“Trojans march on”

Now this is what “March Madness” is supposed to feel like.  Both Saginaw High and Carman-Ainsworth put on a show while giving it everything they had- the only difference is the Trojans will take the 79-67 victory and march on into Wednesday’s semi-final against Mt. Pleasant.

The gym was jumping with excitement and the energy was fed into the players from the opening tip.  Draymond “Day-Day” Green’s two hand baseline slam gave the High a 10-9 lead; but Carman quickly showed the Trojans they were going to have to work for this one as Kieon Arkwright nailed a 3-pointer to get the Cavs the lead right back.  The two teams went bucket for bucket as each team’s crowd erupted in cheers after every basket fell through the net.  Saginaw held onto the lead at 25-22 going into the second quarter.

Saginaw tried to use their press to put the pressure on but Carman’s Alan Sharp and Jon Lee did a phenomenal job of breaking the full court pressure.  The result was Arkwright and fellow teammate Reggie Stallings found openings to knock down open jump shots.  Saginaw’s Daniel West was able to sink a 3-pointer to tie the game up at 42-42 as the first half came to an end. 

Saginaw High continued to send player after player at Carman and as the second half ticked away it started to wear down the Cavs.  West ended the third quarter with five straight points to give his Trojans a 58-52 lead.  West was just getting started as the senior guard took over the game’s final quarter with pull up jumpers and smooth assist.  West also killed Carman by streaking through their press, West kept the ball in his hands and controlled the Trojan offense.  Saginaw built a 10 point lead and closed the game out at the free throw line. 

 

BREAKDOWN

Game Ball- Draymond Green #32 Day-Day can single handily hold down the paint and that allows the Trojans to put four guards on the floor to press and gamble for steals.  Green rebounded, blocked shots, and deflected passes while roaming the paint.  He scored a game high 28 points. 

Daniel West, #12 High- D-West dominated the game’s final five minutes.  He took a close game and broke it wide open with his ability to attack and penetrate the Cavs’ defense.  West helped lead the Trojans with 27 points.      

DeMondre Chapman, #20 Carman- Dee looked impressive going right at Green, he didn’t outplay Green but he handled his own.  The 6-5 sophomore wasn’t intimidated at all, he played aggressive and every time he touched the ball on the block he was thinking about a dunk.  He finished with 20 points.  

Kieon Arkwright, #10 Carman- was able to stretch the court with his 3-point shooting.  He connected on 4 of 5 first half 3-pointers for 16 points, but he was held scoreless in the second half.