Class C Quarter Final

Flint Hamady vs. Saginaw Nouvel

March 17, 2015 7:00 PM

Davison High School

This quarter final matchup will definitely be one to remember. Two prominent programs will be facing off in the most important game so far in the state playoffs. Saginaw Novel will travel south to take on the Hawks of Flint Hamady. Saginaw Nouvel (19-6) is led by 2016 Laurel Jacqmain, who is having a great year averaging just over 19 points per game. Jacqmain is a proven floor general that has recorded multiple 20 point plus games including 27 point games vs Freeland and Westland John Glen. Don’t let Nouvel’s six losses alarm you. They come from high quality opponents. Hamady’s (23-1) success is largely because of the stellar play of 2016 Jalisa Terry, who also averages just over 19 points per game. Jalisa has recorded multiple 20 point plus games and she recorded 31 points vs Dryden and 30 points vs Burton Bendle. This team is very quick and athletic. They cause tons of issues while disrupting their opponents’ offense with their high powered full court defense. Both of these teams are no stranger to winning and are true competitors.

Flint Hamady was state runner up in 2006 and went on to win back to back championships in 2009 and 2010. Since then they have hand multiple 20 win seasons. Saginaw Nouvel won state championships in 2006, 2008 and they are the defending state champions from 2014.They were state runner up in 2013.

Keys to Victory

Hamady

• Hamady has to be able to execute a half- court offense.

• They must win the rebound war on both ends and limit Nouvel to one shot on offense.

• Having a big game from each of their Big 3 (Aliah Hill, Jalisa Terry, & Krystal Rice) is critical to the Hawks putting numbers on the score board.

• Take advantage of transition opportunities. There may not be many chances to run the court.

• The back court must penetrate the paint early and force Saginaw Nouvel to foul.

 Saginaw Nouvel

• Control the pace of the game. They must slow Hamady down.

• Put a stop to Hamady’s guards’ penetration. Spread the floor and force them to shoot the long three.

• Break the Hamady full court press by passing. Don’t try to dribble through it. Dribbling will create quick and numerous turnovers.

• Saginaw can’t get beat to the paint in transition. They cannot give up the easy layups.

• Be consistent from the free throw line. Free throws could potentially be the game’s deciding factor.

Prediction

On paper it looks like a no brainer. Hamady has a 23-1 record, finished the season ranked #1 in Class C, and their only lost is to Detroit Country Day, who spent the majority of the season ranked in the state’s Power 10. However, Saginaw Nouvel’s 19-6 record is the result a very competitive schedule. Five of their six losses were at the hands of teams who all ranked top ten in the state, and only one loss was by more than 10 points. Nouvel played against Midland Bullock Creek, Detroit Country Day, Goodrich, and Frankenmuth. They split match-ups with Bay City John Glen and defeated a very good Dearborn Divine Child. I often say practice and fundamentals are great, but nothing prepares you for war like being battled tested. Strength of schedule will play a key role in this game. Flint Hamady’s non-conference schedule will come back to bite them in this matchup.

Final score: 43-37 Saginaw Nouvel

**Follow Nate Brown on Twitter @LBI_Nate**