Time will tell what directions the Brandon and Goodrich varsity basketball teams take this season. However, for one night, the Martians proved themselves to be the superior team.
In the opening game of the season for both teams Tuesday, Dec. 5 at Goodrich, the Martians soundly defeated the visiting Blackhawks 69-24. The game was played using a running clock beginning with 7:38 left in the fourth quarter and the Martians ahead 60-18.
‘We had a good preseason,? Goodrich Coach Gary Barns said. ‘We played hard, and we like each other. The players are loyal to each other and are good teammates.?
The tone of the game was set in the first quarter, when the Martians outdueled the Blackhawks 15-5. Brandon mustered just one field goal in the first, a three-point shot by sophomore guard Quin McNally. Senior guard Adrain Harges added two free throws for the Blackhawks in the period.
Goodrich increased their advantage in the second period, as eight different players scored at least one point in the period. By the time halftime rolled around, the Martians were ahead 34-11.
In the second half, the Martians used the three-point shot to continue building their lead. Of Goodrich’s six successful three-point shots, five of them came in the second half.
Senior Matt Christensen, who hit three three-pointers in the second half, scored eight points in the third period, and junior Matt Cramb added seven, as Goodrich increased their lead to 57-18.
Cramb was the Martians? leading scorer with 12 points, while Christensen added 11. Several of their Goodrich teammates joined in the offensive fireworks, with 12 of 13 Martians scoring at least two points.
‘We’ve always believed basketball is about team,? Barns said. ‘Our bench, at least last night, was pretty deep.?
Dan Eisinger and Jake McGinnis led the Martians with eight rebounds each, while Dan Johns added seven boards and Caleb Jones six. Jones also led the Martians with four assists.
It was a different story on the Brandon sideline, as the Martians contained Harges, who was the Blackhawks? Most Valuable Player last season and a first-team All-Flint Metro League selection.
Harges hit just one field goal for the game, although he made five-of-eight free throws to lead the Blackhawks with seven points.
‘We thought the key to success was to slow him down,? Barns said. ‘Our defense was solid. When you play good, solid defense, it will generate good offense.?
Sophomore Dustin Deshais added six points for the Blackhawks, while McNally added five.
The next scheduled game for the Blackhawks is Tuesday, Dec. 12, when they host Grand Blanc. Meanwhile, the Martians are scheduled to travel to Genesee the same day for a Genesee Area Conference game.