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Add commentSaginaw Arthur Hill picks up a big win over Mt. Pleasant to maintain pace atop the SVC standings
In a big conference game between two of the top 3 teams in the SVC, Saginaw Arthur Hill made the trip to Mount Pleasant to take on the host team the Oilers.
On paper, Arthur Hill's overall record would not put much fear into opposing teams (6-7). But the Lumberjacks have played one of the toughest schedules in the state this season, and actually came into this game 2nd in the conference standings with a 6-2 record. The brutal non conference schedule appears to have paid off.
Mount Pleasant came into this game looking very intimidating, posting a 10-2 record and a 5-2 conference record, but their non conference schedule has not been nearly as difficult. Their starting 5 is very young, as they have no seniors in it.
This game was extremely close from start to finish. Neither team got more than a 5 or 6 point lead one each other for the entire game and was not decided until the final 30 seconds.
Mount Pleasant came out of the gates a little more threatening. Football prospect Tyler Huenemann killed the Lumberjacks early on, scoring 6 of the Oilers first 15 points in the quarter, and was just abusing them inside around the rim. After 1, it was all tied at 15 as each team traded buckets the entire way. Arthur Hill had a balanced offensive attack, as 3 players had 3 points, while 3 more had 2 points.
The second quarter was again played about dead even. Arthur Hill went into the break with a 32-31 lead but could not get any real separation from the young Oilers squad.
At the end of 3, Mount Pleasant managed to take a 50-49 lead thanks to strong play from 2020 duo Mason Wojtusik and Tyler Huenemann. Drew Cannon was a spark off the bench for Arthur Hill, leading them with 12 going into the final quarter. Reggie Williams also had 10 for the Lumberjacks.
The 4th quarter was again played pretty much dead even. The big difference between the teams was that Mt. Pleasant began battling foul trouble with their star players, and in the end, it proved to likely be the difference. By the time the final whistle sounded, the Oilers lost 3 of their starters to fouls, while Arthur Hill had 0 of their starters foul out. Arthur Hill hung on for a very impressive 71-66 win.
Reggie Williams absolutely took over for Arthur Hill in the fourth. He had 10 points going into the final quarter, and literally did not miss a single shot in the final quarter to finish with a game high 27. Drew Cannon had 12, all of which came in the first three quarters. Jayon Stevenson had 9 points and Bert Brown had 8 points, 8 rebounds.
Tyler Huenemann led the Oilers with 20 points, 10 rebounds. Mason Wojtusik had 19 points and 10 rebounds as well. Peyton Fountain had 8 points and Joe Ostrowsky had 7 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists as well for the Oilers.
Below are some notes on a handful of the players for each team:
Williams absolutely exploded in the 4th quarter. He scored 17 points alone in that final stanza, and his team needed him to score every point for them to hold off the Oilers. He failed to make a three, but was killing Mt. Pleasant at mid range and at the free throw line. He made 9 field goals, and over half of them were mid range shots. Most of which were contested pull ups. Williams is extremely quick, and used his speed and a quick release to get his shots off over the contested hands. At the line, Williams was pretty clutch, going 9-12 for the game, going 6-6 in the 4th quarter. He used his speed as well to get a couple steals that led to baskets for his squad. If the 5'11 point guard can hold
The top basketball prospect in this game, Wojtusik got it done on both ends of the floor. He grabbed 10 rebounds from the guard spot, which tied for a game high. He also had 2 steals and 3 assists, highlighting his ability to make plays on the defensive end and in the half court offensively. Wojtusik has always been considered a superb finisher inside, and that was no different in this one. He hit numerous layups, runners and floaters that were heavily contested and hit a few tough mid range pull up shots as well. In this game, he frequently beat the Arthur Hill defenders with a explosive and quick spin move that created separation every time. He still needs to develop his 3 point shot. It has made noticeable improvements since July, but it still has a ways to go. Getting a little laterally quicker would also be huge for Wojtusik on the defensive side of the floor. He struggled at times defending Reggie Williams' speed, and that likely would continue against other guards with similar quickness. He nonetheless projects to be at least a high D2 prospect and could easily find himself as a D1 prospect with the way he has developed his game in recent months.
Cannon was a huge scoring spark off the bench for Arthur Hill. For the first 3 quarters, he was their top offensive weapon. He made a killing in transition and attacking the hoop. Cannon was 4-4 at the line and had all 4 of his field goals in transition or attacking the hoop in the half court.
The football prospect dominated the paint on both ends. Although only 6'3, he is very thick and has great mobility and skill. He could have easily finished with around 30 points had his teammates consistently fed him from start to finish, and would have likely fouled out many of the Arthur Hill players based on how the referees called the game on both ends. Huenemann also looked comfortable at the free throw line, going 6-8 and showing a very clean and consistent release. His future clearly lies on the football field, but he could have himself a great high school basketball career if he sticks with it and puts a little work into his game in the offseason.
The 6'5 wing was Arthur Hill's top rebounder in this one. He used his mobility and athleticism to attack the glass. Brown, like Cannon, did most his offensive damage in the first 3 quarters. He scored on 4 buckets inside the paint. 2 of which were tough runners through the lane where his body was going away from the rim. He seems to be a bit of a tweener with his skill set, but his mobility and athleticism combined with his size makes him an intriguing small college prospect.
Ostrowsky hit a few difficult shots in this one, and did the best job overall at feeding Huenemann inside. He buried a deep three and had a few good looks a couple other times but failed to hit his other attempts. Ostrowsky also hit a pair of tough runners between 12-15 feet, and if that is consistently in his repertoire combined with his shot, it will make him an intriguing guard prospect going forward. At 5'9 or so, he needs to have a jump shot with range and a good mid range/floater game in his arsenal. Ostrovsky is a very fundamental, well rounded guard who should make a potent trio alongside Wojtusik and Huenemann the next couple of years for Mount Pleasant.