Sophomore guard Malik Albert scored 24 of his game-high 31 points in the first half, as Mott (4-1) rocked Kellogg CC 109-67 on Saturday night in Flint. Albert added 12 assists and seven steals to the best all-around statistical performance of his career at Mott. Through five games, Albert is averaging 30 points per game.
Mott’s 6-4 freshman forward Ruston Hayward (Houston) came off the bench and poured in 30 points with nine boards in only 18 minutes of action. Hayward shot 12-for-16 from the field. Hayward missed two free throws near the end of Mott’s 83-81 loss to Lansing Wednesday night, but quickly put the shortcoming behind him.
Sophomore guard Devin Foster (Chicago) chipped in 10 points with five assists. The 6-4 guard has struggled a bit this season, but showed some signs of a breakthrough against Kellogg.
For the first time this season, Mott started 6-6 freshman forward William Abbott (Detroit). He rewarded Coach Schmidt with a strong effort — seven points and eight rebounds. Mott will need Abbott to be productive this season, as he fits the mold of the athletic five that Schmidt has had a lot of success with over the years.
Mott played without starting freshman point guard Marcus Johnson (Charlotte, NC) who sustained an ankle injury in the game against Lansing.
Kellogg was led by 6-5 freshman Vadale Jackson (Detroit) with 19 points and nine rebounds.
Mott returns to action at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on the road at Owens (Ohio). The Express are coached by former Mott assistant Dave Clarke.