GAME PREVIEW: GR Catholic Central vs Godwin Heights
This Wednesday (12/20), Christmas comes early for fans of Grand Rapids high school hoops! The evening will feature a matchup we’ve been eagerly awaiting since schedules released in October, a battle between two of GR’s strongest Class B squads. The highly anticipated game now being only days away, let’s take a look at what we can expect from it, knowing what we know now.
The History
Both of these teams have a recent history of success. Last year, both finished the season with strong records and made impressive playoff runs. Godwin Heights reached their regional semifinal where they fell to Williamston by a mere four points. Elsewhere in the bracket, GR Catholic Central finished even deeper, losing in their regional final in a close game with Spring Lake.
Godwin Heights
The Cast
The Wolverines are led by two senior standouts. First is Lamar Norman Jr, a PG who recently de-committed from UTEP, making himself one of the top commodities in Michigan. He provides what one wants in a point guard, plus more. He is a willing passer, a good outside shooter, and is also very quick and very athletic. Leading the pack with him is 6’6 forward Markeese Hastings. Hastings is signed to play for Butler University, and it is clear why. He is both strong and athletic, able to finish on the inside using both these assets as well as a bit of creativity at times. He also has proven he can knock down some outside shots. These two draw the most attention for Godwin, but are supported by a talented group that can shoot and attack the rim.
The Record
As of right now, Godwin has put up two wins versus West Ottawa (78-67) and Hudsonville (90-73). Between the two games, Norman has scored 53 points and Hastings has scored 56, each proving his immense value to the team. The Wolverines will face the Cougars after a long break, not playing a game since facing Hudsonville on the 8th.
Grand Rapids Catholic Central
The Cast
Catholic Central has a slew of weapons at their disposal. Like Godwin, however, there are two that seem to stand out above the rest. First is 6’10 small forward, Marcus Bingham Jr. The senior MSU signee is a force to be reckoned with and could pose an issue for the Wolverines. Though he often stands a head above his competition, he likes to play on the outside where he shoots well from three and midrange. When he does penetrate however, his length makes finishing very easy. He is also a pest whether playing on-ball or off-ball defense, and his wingspan allows for lots of blocks. Alongside him is 6’8 senior, Jacob Polakovich. A truer big man, Polakovich uses his height, strength, and footwork to maneuver in the post offensively. An added danger is that he can, like Bingham, also venture beyond the arc and hit threes.
Following these two are a number of others. Austin Braun (’19) is a solid point guard. Darrel Belcher (’19) and Devon Boyd (’20) are contributing SGs.
The Record
GRCC currently also boasts an undefeated record. They have narrowly beaten Detroit Country Day (90-84) and Covenant Christian (62-58) and have earned a decisive win against former Class A powerhouse GR Christian (73-49). Bingham and Polakovich have been huge for CC, each nabbing a double-double against DCD. Thus far, we have seen the team’s leaders have big games, and the team as a whole has also proven it can pull out close ones. Both these facts could be very important come Wednesday.
Predictions
Going into this game, Catholic Central is looking nice. They are able to shoot from the outside as well as pound the ball down low. They also appear to have superiority in the post defensively with the heights of Bingham and Polakovich. In these respects, they look like they have an advantage. However, Godwin could definitely do some damage with their combination of skill and athleticism. Though Polakovich and Bingham are both tall and their teammates talented, the Wolverines appear to have the advantage of speed and bounce overall. If used effectively to pester CC’s guards on defense and to push the tempo of the game, Godwin could definitely contend strongly.
In addition to the obvious stars from each team, we should also expect solid contributions from their supporters, as they have proven early in the season that they themselves are valuable assets. However, if one of the leaders from either team has an off night or is shut down by defense, that team’s chances of coming home with a win will take a serious blow. In the end, this matchup looks to be a very entertaining and very competitive one!