Friday Basketball Preview

By Ken De Laat, N3 Sports
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Girls

Newaygo (4-0, 3-0) at Grant (2-2, 2-1)
Maybe it’s the tourney run last year that developed an indomitable spirit in this team but they take the floor with a winning demeanor. Falling behind TC early in their last game  the team methodically got themselves steadied then proceeded to take the game away from the Vikings.
The same Vikings that bested Grant by 15 points last week.
It’s a rivalry game and the Tigers have some weapons and are still developing as a team but a lot would have to go their way for them to hang an upset on the Lions. 

Holton (1-3, 1-2) at Kent City (4-0, 2-0)
The RD’s are averaging 27 points when they’re not playing Lakeview (The Wildcats cannot stop anyone from scoring...a lot) and the undefeated Eagles rang up 210 points in their first two games. KC is a solid strong team with a mission to grab the crown and head for a deep playoff run. Holton doesn’t seem to have the horses to keep up but they will certainly try.

Fremont (0-3, 0-3)  at Tri County (2-1, 2-1)
The Packers are still finding themselves in a season that features , with the exception of Calla Miller, a new starting lineup and a youthful bench. They’ve had a tough start facing (and falling to) the 2 top teams in the league to open before losing their 3rd to Grant.
It doesn’t get any easier because the Vikings mowed down their first 2 opponents before getting handled by Newaygo.
The Pack will win some games this season but the Vikes are likely the best team in the league not named Big Rapids or Newaygo and the visitors will have to bring their 'A' game

Hesperia (0-2, 0-2) at Morley Stanwood (2-2, 2-0)
The Mohawks have dropped two in a row to pretty good teams while the Panthers have lost both times they’ve taken to the court. Not saying Hespo won’t beat MS but they will have to score more than the 25 points they’ve put up in their first 2 to do it. 
A lot more.

Boys

Newaygo (1-2, 1-2) at Grant (2-2, 2-1)
This should be an interesting game since both teams are likely better than their records. The Tigers are making their home debut and have yet to be at full strength. The Lions have some intriguing parts and are beginning to show some offensive firepower beyond the considerable contributions of Ashton Stephens.

Holton (4-1, 3-0) at Kent City (2-1, 2-0)
I like the Red Devils a lot and they have a shot at breaking the stranglehold KC and MS have had on the Silver titles the past several years.
A win on the Eagle home court would go a long way toward achieving that.
Aidan Poling is a player. Scores when needed, throws out some tough defense and provides leadership on the floor. He and his teammates might be few in number but they will give any team they face all they’ve got.
And they’ve got a lot.

Fremont (2-2 2-1) at Tri County (1-2, 1-2)
The Pack has lost 2. The opener against Big Rapids when they struggled to get the ball to fall and a Saturday contest against a really good OV squad. TC’s only win thus far was over Chip Hills a team that hasn’t come close yet and might be looking at a mid March matchup with Lakeview before cracking the W column. The Vikes can score but they also give up a lot of points so Braiden McDonald will likely knock down some numbers. 

Hesperia (0-4, 0-2) at Morley Stanwood (1-3, 1-1)
The Panthers have a hard time scoring with any consistency. Morley is always tough at home. Not a great formula for Hespo to break into the W column.