Northwest proud to still be playing but wants much more heading into regional final
By Mike Moore
Staff Writer
Jackson – It’s been a season to remember for the Northwest girls basketball team.
And for that much, Ryan Carroll said he’s enjoyed every moment of it.
But the Mounties’ coach paused while taking about his team, now 22-2 and prepping for a Thursday night Class A regional final with East Lansing.
“We’re having a blast right now,” he said. “This is fun, intense and exciting. But we’re not satisfied at all. We want to keep this going.”
Northwest is playing in its first regional final in seven years and now sits just two wins from a trip to the Breslin Center, though East Lansing may have something to say about that.
The Trojans enter the 7 p.m. game at Mason 18-6, but started the season 2-5 before Michigan State signee Taryn McCutcheon transferred to the school.
It’s been an entirely new team since then, and one riding an 11-game win streak heading into Thursday night.
“She’s dynamic,” Carroll said of McCutcheon. “We have to focus on limiting her penetration and getting a hand in her face when she shoots. But they also have some post players that are very versatile. For us, we have to be sound on the defensive end.”
Defense has been the calling card all year for the Mounties.
The girls are allowing just 34.3 points per game this year, while East Lansing is scoring roughly 60 per game.
“It’s a game that will depend on the defense,” Carroll said simply. “If we can limit them, I think we’re going to get some good shots. Our defense can feed our offense.”
If the game is close, as many expect, it won’t be anything new for the Mounties.
They won Tuesday night’s regional semifinal over Kalamazoo Central by 59-57 count.
“It was back and forth all game, especially the last four minutes,” Carroll said. “It was probably the most physical game I’ve ever been a part of. The referees let both teams play, for the most part.”
In the district final, Northwest beat Mason 36-34.
East Lansing is coming off a 56-32 victory against Battle Creek Lakeview Tuesday night.
“We understand how talented we are,” Carroll said. “The support we’ve gotten is insane. The gyms have been packed. This has all been a lot of fun.”
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.