TEAM PREVIEW: Grand Rapids Catholic Central 2017-18
Having won their conference and continued on in the playoffs until their regional finals where they fell to Spring Lake by a mere nine points, Grand Rapids Catholic Central proved in 2016-17 that they were one of (if not the) top Class B schools in West Michigan. Now, as we eagerly anticipate the start of the 2017-18 season, I want to look at what we can expect from the Cougars as they retake the court this winter.
Let’s start with GRCC’s cast of characters…
Jacob Polakovich
The Cougars retain much of their team from last year, including two very key players in Jacob Polakovich and Marcus Bingham. From the onset of last season, Polakovich was a major point contributor for CC. The 6’8 center is a player who can score on multiple levels, shooting from beyond the arc well and using his strength and footwork to maneuver and get the shot he wants inside. Such a versatile skill set is always sure to gain the attention of college coaches, which is definitely the case with Polakovich as he has received offers from several D2 schools as well as preferred walk-on status from Central Michigan and U of M.
Marcus Bingham (MSU)
6’10 SF/PF Marcus Bingham transferred from Ottawa Hills in 2016-17. Because of this, he was not able join to Polakovich on the floor until midway through the season last year. However, he was definitely a huge addition for CC as they gained in Bingham a nearly incontestable outside shot, a good rim attacker, and an extremely long shot contester who is able to shut down opponents on the defensive end. Because of his skills, Bingham is a four star recruit, an ESPN top 100 player, and is verbally committed to play next year for MSU!
The “Supporting Cast”
In addition to this physically large and extremely talented pair of stars is a supporting cast full of players that some teams would gladly take as their go-to guys (NAIAs and DIIIs shouldn’t sleep!). Some of these athletes are talented ball-handlers and distributors, others are athletic dunkers, and nearly each and every one of them can shoot! Teams preoccupied with the imposing figures of Polakovich and Bingham would almost surely be done for if they neglected the other three players on the court who could serve up their own barrage of shooting and rim attacking!
Assessment
I recently got a chance to talk to Polakovich about himself and his team this year, and I asked what his thoughts were on his squad for this upcoming season.
He said, “I think this year we should be really good . . . [we have] really good chemistry right now. . .”
This fact is apparent from watching the Cougars play together in the Michigan Sports Academy’s Tuesday night fall league. The team shows an excellent ability and willingness to work together, selflessly passing and moving the ball to find good shots.
Polakovich also told me “everyone’s getting stronger and better everyday” and that their goal is to win another conference title and to hopefully make it to compete at the state level. My assessment? With the finish to the season they had last year, the talent they return, and the level of chemistry they are playing with right now, I would say a return to the regional finals and maybe even a state quarterfinals appearance could very likely be in their future!