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Flivvers Can't Overcome Deficit, Fall In Final Four
 Story, photo courtesy of Michigan High School Athlertic Association It comes down to this: Jump on an opponent quickly, and don't let up. Keep an opponent down, step on the gas and don't look back – which is exactly what the Dragons accomplished in Friday's methodical 52-40 Semifinal win over Kingsford at the Breslin Center. Much like the team's previous five tournament wins by an average of nearly 40 points per game, Summit scored the first four points, led 16-6 after one quarter, 30-16 at the half and never let Kingsford climb within 12 points during the second half. In other words, business as usual, said Dragons junior guard Marquan White. "We don't anyone to get their first licks in," he said. "We want the advantage of keeping a lead and then going with it. We don't want to give other teams hope." The win sends Summit (24-3) into Saturday's 6:45 p.m. championship game. Kingsford finished 22-4.
The quick start was a result of myriad strengths. Summit forced 17 turnovers while allowing the Flivvers to attempt 11 fewer shots (41-30). The Dragons also held a 24-13 rebounding edge. Kingsford coach Ben Olsen said his team faced problems in falling behind by as much as 21-10 midway through the second quarter.
"We got down 10, and their pressure got to us," he said. "We weren't able to climb out of the hole. We talked about getting a quick lead and then play our style of game." Dragons junior guard Chance Houser led his team with 21 points and seven rebounds. Gavin Grondin had 12 and Morgan Sleik 11 points for Kingsford.
First-year Dragons coach Derek Clark said much of the credit goes to special depth at guard. He trusts at least four players to handle the ball, a strength which resulted in only 11 turnovers during the Semifinal. "We've got a unique build to the roster. We've got a lot of good players who can handle the ball, and that gives us an advantage," he said. |
