The Goodrich varsity boys basketball team did their part Feb. 22 to stay alive in the Genesee Area Conference Red Division race.
Michael Skinner scored 24 points and Wayne Coulman added 20 as the visiting Martians defeated Montrose 84-72. With the win, the Martians improved to 13-6 overall and 10-5 in league play, one game behind Mt. Morris.
Goodrich has one more league game left on the schedule, as they hosted Lake Fenton Friday, Feb. 25. Mt. Morris also wrapped up their regular season that evening when they took on Montrose.
‘We’re not looking past Lake Fenton,? Goodrich coach Gary Barns said. ‘We can’t count our chickens.?
The Martians overcame a noisy Montrose crowd, which still held resentment toward the Martians for defeating the Rams two straight years on the football field.
Barns said he was proud of the Martians for their solid play on the road. ‘It was one of the best basketball games I’ve ever had the privilege to coach,? he said.
Skinner once again was a threat from behind the three-point line against the Rams, converting five three-point shots. ‘He’s picked his game up a great deal,? Barns said.
In addition, Barns said he was proud of Coulman’s efforts after making it back to the active roster from knee surgery. ‘A lot of people didn’t think he’d be able to come back,? he said.
Goodrich also helped themselves at the free throw line, making 17-of-22 shots (77.3 percent) from the charity stripe.
The Martians established the tempo early, claiming a 15-7 first quarter lead behind Kirk Elsworth’s six points in the quarter.
The two teams traded points in a fast and furious second quarter, but the Martians answered every Rams charge with one of their own. Skinner and Coulman each scored eight points in the second quarter as the Martians staked themselves to a 41-32 halftime lead.
The Rams tried to come back in the second half, but could not overtake the Martians. Goodrich’s fourth quarter surge, in which they scored 28 points, put the game away for the Martians. Skinner scored 11 points in the fourth and Craig VanWagoner added seven in the period to put away the win.
In addition to Skinner’s and Coulman’s efforts, the Martians received solid contributions from Andy Klumpp (12 points, nine rebounds) and Elsworth (11 points, 11 rebounds).
Barns also said twins Ben and Basil Wilson did a solid job, along with Klumpp and Elsworth, in giving the Martians a solid post presence.
David Lanear led the Rams with 19 points, while Gus Rico added 17.
Barns said the Martians have stuck together all season despite having 17 players on the team. ‘Very few teams ever keep that many and have hopes of winning a league championship,? he said. ‘That’s a tribute to the guys on our team.?
The Martians won another GAC Red matchup by dispatching host LakeVille 70-47 in a Feb. 17 contest.
Goodrich jumped out to a 21-7 first quarter lead behind the hot shooting of Skinner, who drilled four three-pointers in the first period.
In the second, it was VanWagoner’s turn to keep the Goodrich momentum rolling, scoring five points as the Martians took a 36-13 lead at the half. Goodrich was never seriously threatened the rest of the way.
Skinner scored six three-pointers on his was to a team-leading 24 points. VanWagoner and Brett Bowers added seven points each for the Martians. Randy Norris led LakeVille with 15 points.