I took a drive over to Romulus tonight to see what I thought would be a somewhat competitive game. It was for about 3 quarters then it was lights out and a long bus trip home for the Lumberjacks of SAH. Romulus ended up outscoring SAH 31-12 in the 4th quarter to stake claim to one of the best teams in the area. The final score was 85-56. Romulus plays team ball and moves the ball extremely well. They go 8 deep and don't lose much when their starters take a breather. EC Matthews, the talented 6'4 sophomore guard, comes off the bench for this team along with sophomore Wes Clark and senior Stephon Edwards. They actually start 4 guards and one forward. Tonight at guard it was seniors James Boler, Derrick Stephens and Jaymyles Coleman along with Junior Ray Lee at the fourth guard spot and Senior Forward (Toledo) Justin Moss. Justin Moss led the scoring with 17 points to go along with his 7 rebounds, 2 blocks and a dunk. Myles Coleman chipped in 12 as well. Lee and Matthews only contributed 4 each but served up several dimes on the night.
Romulus came out strong out of the gate and led 21-7 after one but Saginaw started getting second chance opportunities and close buckets to close the halftime score to 34-28. Romulus stretched the lead again to 54-44 and when Lydell Simon, the heart of the Arthur Hill team, went out with a head injury from a nasty landing and it was all over for the Lumberjacks. Romulus used a string of 4 straight layups to pull away for good. Jr. Jordan Hare had an impressive game for SAH with 17 points, 10 rebounds, 8 blocked shots and 3 dunks including a reverse slam. Simon pitched in 13 points in the losing effort.
Romulus is a good basketball team but I did notice some potential weaknesses that could hurt them against strong teams come tournament time. They start a small lineup and it was obvious in this one that they can be outboarded by the opponents on the opponents offensive end. While they move the ball extremely well, I have a sense that they could struggle with quicker, pressing teams. Several times Ray Lee got caught in traps and appeared to panic a bit. I don't really see a floor leader on this team and that could cost them when they need someone to take over or energize the squad if they fall behind. I believe they might struggle with certain types of presses. However, they have 3 to 4 guys that can shoot the ball from outside, 4 guys that can handle the ball fairly well with good speed and they have the big man who is so strong underneath. Even though Moss got three of his shots rejected by Hare, he kept coming back and was a perfect 5-5 on the free throw line. He is tough down low and difficult to stop when he gets his momentum going. EC Matthews did not start and played a little more than half the game. He did help on the press and was able to get the ball up the court. I like his game. This kid has a smooth lefty stroke that reminds me of Paul Williams (Renassiance - Dayton). He is a good shooter from 18-20 range. He can handle the ball, is quicker than he looks, takes long strides with the ball and had an unbelieveable spin move in the lane for a bucket tonight. This kid will only improve the more he sees the court.
Ray Lee is a player that has the potential to turn it up a notch but seems to play reserved at times. He can go very strong to the hole and he likes to distribute. I don't think he is a good outside shooter and he needs to improve his defense. Wes Clark was a sparkplug off the bench and is only a sophomore. Romulus plays one of the toughest schedules and has come out virtually unblemished against Toledo St. Johns, Ann Arbor Huron, Chicago Vocational, Pershing, Hillcrest (Chi), Muskegon Heights and SAH. They still have to play Kalamazoo Central (2/26) and Detroit Country Day (3/3) both on the road before the tournament. Those last two games will be telling as to how good this team really is.
As for Jordan Hare, there is no question this kid is a talent but there are many aspects of his game he needs to work on. He is a great shot blocker but he defends a space instead of a man. He needs to put on some weight and strength. He was getting pushed around in the paint like a rag doll by Moss all night. He is a good outside shooter but does not look for the shot when he gets it on the elbow or on the free throw line. He is not too aggressive fighting for position and wanting the ball, he definately needs to get more physical. In his defense, the Saginaw players, except Simon, never once looked for him when he was posting on the block. It was as if he wasn't on the court with them. Bad coaching by not recognizing that they had to get him the ball especially when they had no one to penetrate once Simon went out. He does a lot of high post picks but holds his picks way too long and does not roll to the basket. Most of his points came off offensive rebounds but he does not stay active enough on the glass for a guy his size and with tremendous length and quick ups.
The Game I really wanted to be at tonight was Detroit Country Day at Kalamazoo Central but couldn't get over to that side of the state. My son goes to Western and was interested in going to the game but couldn't find anyone else that could go or drive so I don't even have a scout to report on the game. Not quite sure if they actually played though because I did not have it on their schedule but the Oakland Press today reported the game as tonight. As of 1 AM I still have not seen anything.
Speaking of Western Michigan, they have won 13 of 14 games. Could be making a run for the MAC title.
Oakland University finally lost, to UIPUI, who they completely trashed earlier in the year. Oh well, this team was bound to lose one league game after winning 20 straight. They are a real good basketball team. In fact they are better than MSU right now. In the beginning of the season, one of my buddies, double B, made the statement that Oakland was top 25 material. It was partly in jest but he was making the statement following the close loss to the Spartans in December. I got all over him and told him he was delusional. It looks like there is more truth to that statement now more than ever. I was the dilusional one to think that MSU could make another run at the final four. As of right now, they are NIT (not in tournament).
I have to come forward and say that I was completely off on my NFL Gridiron competition. Nothing like getting humbled nationally. I was in 7th place going into the Super Bowl and felt I could have finished anywhere from 3rd to 5th place. What I didn't count on was the teams that were behind me that had significant amount of players left. Well.....I finshed 49th nationally. Still not bad with over 300,000 participants but a far cry from the 3-5th place that I was spewing off. Wrong again, what can I tell you.
Have a good night. Your basketball SNOB
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