Some four months later, Michigan Center and Concord meet again, with much more on the line
By Mike Moore
Staff Writer
Michigan Center – Both coaches, while understanding the question and the reason it was asked, had to laugh at the premise.
It was Dec. 7 when the Michigan Center and Concord boys basketball teams kicked off the 2015-16 season.
On March 9 the teams come together again, with slightly more on the line.
Actually, a lot more.
A ticket to Friday night’s district final, to be exact.
So how much does that opener mean or factor into Wednesday night?
“Nothing. Absolutely nothing,” Center’s Travis Gaddy said. “That was like a season ago.”
“It doesn’t play into this at all,” Concord coach John Martines said. “It’s funny, because we watched the film of that first game, and some of the guys wondered if that was even us. To have this many games under our belt by now and see how far we’ve come is something.”
Just to be clear, Center won the opener 55-43.
Since that point, the teams have put together a combined 51-5 record.
Center, hosting the 5:30 p.m. Class C game, had a bye to start the postseason.
Concord eliminated Napoleon Monday night 56-40.
“I don’t know if there’s an advantage either way,” Gaddy said. “We went and saw them play Monday. We have some film to work with. That may be a little advantage. We’ve had two very strong days of practice. But they have a very good transition offense. They attack the basket and they attack the offensive glass. We have to keep them off the boards.”
Gaddy said his guys, 17-3 to this point, won’t look past what Concord can do in transition.
In the victory over Napoleon, Kam McDonald was one of three Concord players to score in double figures, pouring in 20 points. Sa’Taveus Johnson scored 15, while Jacob Butterfield added 11.
“Not giving them second chances is key, but they are so athletic,” Gaddy added. “They will get a rebound and push. They have guys that can score and push, they create those odd-man rushes.”
Martines, who’s guided Concord to an 18-3 mark, said the start of the game will be essential, especially the way his guys deal with emotion and momentum.
“We have to find a way, especially early on, to withstand the barrage of momentum,” he said, noting Center’s home-court advantage. “They have some great shooters and we have to withstand that, especially early.”
Gaddy wouldn’t discount the home-court factor.
“I think that plays into it,” he said. “I think the community is going to come out and support us.”
Both coaches said they can appreciate the gravity of the game, and exactly what’s on the line.
“There’s no easy path, we know that,” Gaddy said. “We can’t get hyped up. We have to step right into it, play composed and be ready.”
“It’s a great feeling to be where we are,” Martines said. “The guys are excited to go out and have the opportunity we have. To have this group and this skill set and be able to play for a shot at a district final is something cool.”
Whoever wins the game will advance to Friday night’s final against Hanover-Horton (19-2) or Vandercook Lake (11-10) at Michigan Center.
Mike Moore is a play-by-play commentator and Sports Writer for JTV Sports. You can reach him at mjm12@albion.edu. He’s also the author of ‘Love, Defined; A Dedication to the Love, Sacrifice, and Magic of Motherhood.’
Love, Defined is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Tate Publishing or by contacting Mike directly.