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Swami is headache-free despite schedule changes

It happens every basketball season: cancellations due to weather and hard times for the schedule makers trying to figure out when and where to plug games in. Schedules are made in advance and as we head toward February, there are less open days on the calendar.

It would be nice if two schools had open dates on the same day so that games could be played, but it’s looking like some teams are going to have several weeks where they play three games.

The All-Knowing-One is glad he doesn’t have to play scheduler and so far he hasn’t had any headaches when it comes to picking games.

ALPENA (5-5) at CADILLAC (8-1)–(Girls)–The real test for the Wildcats comes tonight. Alpena has battled all year to reach the .500 mark and now we’ll see if they can take the next step. Big North Conference leader Cadillac has had an easy go of things this season, both in and out of conference and leads Traverse City West by a game in the BNC standings.

Cadillac was able to pull out a 49-40 over the Wildcats last month. Alpena wasn’t in sync and struggled to score, rebound and pass as Maddie Voltz led Alpena with nine first half points and was scoreless in the second half.

Cadillac hadn’t quite realized its talent fully, but starting guards Molly Anderson and Makenna Bryant picked apart the Wildcats’ defense to the tune of 33 points.

It’s been a while since Alpena has played, but the Wildcats seem to be turning things around. Alpena needs to get back on the court, before they lose what has gotten them to this point. A win tonight would not only help in the conference, but would be a definite boost going forward.

Playing in Cadillac is always difficult and a long bus trip doesn’t help, so the Wildcats will have to be at the top of their game.

Swami Sez: Cadillac 60, Alpena 49.

GAYLORD (5-5) at ALPENA (10-2)–(Boys)–It’s been more than a week since Alpena has played, so Swami is wondering if the layoff will affect Alpena’s momentum. After Chris DeRocher became Alpena’s all-time leading scorer last Tuesday in a win over Sault Ste. Marie, the Wildcats were hoping to use that momentum against Petoskey on Friday. Alas, weather got in the way. Gaylord has been off for awhile now too and the Blue Devils have quite a few games that are going to have to be made up.

The Wildcats were able to overcome the Blue Devils sharp shooting in the opening three minutes in the conference opener in Gaylord. The Wildcats settled down, picking up the defensive intensity to pull out a 61-54 win. DeRocher led all scorers that night with 23 points, Bruz Copping and Jadon Duncan also finished in double figures.

Swami feels the Wildcats will have no let down with thoughts of staying in the race for the Big North title. The All-Knowing-One says they will not play down to the level of the competition and will roll to remain in the race.

Swami Sez: Alpena 64, Gaylord 55.

MIO (11-2) at OSCODA (13-0)–(Boys)–This should be the game of the year in the Big Dipper Division of the North Star League. Oscoda comes in perfect as well as 7-0 in conference play. Despite two overall losses for Mio, only one affects them in league play. If Oscoda wins tonight, the Owls will have a two-game lead. If Mio wins, the division will have a tie at the time. Oscoda took the first matchup 35-33, so this one should be fun to watch.

The Owls continue their winning ways, but the second trip through the conference has produced tighter games, which means Oscoda’s opposition is finding ways defend against them. To have a perfect record this late in the season says something about the Owls coaching staff and players. The Owls have been riding on the shooting touch of Owen Franklin and Gabe Kellstrom, who had 19 and 11 respectively in the win over Posen.

Despite two losses, Mio has looked pretty good. Since a loss to Hale, the Thunderbolts have been catching fire and have turned into a burning inferno with 20-point wins over the last three opponents. When Mio gets 20-point performances from Drew Hess and River Watsanen then the Thunderbolt express is on a roll. Adding double digits from Brennon Mills and Brendan DeFlorio only adds to the headaches of defenses. Swami says this game will be as close as the first, the only thing that remains is to see who wins.

The All-Knowing-One has a feeling the Thunderbolts have a little more firepower to pull this one out.

Swami Sez: Mio 48, Oscoda 46.

AU GRES (6-5) at ALCONA (6-6)–(Boys)–Both teams have similar overall records, but, at 5-3, Alcona is in better shape in the North Star League’s Big Dipper than Au Gres is in the Little Dipper.

The Tigers have been building confidence in themselves as a team–and have won three straight–to get back to .500. In the latest win, Alcona relied on free throw shooting to gain a 45-43 win over Hillman. Josh Kilbourn calmly sank two free throws for the difference. In the low scoring game, a balanced scoring attack helped Alcona win. Damion Stewart was able to get to double digits at 11 points, Pierce Bilbey added nine, Antavius Mikazes, Dominic Howe and Kilbourn were also instrumental in the win.

Ben Salgat has had the hot shooting hand for the Wolverines, but does not have anyone else that can compliment him. Swami feels this is why the Wolverines are struggling to compete in the North Star League; you need to have more than one double digit scorer. This is why the All-Knowing-One gives the Tigers a leg up to get above the .500 mark and remain in the hunt in the Big Dipper division.

Swami Sez: Alcona 55, Au Gres 43.

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