Downriver League: 3 up, 3 down
The Downriver League basketball season is heating up, and a few teams are within striking distance of Woodhaven, while some others have a lot of ground to make up. Here are three teams trending up and three teams trending down.
Trending Up: Woodhaven
Woodhaven has yet to lose in Downriver League play this year, and it will take a lot to knock off the defending league champs. They do have a tough schedule in late January, taking on Carlson, Southgate and Kennedy back-to-back-to-back, but Josh Warren is one of the best players in the Detroit area, and he will have the Warriors ready to go.
Trending Down: Allen Park
Early in the year, Allen Park looked like a team that could challenge Woodhaven for a Downriver League title. That is no longer the case, as the Jags have lost three of their last five games and have struggled to score the ball, averaging just 50.6 points per game over that stretch. I think they have the talent to turn it around, but they need to find a decent post threat and take better care of the ball.
Trending Up: Carlson
The Marauders have been pretty impressive lately, winning six of their past seven games. Carlson’s only loss in that seven game stretch was to Allen Park, who hit a game winning three pointer with two seconds remaining in the game. Tyler Koons is one of the best players in the league and has his team in the hunt for a league title. The Marauders will be tested this week, as they have games against Lincoln Park and Woodhaven.
Trending Down: Trenton
The Trojans are really struggling this season, sitting at 2-7 overall and 0-5 in league play. The problem with Trenton isn’t scoring, as the Trojans average a quality 61.2 points per game. The problem is defense. They are giving up just under 70 points per game, and that isn’t good enough to win games. Trenton has played a few tough teams, but the schedule doesn’t ease up, as the Trojans play Woodhaven, Wyandotte and Kennedy back-to-back-to-back.
Trending Up: Kennedy
Kennedy is quietly putting together a great season, as they have just one conference loss this year. The Eagles haven’t played many games, due to some cancellations, but they’ve made the most of the games they have been able to play. They are currently 3-2 overall and 3-1 in league play. Renaudd Broaden is a name to keep an eye on and Kennedy is a team that could surprise some people down the stretch.
Trending Down: Lincoln Park
I actually really like this team and think they can compete with the top teams in the league. They just haven’t been able to close out games. The Railsplitters are 3-4 overall and 1-3 in league play, but three of their four losses are by a combined nine points. One of those close losses came against Woodhaven, who hit a game winning half court shot. Lincoln Park has a lot to be excited about with players such as Khalid Fleming, David Espitia and Damian Clayton. Don’t be surprised if they are a team trending up in the coming weeks.