Boy’s Basketball: Varsity Phoenix nip Chemics

by Cory Butzin

The hard court was not friendly to the Chemics Friday.

Neither were the Phoenix.

Unforced turnovers and missed shots doomed Midland down the stretch, as they were unable to keep a late lead and fell 49-45 to Flint Central at Midland High School.

“We had too many unforced turnovers that took away opportunities for us to convert,” said Midland coach Eric Krause. “You deserve to lose when that happens.”

If there was a bright spot for the Chemics, though, it was their defense.

Midland played very well defensively, especially in the first quarter when they worked hard and put pressure on the ball. The Chemics’ defensive prowess was highlighted by Brandon Crane, whose early block in the low post brought the fans to their feet. The Phoenix turned the ball over several times, and the Chemics were able to capitalize on those mistakes to build an early 17-9 lead.

However, the first quarter intermission was enough to throw off Midland offensively.

In the second quarter they couldn’t seem to get in a rhythm, and they slowly saw Central cut into their lead and tie it up 23-23 going into the half.

Midland seemed to regroup after the break, and were re-energized going into the third. The Chemics dominated the boards and playing good team defense that allowed them to take a 37-34 lead into the final period.

“We continue to get better at that (defense),” Krause said. “So we are making good steps.”

But in the fourth they took a couple steps back, as everything seemed to fall apart. The Phoenix got into the bonus less than two minutes into the fourth, and Midland continued to have trouble hitting shots and turning the ball over. That combination saw Central take the lead midway through the quarter.

Every time Central’s lead reached a couple baskets, the Chemics made a furious charge, but they could never get over the hump.

With four seconds remaining and the Chemics trailing 48-45, they turned the ball over before they could attempt a game-tying shot. Midland fouled on the inbounds play, and Central converted a free throw to close out the game.

“When you only get forty-five points, you don’t have much room for error,” Krause said.

Offensively, Midland was led by Chris O’Brien, who finished with 10 points. Colter Roberson and Jeff Brown each contributed eight points.

Central was led by Demetrious Miller, who finished with 17 points.

“It was a disappointing loss, but it’s an eye opener,” Krause said. “It’s all in an effort to try and get us better.”

The Chemics look to get back on track Thursday when they battle their cross-town rivals from Dow. Game time is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

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

Photos by Cory Butzin