Byron’s varsity boys basketball team was able to control the tempo early and stay tight with Goodrich during their Jan. 9 game.
However, from the second quarter on, it was all Martians, as Goodrich defeated the Eagles 76-50, improving their season record to 6-2 overall and 5-1 in Flint Metro League play.
The Martians led the game by just two points, 14-12, at the end of the first quarter. However, senior Matt Christensen, normally a starter, provided a spark off the bench with eight points in the second quarter.
Coach Gary Barns said Christensen was sick the previous day, thus prompting the decision to bring him off the bench. Once he entered the game, Christensen soon discovered his old shooting touch, finishing with 11 points, including three three-pointers.
‘It took him a minute to get his shot back, but once he got going, he made some big shots for us,? Barns said.
The Martians outscored the Eagles 20-9 to take a 34-20 lead at halftime, and controlled the game the rest of the way. ‘Once we got to halftime, I thought we were OK,? Barns said. ‘After the third quarter, I thought we slowed things down.?
A total of 12 Martians scored in the game, led by junior Troy Westerby’s 14 points. Freshman Andrew Patrick added 13 points, while sophomore Bobby Short added nine points and five steals.
Goodrich took command early in their Jan. 5 game against host Hamady, going on to defeat the Hawks 60-47 in their only scheduled meeting of the year.
The Martians seemingly had a different player step up each quarter to help contribute to the victory.
Senior Jake Smigiel triggered the Martians in the first quarter, scoring 10 points as the Martians took a 19-8 lead. In the second quarter, it was Christensen’s turn to pick up the Martians, scoring nine points as Goodrich took a 34-24 halftime lead.
Junior Jake McGinnis then took the initiative in the third period, scoring nine points as the Martians maintained a 50-35 lead after the third quarter.
Barns said the Martians deserve credit for winning in a tough road environment. ‘As a young team, I thought it was good for us to win at Hamady,? he said. ‘Not everybody gets to win there.?