Despite the 70-54 victory, Head Coach Stephan Henning said Farmington Hills Harrison gave his Oxford Wildcats a tough time on the hardwood last week.
‘They had a kid who was 6?9? and just gave us fits, because he is a big post,? Henning said. ‘That’s one area were we struggle because we’re a guard-oriented team.?
Because they had a hard time defending against the ‘big man,? Henning said they had to adjust their game plan.
‘We kind of let him get his (shots) and held everybody else in check,? he added. ‘It worked pretty well.?
Henning also noted that it was the first game that his boys played ‘consistently well? for all four quarters.
‘I told my players that we have to come with the mindset everyday to get better. At the end of January through February, we got a butt-kicking schedule. We play Plymouth, St. Mary’s, Avondale, West Bloomfield, Stoney Creek and they’re all well above 500,? explained Henning. ‘I just want to make sure by the end of January we’re playing some consistently good ball because those teams are going to be a challenge.?
As far as highlight players in the Harrison game, Henning said Senior Mason Vires scored 26 points along with six assists and ‘attacked the rim well.?
‘He’s a competitor and he plays so hard, but he has to be fundamentally sound,? Henning said. ‘Even though he finished with 26 points and six assists he still had some key turnovers, gambles on defense so he still has some areas to work on.?
Delxino Alexander also had a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Like with Vires, Henning said Alexander working the small things counts, like ‘boxing out and creating space.?
‘We just have to be better with the little things,? he said. ‘But we played well as a team for four quarters. I was pleased with our effort.?
The Wildcats will host their first league game at home against Birmingham Groves. The game will begin at 7 p.m. at Oxford High School.
‘I’ve been doing a little scouting on Groves, but I’m really concerned about us and what we do,? Henning said. ‘I just want them to understand the importance of league games. If they want to do special things this season, then it starts Friday. It starts by not taking days off, but by coming ready to play.?