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Hoops season continues for Swami

There is a different feeling in the air, but for Swami it is still winter and to him basketball is still in the air for at least another couple of weeks. The All-Knowing-One also believes there will be a couple of area teams that will go deep in the playoffs. When the postseason is over, Swami will move on from the winter sports season, but not before.

Some conference titles are in hand, but some teams are still jockeying for position. Records do not mean anything come playoff time. All it takes is one excellent game to begin a playoff streak regardless of record. With that in mind, here’s a look at this week’s games.

CADILLAC (10-6) at ALPENA (8-8) (Boys)– Friday– The Wildcats continue to struggle in the Big North Conference. The season is coming to an end, so the chances for that first conference win are running out. This might be the best night to break the streak. In the first meeting, Alpena and Cadillac exchanged blows and each rebounded, before the Vikings escaped with a 58-55 win.

The All-Knowing-One has seen a lot happen since then, Alpena has played at a sub .500 mark, while the Vikings have a 6-3 mark going into the contest. Like Swami has said all season long if only the Wildcats all could be on the same page, the record might look a lot different going into the final few games. But they haven’t and the All-Knowing-One doesn’t know of a quick fix that might right the ship come playoff time.

The Wildcats go-to player has been 1,000 point scorer, Chris DeRocher, but double teams or collapsing defenses have made it difficult to put up points needed to produce wins. This is where the Wildcats need help in the scoring column to take that pressure off. For the Wildcats to pull off the win, they have to come up with a defense which will stymie the hot shooting guard play of the Vikings.

Swami Sez:  Alpena 58, Cadillac 56.

ALPENA (11-6) at TRAVERSE CITY WEST (3-15) (Girls)–Thursday–The final game of the regular season is upon us as the Wildcats finish up against the Titans. The Wildcats had the Titans number in the first meeting and would like to add another win this time around. In doing so, the Wildcats would not only secure third place in the Big North Conference, but have the much needed momentum for upcoming district play.

It seems to Swami that the Titans were more competitive in the early stages of the season, but have gone downward since. Senior Night was emotional for Alpena before the game against Cadillac Friday. Seniors Shelby Seaver and Dakota Prevo were on fire, scoring nine of the first 11 points of the game. From that point, the Wildcats dominated from there on out. Emma Jore led Alpena in scoring with 13, Mollie Girard had her best game of her young career with 10 points.

West took on cross town rival Central coming out on the short end of a 47-35 score. Junior Sierra Perkette finished in double figures with 13, while Becca Bohrer contributed eight all in the second half.

Swami Sez:  Alpena 49, Traverse City West 44.

TAWAS (5-11) at ALCONA (10-7) (Boys)–Friday–The Tigers can assure themselves a winning season, but not the one they were hoping for. Presently mired in the lower portion of the Big Dipper division of the North Star League, Alcona needs to win out for a better finish. The Braves are just hoping to finish the season out healthy as this has been a season they would like to forget. With a healthy lineup, Tawas could make some noise in district play.

The Tigers had a full week to prepare for the Braves and is coming off a 55-46 win over Oscoda, last Friday.

The Braves would have liked to have seen more games like their 74-66 win over Houghton Lake. Tawas played its best game offensively, shooting and movement-wise. Michael Anderson led the Braves in scoring in addition to receiving support from Owen Irvin and Noah Davis.

Alcona opened a double digit lead in the first encounter against Tawas and breezed to the win. It was a game that saw playing time for everyone on the Tigers’ roster. Swami says the Tigers should enjoy this game, but shouldn’t overlook the capabilities of the Braves. If they look ahead to Tuesday’s contest against Hillman, they could be in for a rude awakening. The All-Knowing-One says the Tigers will enjoy the moment.

Swami Sez:  Alcona 74, Tawas 60.

ATLANTA (4-12) at MIO (12-6) (Boys)–Friday–Swami was surprised in picking games this week. He came across the Mio Thunderbolts and their record, but he hasn’t noticed them up until this week. It seems the Thunderbolts have been one of the better kept secrets in the area.

Hillman has wrapped up the Big Dipper division title of the North Star League, but there is still a lot to play for. A loss by Whittemore-Prescott and a win over Atlanta would likely put Mio in second place. Atlanta, despite its record, has pushed the opposition almost to the breaking point in several games.

The Thunderbolts have a triple threat on the scoring end in Brenden DeFlorio, Drew Hess and River Waisanen, making it hard to defend the Thunderbolt attack. The Huskies have been hard pressed to find a consistent scorer, Austin Corbin has been the leader in the late going, while Aaron Cuzzort has to ability to hit double figures as well.

The All-Knowing-One has seen more consistency coming from the Thunderbolts. Atlanta is still searching for players to play the lead. The Huskies have a good nucleus of role players and could make things difficult for Mio on Friday.

Swami Sez:  Mio 70, Atlanta 52. 

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