It’s often said that the easiest way to score in basketball is to make free throws.

That may be, but Swami disagrees. Do you know how hard it is to stand at the charity stripe by yourself with everyone looking? The pressure is immense, even if it’s something a player practices all the time.

When a foul is called, there’s plenty of time for nervousness to set in.

When the referee passes the ball to a player, he or she has more time to think and line themselves up with the basket. If the free throw is made, the pressure is off. If not then frustration sets in and this why coaches say games are often won or lost at the line.

Swami feels like he places himself in the same position every week as he tries to do all his weekly tasks as perfectly as possible. He hopes that local athletes strive for perfection every week as well.

CADILLAC (14-2) at ALPENA (9-8)–Friday–(Boys)–Two last-second losses have the Wildcats reeling as they try to build momentum for the playoffs.

The Wildcats had eight days to prepare for the Vikings, following a heartbreaking 47-46 loss to Traverse City West. Swami has seen the troubles that Alpena has faced, namely playing with control.

Against the Titans, the Wildcats went down by 11 before rallying for a tie, then losing it at the free throw line and a last-second shot that fell short. Cooper Bright came off the bench to lead the Wildcats with 11, including a trey with 1:17 left, before Jadon Duncan tied the score.

Cadillac has been doing all those little things good teams need to do to win. They proved it once more in probably their most important game against Petoskey as both sides came in tied for the league lead. At the end of the night, it was the Vikings that found away to secure a 65-59 win. Cole Jenema had a double-double with 20 points and 17 rebounds, Tipp Baker chipped in with 13 and Levi Klotz had nine.

The Wildcats would like to build some momentum heading into their last game against Bay City Western. Can they do it on Friday?

Swami Sez: Cadillac 62, Alpena 51.

ALPENA (10-8) at TRAVERSE CITY CENTRAL (5-14)–Thursday–(Girls) –The Wildcats would like gain some momentum and what better place to do that than in Traverse City?

Alpena won a close one over the Trojans last month and can cement their hold on second place with a win tonight. A very good Sault Ste. Marie team pressed and out-hustled Alpena on Monday, despite the Wildcats’ efforts to turn things around in the second half. Tournament time is right around the corner and Alpena could use a shot of momentum after losses to Cadillac and Sault.

The Trojans despite their sub-.500 record have a talented team, which was again evidenced by a nail-biter loss to Traverse City West last week. The Trojans led in every quarter, thanks to sharp shooting Carina Stewart, who also scored in every quarter to lead Central with 20 points.

Swami says if the Wildcats are to escape with a win, it will take more than one player and a total team effort for 32 minutes. Will they be able to do it?

Swami Sez: Alpena 41, Traverse City Central 38.

OSCODA (17-0) at OGEMAW HEIGHTS (10-6)–Friday–(Boys)–The Owls should not only be rested, but should have upper hand in the contest against the Falcons.

The All-Knowing-One is wondering if the Owls will have a let down, following a tough game against Hale. Owen Franklin added his name to the 1,000 point club with a 26-point performance. Brayden Mallak led the way for the Owls with 28 as Oscoda held the lead throughout the game. 

Ogemaw Heights ran its record to 10-6 following an exciting 56-46 win over Alcona on Tuesday. The Falcons had a trio of double digit scorers as the duo of Tyler Eedy and Hudson Hodgins canned 15 apiece. Merik Hodgins added 11 in the win.

The Falcons are the same team that stole a win from Alpena and their guard play makes them go. Once they get going the inside low post players will take over. The Falcons and Owls match up well at the guard position and likewise in the center. It should be a very good game and Swami can’t pick a clear favorite in this one.

Swami Sez: Oscoda 65, Ogemaw Heights 59.

ONAWAY (11-8) at ROGERS CITY (4-14)–Thursday–(Girls)–The Cardinals are looking for a fourth straight win and a strong finish to the regular season after fighting to third place in the Ski Valley Conference.

Rogers City has made the most of its wins in the North Star League, but it hasn’t been enough to level out its season.

Onaway made short work of Pellston on Tuesday and Nicole Larson led the way with 20 points. Jillian Chaskey and Breya Domke helped to Cardinals pull away with 13 and 10 points respectively. Onaway was able to work the entire squad into the game and gain some valuable experience that can be used next week.

The Hurons have a hard time putting up points. The trio of Karissa Rabeau, Kyrsten Altman and Kyley LaFleche have done their best on offense, but it has not worked well, except in North Star League, where they have gained all their wins. Swami just feels the Cardinals will have no let down in this contest.

Swami Sez: Onaway 55, Rogers City 40.