Growing up Swami looked forward to surprises, now the All-Knowing-One knows that those surprises is going to cost him. The week from hell is over, there is still the reminisce of waiting on the bill for the heat, and that of getting the Buick back from the transmission shop, then receiving that bill. The only item that was not a surprise was Kevin’s auto being totaled. So he has a decision to make. Outside of those minor details, this week is going fairly smooth. He should not blow his horn too loud as that is the time when another unexpected surprise might occur.

Switching gears, there have been of surprises on the hard court. Monday, the Oscoda boys defeated fifth rated Hale. After the first of the year, Alpena took a tough contest against Escanaba. Both the Posen Vikings and Hillman Tigers girls teams have been extremely successful to this point. With that in mind, Swami just might change his outlook as to surprises. Let’s see what the area teams have up their sleeves this week.

ALPENA (5-2) at CADILLAC (6-0) – Friday – (Boys) – The Wildcats have become road warriors over the last two weeks and their journey will come to an end tonight. Since the first of the year, Alpena has logged 1381 miles including tonight’s game against Cadillac. That might be an explanation why the Wildcats have been on the winning side of only two games. So that explains to Swami why the same enthusiasm and athletic plays have been missing over the stretch, as there is nothing like home cooking sandwiched in between to break the monotone of a bus trip.

It showed against Traverse City West, a team with a sub .500 record, as the Wildcats were limited to single digits over the first two quarters and when Alpena came alive couldn’t overcome the large hole they had dug. Now if the Wildcats were able to get untracked earlier as they had done in the fourth quarter, then the outcome could have been a different story. Four Wildcats reached double figures Tuesday, in a 72-48 win over Sault Ste. Marie. Kelley Stark pumped in 16, followed closely by Jadon Duncan with 15, in addition to 12 coming from Jack Schmanski and Jordan Schultz added 10.

The Wildcats can ill afford to duplicate that same type of effort against Cadillac. The guard play of Levi Klotz and Tipp Baker have the Vikings cemented into first place in the Big North Conference. Klotz, who has not been known for his 3-point shooting ability, lit up Petoskey for seven and Baker sealed the win with six straight free throws down the stretch. Both finished in double figures as they have done throughout the season. Cole Jenema and Brady McLaurin have been instrumental in leading the rebound effort and getting those much needed second chance opportunities.

Swami Sez: Cadillac 58, Alpena 55.

PETOSKEY (1-8) at ALPENA (4-4) – Friday – (Girls) – Looking at the records, the Wildcats should be the hands down favorites. Records do not always provide a correct answer. Of the eight games played three have been with common opponents, the final outcomes were very similar. True, the level of competition has been superior, though the final scores are almost the same. Swami has to say a week off after a tough outing against Big North leader Cadillac, should benefit the Wildcats. Not only having the home court, but it is the week to iron out the miscues and to improve on their game.

The Wildcats sprung a defense on the Vikings in attempt to slow down sharp shooting junior Molly Anderson, it worked well in the first half as Alpena was only down eight. But like with an obstacle, over time Cadillac work its way through it, winning going away. In addition, the Vikings found the weaknesses in the Wildcats and defensed it according, that did not work in the favor of Alpena.

Petoskey came out hot against Gaylord, but it was hard to hold onto that intensity throughout the entire game, dropping a 47-40. The Blue Devils extended Alpena to an overtime period before taking a 56-49 win. So is there any difference, the All-Knowing-One says anyway you slice it still comes out to a seven point loss.

The Northmen might have come away with their seventh loss, but they did show progress, with the amount of intensity and keeping the game close. Petoskey like Alpena, are going through a learning curve, and the lessons might be disheartening at times. Both are still learning and that is a good thing. Ellie Pollion led the way for the Northmen with 12 points. Sydney Mann delivered seven. Jamisyn Karr also found the range from the arc. All three have shown improvement in their ability to score in recent weeks.

Even though the winner of this game will not make great strides in the conference, it will have a taste of what it takes to get back on the winning track.

Swami Sez: Alpena 50, Petoskey 38.

WHITTEMORE-PRESCOTT (2-4) at OSCODA (6-0) – Thursday – (Boys) – The Owls have been riding a hot streak and are looking for a win against the Cardinals to continue. The Cardinals are looking to rite themselves after two consecutive blowout losses. Dana Thorson had monster games against Tawas and Mio, with 40 and 34 points allowing him to reach the 1,000 point plateau. But has had little support on the offensive side of the ball. Swami says the Cardinals have tried a variety of lineups that would aid them in there efforts to be more competitive, while increasing the win total. To this point, nothing has played into Whittemore-Prescott’s hand.

The Owls on the other hand, have been mowing down the opposition. In their latest win came over fifth ranked Hale, Brayden Mallak pumped in 20 points, while Owen Franklin contributed 12, Gabe Kellstrom and Michael Gepfrey also finished in double figures.

In the 64-43 win, the Owl defense did a yeomen’s job against high scoring Joseph Kimmerer limiting him to 19 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks. Coming into the game, Kimmerer was coming off three 40 plus games. Swami thinks if the Owls come up with a similar defensive plan to apply to Thorson, Oscoda should have no problem racking up win seven. If Thorson does come up with his points, the All-Knowing-One believes the Owls have more than enough offensive weapons to remain perfect. As the Cardinals, just don’t have enough players to compliment Thorson to turn the tide in the favor of Whittemore-Prescott.

The general consensus is the Owls have a starting five that have been in double figures most of the year, it is Swami’s way of thinking as well. It just makes sense that 5 against 1, the Owls should gain another win.

Swami Sez: Oscoda 65, Whittemore-Prescott 44.

HILLMAN (7-2) at POSEN (6-1) – Friday – (Girls) – The only blemishes on the Tigers record are against UP power Cedarville. Posen’s only loss came at the hands of Alcona, since that time they have increased their point production to 54 points per game. The All-Knowing-One has to admit scoring in that range, gives you the confidence that the Vikings can walk off the floor with a win.

The Vikings came away with their best game by using ball movement in a runaway win 65-40 over Inland Lakes. Swami says anytime you can move the ball up and down the floor without giving the defense a chance to setup is good. That is exactly what Posen did from the opening tip. A few times when the defense was present, the Vikings would work the ball around the perimeter, finding an opening for an uncontested lay up. Elena Kalbitzer led the way with 17 points, while Lizzy Romel added 10. Another plus for Posen, they were able to get everyone floor time and this will come in handy later in the season.

From the onset, Hillman overestimated the determination of Rogers City to pull off an upset win. It was the little things that spelled defeat for the Tigers, turnovers and a poor shooting night. Swami has to give Hillman credit, they clawed their way back in, it was the hustle of Rogers City that kept the game close, dropping the game by a mere four points. Bailey Schook took matters into her hands, canning 23 points, while spearheading a strong defense.

Hillman owns a game and half lead over the Tigers in the Little Dipper Division of the North Star League. Hillman owns the lead in head-to-head opposition within the North Star. A win by the Vikings would give them some breathing room, while a loss would make things interesting. Swami is guessing that is why they play the game, if the outcome was known then there would be no need to play.

Swami Sez: Posen 46, Hillman 44.