LBI: Inside The Game Summary
“Grand Rapids Catholic Central defeats East Kentwood.”
Friday, December 4, 2015
East Kentwood
| Box Score | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final |
| GR Catholic Central | 11 | 13 | 9 | 10 | 43 |
| East Kentwood | 8 | 9 | 12 | 6 | 35 |
East Kentwood came into tonight's riding high after upsetting a talented GR Christian team in their season opener on Tuesday. East Kentwood’s youth and athleticism made tonight’s matchup a dangerous game for Catholic. Catholic, who most considers one of the top teams in the area, is loaded with Division 1 prospects that have their sights set on a run to the Breslin in March.
Early on it was clear that East Kentwood’s plan was to play physical man to man defense with Catholic and make them work for every shot on every position. Throughout the game East Kentwood kept it close by owning the offensive and defensive rebounds and attacking the basket. However, every time East Kentwood threatened to get ahead, juniors Sophia Karasinki or Shy Huggins were able to come up with big plays.
Game Highlights
East Kentwood:
- Freshman Alona Blackwell has already been picked up the nickname “Baby Faced Assassin”. She led all scorers in their upset of Grand Rapids Christian earlier this week and she continued her stellar play last night hitting key shots against Catholic Central.
- East Kentwood’s quickness and athleticism kept them in the game. Pressure man to man and their full court press created turnovers and allowed East Kentwood to keep it close.
- East Kentwood dominated the defensive and offensive glass taking advantage of a noticeable size they had over Catholics front line.
Grand Rapids Catholic:
- Catholic struggled to get clean looks at the basket throughout the game. If they plan on repeating as OK-Gold and Class B Regional champs, Coach Hinshaw will need to get a few things figured out early.
- The guard play of junior standout and Central Michigan commit Sophia Karasinski and her backcourt mate Shy Huggins who at times single handedly was able to break the full court and trapping pressure of East Kentwood proved to be the difference maker in this match.
- Coach Hinshaw has a bunch of young talented freshman that can add depth, but in order for this group to reach the Breslin in March he will need to shorten his bench and lean on the experience and leadership of senior guard JoAnn Torres, and his group of talented juniors Sophia Karasinski, Kyra Bussell, Michya Cromwell and Shy Huggins. They will lead them to the promise land.
