Huron @ Saline: Recap and 5 Takeaways
On Tuesday night, Huron made the quick trip to Saline for an SEC Red matchup. The game started with Lewis Willis (2018, G, Huron) setting the tone. He buried two straight 3 pointers to give Huron a quick 6-0 lead. Saline was plagued by a few early turnovers and some misses on good looks at the rim. They continued to battle using their staunch defense to stay close. Huron rode the offensive aggressiveness of Lewis Willis, who had 13 first half points. Saline used Griffin Yaklich (2020, G, Saline) balanced scoring, and a late Peter Jacobsen (2019, G, Saline) three. Huron took a 19-16 lead into the half.
In the 3rd quarter, Huron boasted a balanced attack with Willis, Avery Lewis (2018, F), and Devin Womack (2021, G) all scoring 4 points. Huron began to pull away, taking a 33-22 lead into the 4th quarter. Huron continued to extend the lead with fast break baskets by David Olawale (2018, F) and Avery Lewis. Saline could have folded, but instead, fought hard to get back in the game. They increased the pressure defensively by pressing full court. With just under 2 minutes to play, Yaklich scored 4 quick points off two Huron turnovers and trimmed the deficit to just 6 points. Huron hit 7-8 late free throws to hold the lead and get a 50-40 win over the Hornets.
5 TAKEAWAYS:
LEWIS WILLIS (2018, G, HURON) IS A PROLIFIC SCORER.
Willis led the way with 21 points on Tuesday night. He was aggressive and efficient from the opening tip. What was especially impressive is how Willis scored. He scored on multiple three pointers, hit a floater from just inside the free throw line, layups on drives, and went 7-8 from the free throw line. Willis showed that he can score from all three levels and be efficient in doing so.
TURNOVERS
Saline was plagued by them early. The early turnovers forced Saline to play catch up the entire game. Huron had a batch of them late in the 4th quarter that allowed Saline to make a run and get back in the game. As the playoffs approach, both teams will want to reduce the number of turnovers in order to make a run.
HURON’S BENCH
Huron has talent coming off the bench. The performance from their bench may be a key to the rest of the season. Arthur Caldwell (2018, 6-7, F) leads the way. He is long and moves well for his size. Caldwell made an impact defensively. Against Saline there was not much contribution offensively from the bench. If Huron can find bench points, they can be dangerous in the post season.
SALINE’S ETHAN FRIEDRICHSEN CONTINUES TO INPROVE.
This kid continues to improve rapidly. He was active on the glass, got put back buckets, and even hit a corner three. At 6-5, he has good feet and is solid with the ball for a post player. He can score, rebound, and play defense. Over the last 2 weeks Friedrichsen has shown a ton of potential.
LEWIS WILLIS AND LJ DEWOLF’S PERIMETER DEFENSE
These 2 senior guards are elite perimeter defenders. Saline has star power in the backcourt and Huron made a point of slowing them down. Willis and DeWolf blanketed Yaklich and Arico all night. While Saline’s guards got points at the basket or on drives, open looks from deep weren’t available.