manistee (2-7, 1-4) at Holton (4-6, 2-4)
We know nothing about the Chips other than they have played a brutal schedule thus far. Might be an opportunity for the Devils to make it 3 in a row but they better bring their ‘A’ game.

Morley Stanwood (7-3, 5-1) at Hesperia (3-4, 1-4)
Morley is a good team fighting for a title and their 10 point win over the Panthers earlier began a 5 game win streak that was put to rest by Kent City’s victory machine.
The Panthers need their stalwarts Bayle, Tinkham and Romero to play exceptionally well but also need help from the rest of the cast and crew to steal a win here.

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