Melvindale @ Saline: 5 Key Questions
On Tuesday evening, Melvindale traveled to Saline for an interesting early season matchup. The nonconference tilt featured star players, youth, and athletes trying to make a name for themselves. Recap Saline started out on a tear, scoring 5 points off…
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Continue ReadingOn Tuesday evening, Melvindale traveled to Saline for an interesting early season matchup. The nonconference tilt featured star players, youth, and athletes trying to make a name for themselves.
Recap
Saline started out on a tear, scoring 5 points off a Griffin Yaklich baseline drive and a Peter Jacobsen triple. Yaklich also had 2 early steals that set the tone. While Saline struggled from the field, their defense led the way in the 1st quarter. They were fast, cutting off passing lanes and attacking the glass from the perimeter to find rebounds. A Nathan Holmberg free throw and a Yaklich triple ended the scorung in the first, with Saline leading 9-0.
The 2nd quarter was scoreless until the 5:23 mark when Melvindale’s Josh Goody hit a three pointer. While Saline had difficulty shooting, thry continued to make hustle plays that kept Melvindale at arms length. Another Goody three pointer kept Melvindale within 6 at the half, 14-8.
Melvindale came out swinging in the second half, pushing the tempo and feeding the post looking for quality looks at the bucket. Melvindale’s Markail Riley scored back to back baskets, cutting the deficit to only 2.
In the 4th quarter, the dam broke and Saline’s offense started to click. Yaklich, Holmberg, and Logan Evans led the scoring charge. Melvindale suffered through another scoring drought of over 4 minutes. Saline nearly matched its first 3 quarters, by putting up 19 4th quarter points. Saline walked away with a 40-23 victory.
5 Key Questions
Who will be Saline’s 2nd option offensively?
Until Trevor Arico returns from injury, Saline needs to get buckets from somewhere. Griffin Yaklich is an elite talent, but Batman needs a Robin. Logan Evans and Nathan Holmberg showed flashes.
What happened to Melvindale on offense?
First of all, at times, Saline’s defense was just THAT GOOD. The ball stuck in players hands too long in half court sets. This allowed Saline to contest almost every shot. Too often Melvindale settled for jumpers with a hand in their face.
How far can Saline’s defense take them?
They will be in most games because of their elite defense. Head Coach Jake Fosdick has proven to be an elite defensive basketball mind. His teams always play with grit and toughness. Senior forward Logan Evans exemplifies the Saline way perfectly.
How good can Melvindale be?
Don’t let this game fool you, the talent is there. Josh Moody (2019) can fill it up from deep if given space. Marcus Riley (2019) is a solid defender and active on the glass. Markail Riley (2020) is athletic and dangerous in open space.
When is Arico back?
Griffin Yaklich and Trevor Arico will make an incredible backcourt. But Saline needs Arico healthy to make that happen. They will be a different team with him in the lineup. There is currently no timetable on his return.