By Gavin Raath
Tuesday’s GAC match-up went downhill for Beecher right after freshman Monte Morris opened the game with a lay-up.
Goodrich had too much size and athleticism, and made it difficult for the Bucs to find any easy baskets. On the other end, the three-ball was alive and well for the Martians as they built up an insurmountable lead.
Goodrich seems tough at every spot. It all starts with Andrew Patrick, a recent Concordia commit. He’s a big lefty guard that is comfortable pushing the pace and is at his best attacking the rim.
Perhaps the most talented Martian is Grand Blanc transfer Mitchel Vallie. Vallie at around 6’4″, is extremely versatile. He defended at almost every spot tonight and scored inside and out. Nice three-ball, good control going to the rim — he’ll play at the next level for sure.
A couple more talented Martians are Carter Goetz, Trevor Lucus and Derek Warner. Juniors Goetz and Lucus, at 6’5″ and 6’6″ each, offer the team a lot of different looks with their versatility. Senior Warner, at a bulky 6’4″, offers the same. He was tough around the hoop, then knocked down a pair of deep threes, but my gosh is that form hard to watch.
Sophomore Luke Hildebrand is a tough hard-nosed forward that will do the dirty work while the finesse guys run inside and out.
I thought Goodrich would miss Joe Boisture after his transfer to Saline last season, but they seem to be doing just fine.
I can’t say that same for Beecher though. Their two best players for this season, Taron Boose and Javonte Hawkins, both transferred leaving this team without a potent scorer.
The defense and ball-handling is all there for the Bucs, but they struggle putting the ball in the cup. Sophomore Antawn Burks showed some scoring acumen last year, but he was pulled early and often Tuesday night.
Beecher’s top two players were 5’9″ freshman Monte Morris and 6’2″ senior D’Marius Houston.
Morris plays with a lot of poise for the position and gave Patrick some trouble on defense. He’s going to be one of the best point guards Beecher has had in a long time. Better than Janero Walker, Kirby Johnson or D’Paul Nokes.
I love Houston’s game. This kid has some of the quickest hands in the state. He’s a terror on d’ and swatted way too many shots for a guy giving up an average of three inches per match-up. His skill is a little lacking, but his athleticism makes him a threat on both ends. If basketball isn’t in the seniors future, then I could see him being a killer defensive back or receiver in football.
But don’t close the book on Beecher’s season just yet. Every year, they looks rough starting out, then before long they make a run at the Breslin. This season that possibility seems like more of a reach than ever, but I think I’ve said that before.