Belding Black Knights vs. NorthPointe Christian Mustangs

<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>NORTHPOINTE CHRISTIAN - 81     BELDING - 26</strong></span></p> <p>The Ottawa-Kent - Silver matchup started out competitive then under a barrage of 3 pointers from the Mustangs the Black Knights just got overmatched.  The Mustangs evened their record to 2-2 while the Black Knights fell to 1-7.</p> <p>The game started out very fast paced with the Mustangs <span style="color: #ff0000;">Elijah Daley</span> opening the scoring by draining a long 3 pointer.  Belding responded with their big man <span style="color: #ff0000;">Jacob Rodel</span> converting in the paint.  But turnovers and the NorthPointe press started to take it's toll on Belding.  The quarter ended with a couple steals by NorthPointe turning into easy layups.  It was 20 to 11 at the end of the first.  </p> <p>Northpointe went cold offensively when Belding dropped into a zone and it looked like this game could be close.  Neither team could score for the first 4:14 of the quarter.  The Mustangs senior guard <span style="color: #ff0000;">Grant Baker</span> then decided to take over the game and get aggresive.  He scored a couple nice buckets and made some nice passes.  Then a technical foul was called on Belding for having 6 players on the court and this is when it all started to unravel.  The Mustangs went on a 32 to 5 run and ended the half 52 to 16.</p> <p>The second half was much of the same as Belding had a hard time inbounding the ball and not breaking the Mustangs half court press.   The Mustangs<span style="color: #ff0000;"> Luis Delvalle</span> scored 7 points in the 3rd quarter and by the end of the quarter the starters were on the bench for both teams..</p> <p>The only good news for Belding was that their reserves only got outscored in the 4th quarter 10-6.   Belding never lost their spirit and were very good sports the whole game, something these boys should be proud off.  </p> <p><strong>10 BEST:</strong></p> <p><strong>MVP:</strong> <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Grant Baker </strong><span style="color: #000000;">(NorthPointe Christian)</span></span></p> <p>The Mustangs senior guard exhibited his skills on both ends of the court.  He spearheaded transition baskets and was the catalyst on offense.  Defensively he came up with several steals and made some pinpoint passes. He was the spark that lead to the Mustangs run to put the game out of reach.</p> <p><strong>Play of the game:  4 consecutive 3 pointers by NorthPointe Christian</strong></p> <p>NorthPointe his for consecutive 3 pointers to end the half including a buzzer beater by <span style="color: #ff0000;">Jared DeClark</span>.</p> <p><strong>Best offensive performance</strong>: <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Sam Vasiu</strong></span> (NorthPointe Christian)</p> <p>Vasiu, a junior, scored 18 points and had 6 assists.  Made nice cuts leading to easy lay ups and was always moving on the offensive side of the ball.</p> <p><strong>Best defensive performance:</strong>  <strong>NorthPointe Team Defense</strong></p> <p>They cut off passing lanes and anticipated well on inbound passes and dominated on the defensive glass.  Their full court and half court press really was a game changer.</p> <p><strong>Best guy off the bench:</strong>  <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Cory Dunn</strong></span> (NorthPointe Christian)</p> <p>The senior guard finished with 7 points and filled in nicely in the first half making a 3 pointer when the game was still in question.</p> <p><strong>Best intangibles: </strong> <strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">Elijah Daley</span></strong> ( NorthPointe Christian)</p> <p>He was the vocal leader and controlled the pace of the game.  He was always directing traffic and communicating with his teammates defensively. </p> <p><strong>Best under-the-radar performance:</strong> <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Jared DeClark</strong></span> ( NorthPointe Christian)</p> <p>The junior guard is a good role player who came off the bench and hit 3 three pointers.  He didn't try to do too much and he would start on most teams.  His ability to handle the ball and shoot is something to keep an eye out for in the future.  Look for his role to expand next year as a senior.  </p> <p><strong>Best underclassmen:</strong> <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Reed Willmore</strong></span> (Belding)</p> <p>This sophomore forward played a lot of minutes and was able to get to the free throw line.  He rebounds nicely and with more experience the game will slow down for him and he will learn how to finish at the glass.</p> <p><strong>Best Sportmanship:  Belding</strong></p> <p>Often times in games like these we see attitudes and frustration rear it's ugly head, but the Black Knights just kept plugging along encouraging each other and hustling up and down the court.   </p> <p><strong>Best coaching strategy:</strong>  <span style="color: #ff0000;">Jared Redell</span> (NorthPointe Christian)</p> <p>Coach Redell pushed his players up and down the court.  He impressed upon them to play a fast paced game knowing that the less talented Belding could not keep up with them.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>