MBB Preview: Delta and Kirtland

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – After going 2-0 last week to run their win streak to 17 straight games, the No. 14 Mid Michigan College men's basketball team (20-3, 9-0 MCCAA North) is back in action with two MCCAA Northern Conference games this week. The Lakers will travel to Delta on Wednesday (Feb. 12) for a 4:30 PM tip, before closing the week Saturday (Feb. 15) against Kirtland at 3:00 PM from Mount Pleasant High School.

SCOUTING DELTA: The Pioneers are 9-13 overall and 4-5 in conference play, including a loss to Mid at Morey Courts on Jan. 22. They most recently defeated Kirtland 89-65 last Saturday. Jayden Hackett led the team with 29 points and five rebounds, while Evan Booker posted 11 points and seven boards. Brendon Schlink also scored 11 points against the Firebirds, while London Williams had a solid all-around game with 10 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. 

SCOUTING KIRTLAND: The loss to Delta dropped the Firebirds record to 5-10 overall and 4-5 in league action. Wesley Saint Juste led the Firebirds last Saturday with 24 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Noah Cosme added 11 points, four rebounds, and six assists, while Troy Jenkins posted 11 points off the bench. The Firebirds dropped a home contest to the Lakers back on Jan. 18. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS: Against Delta last month, the Lakers trailed at halftime 48-43. Mid however put it together in the second half, outscoring the Pioneers 62-47 to earn the 105-95 victory. James Wright had a monster game with 33 points and 15 rebounds, while Amonti Greene added 21 points and five steals, and De'Antre Griffin had 16 points and four assists. 

The Kirtland game saw all five Mid starters reach double figures, led by Greene's 23 points. Wright posted 21 points, Griffin and Jayden Hardiman had 12 each, and Joe Iung chipped in 11. Jaden Clark came off the bench for the Lakers and scored 13 points. Vynce Overshown had 9 points and six assists, while Jordan Chandler also had 9 points. Greene added a game high eight assists, while Hardiman grabbed six rebounds. 

UP NEXT: Following this week, the Lakers will travel to Muskegon on Feb. 19 for a 7:30 PM tipoff, before returning to Morey Courts for Sophomore Night against Alpena on Friday (Feb. 21) at 7:30 PM.