Boy’s Basketball: Junior Chemics burn Phoenix

by Cory Butzin

Going into Friday’s game undefeated, the Midland High junior varsity boy’s basketball team was looking to prove itself against a quality opponent.

They did just that against Flint Central.

The Chemics ran the Phoenix off the court, building a big second-half lead before coasting to a 68-59 win at Midland High School.

“We wanted to not just win this game, but really to make a statement,” said Midland coach Mark Dickerson. “We haven’t lost yet, and it’s not that we’re not playing good teams. We can beat a good team too.”

The game was sloppy early, as each team struggled to find a rhythm. Both squads played an up-tempo style of basketball, looking to capitalize on turnovers and convert in the fast break.

The Chemics settled down first and began to hit some of their shots, going on an 8-0 run late in the first to take a 14-6 lead after one.

The second quarter wasn’t nearly as sloppy, with both teams continuing to push the ball up the court. Midland was called for three charging fouls in the second quarter, but they were able to trade baskets with Central to maintain their eight-point lead going into the half.

Coming out of the break, the Chemics tried a little trickery to get things going. Midland got the ball to begin the half and set up all of its players in the defensive end. Flint Central, forgetting that each team changed direction at the half, thought that Midland would be trying to score in the same direction as in the first half. Instead, the Chemics went out to halfcourt to take the ball and sprinted to the other end of the court for an uncontested layup.

“It takes away their confidence,” Dickerson said of the trick play. “Their coach gives them a big speech, and says come out and play hard guys. They go out on the court, and all that’s gone.”

The Chemics capitalized on that confusion, opening the quarter with a 12-4 run to widen the gap and take a 48-34 lead into the final quarter.

Midland’s lead reached 21 points in the fourth, at which point the subs got to see some extended playing time. The pace of the game slowed down as the Phoenix reached the bonus, allowing them to cut into the lead. But the game was never in any doubt, and the Chemics were able to close it out for the win.

“I’m just really proud of my guys,” Dickerson said. They’re really understanding what I want from them as a team. They’re playing disciplined basketball, and the scoreboard shows it.”

Midland was led offensively by Niran Okuwa and Morgan Iseler, who finished with 14 points each.

Next up for the 10-0 Chemics is a matchup with their cross-town rival Dow. They travel to Dow High Thursday to take on the Chargers. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.

“When you play Dow, records don’t matter,” Dickerson said. “They beat us last year. It’s the Midland Dow game, and you never know.”

For more photos from Wednesday’s game click on “Photo slideshow” in the top right corner of this article.

Photos by Cory Butzin