Goodrich and Grand Blanc’s varsity boys basketball team opened the new year before a raucous crowd Jan. 2 at Goodrich High School.
However, Grand Blanc junior Adrian Hunter dashed the hopes of the Goodrich faithful, scoring a game-high 32 points as the Bobcats defeated the Martians 70-55 in a nonleague game. Goodrich dropped to 4-2 on the season with the loss.
Hunter’s three-point shooting helped lift the Bobcats to the early lead. He drilled three three-point shots and scored 11 points in the first period as Grand Blanc raced out to a 24-9 lead after the period.
Goodrich Coach Gary Barns said the Martians knew going into the game they had to stop Hunter, but that proved to be easier said than done.
‘I thought we were late in the first quarter on coverage,? he said. ‘He was even better than we thought.?
Barns also said the fact the Martians dug themselves an early hole proved to be too much for them to overcome.
‘That’s two games in a row we started out slow,? he said, referring to this game as well as the Martians? Dec. 19 loss against New Lothrop.
After the first quarter, it was an uphill battle for the Martians, although they did their best to keep pace. The Bobcats maintained a 41-28 lead at halftime.
In the fourth quarter, Hunter’s free throw shooting helped ice the game for the Bobcats. He converted 7-of-8 free throws down the stretch as the Bobcats clinched the win.
The Bobcats benefited greatly from the three-point shot, connecting on eight shots from behind the arc. Senior Danny Birch connected on three three-pointers and senior Matt Serra added two three-pointers, as both players finished with 10 points apiece.
‘I told our players we weren’t looking for any moral victories,? Barns said. ‘We thought we were good enough to win. We’re getting there ? we’re very positive.?
Goodrich freshman Andrew Patrick led the Martians in scoring with 14 points, while senior Matt Christensen drilled three three-pointers on his way to scoring 12 points. Junior Jake McGinnis led the Martians in rebounding with 11.
The Martians are scheduled to return to action at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9 when they host Byron.