Saline at Ann Arbor Pioneer – 5 Key Questions
Recap On Wednesday evening Saline made the quick drive to Pioneer for an SEC Red showdown. Saline was coming off a tough loss to Ann Arbor Huron, while Pioneer looked to continue their winning ways. The game started out with…
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On Wednesday evening Saline made the quick drive to Pioneer for an SEC Red showdown. Saline was coming off a tough loss to Ann Arbor Huron, while Pioneer looked to continue their winning ways.
The game started out with a quick triple from Pioneer senior Aiden Wright. At the 6:42 mark, Pioneer star Kasean Pryor picked up a quick second foul. Down 3-0, this was a huge opportunity for Saline. They didn’t take advantage as Pioneer extended the lead to 7-0. Saline fought to stay with striking distance behind 7 1st quarter points from Griffin Yaklich.
The 2nd quarter started with Pioneer leading 17-9. Drew Lowder heated up for 10 points in the quarter. Saline rode their traditional tough defense to stay in the game, waiting for scorers to heat up. They had opportunities to cut the deficit through their offensive sets, but missed too many open looks. Pioneer led 30-18 at the half.
Saline came out of lockerroom with a spark. Two triples from Logan Evans helped Saline cut the lead to 6. Lowder responded with 6 points, including a fall away baseline to jumper to close the 3rd quarter. Pioneer pushed the lead back to double figures and took a 41-28 advantage into the 4th.
Saline had 1 more run ready for Pioneer. Evans, Tyler Belskus, and Trevor Arico each had buckets that pulled Saline within 8. Pioneer responded with a put back bucket from Wright and a dagger triple from Alex Cunningham. Pioneer cruised through the last 4 minutes, earning a hard fought 57-41 win over a well prepared Saline squad.
5 Key Questions
Can Pioneer stay this efficient on offense?
It appears that way. They have their 2 superstars in Lowder and Pryor, but other guys step up everytime they’re needed. Wright, Alex Cunningham, Mac VanRenterghem, and Christopher Holmes have all shown the ability to get it done offensively.
Who will Drew Lowder sit next to at the Mr. Basketball award ceremony?
It’s time to face facts: Drew Lowder is one of the top players in the state and deserves to be a Mr. Basketball finalist.
Who’s going to step up offensively for Saline?
It could be a variety of players. Belskus, Peter Jacobsen, Logan Evans, and Cooper Fairman have all shown flashes.
Why is this still a successful season for Saline?
This season is still a success for Saline. They have an extremely young roster, with only 2 seniors and 4 juniors. Despite the youth, Saline still has a winning record and has planted themselves right behind the Ann Arbor schools in the SEC Red. Sophomores and a freshman have consistently started and played key roles. Underclassmen like Cooper Fairman, Anthony Ferrari, Nathan Holmberg, and Derek Caldwell have all shown flashes this season.
Why is Christopher Holmes so valuable to Ann Arbor Pioneer?
I really like watching the junior center. He’s critical to the teams success. Holmes plays within himself. In watching multiple Pioneer games this season, I’ve never seen him take a bad shot. Holmes is strong, physical, and tough on the glass. He sets solid screens and plays hard nosed defense.