Big boys hoops weekend in Shelby & Mercer counties
By Tim Langevin
Six appetizers and two main entree’s headline Friday’s Feast of boys basketball
action in the Shelby County area.
Anna at Fort Loramie II The Boys Version
Fort Loramie has a 1/2 game lead over Anna. The Redskins are 8-1 and the Rockets are
7-1. The two collide a second time at spacious Loramie Gymnasium. Fort Loramie
defeated Anna the first meeting on Dec 22, 50-47. Heading into this titanic tilt,
Loramie has a four game win streak, including a huge win Saturday over Russia 59-46.
Mark Frilling paved the way with 22 points.
Anna has reeled off nine straight victories since their last loss to Fort Loramie.
Derek Billing poured in 38 points to lead the Rockets past Marion Local 58-49 this
past Saturday.
No doubt, the Anna and Fort Loramie boys and girls basketball programs have a
stranglehold on the SCL opposition this season (a la Ted Nugent).
So, one can imagine the Great Debate on both campuses concerning which team-boys or
girls-will advance the farthest come tournament time. (Make great Forum debate for
Shelby County Sports Rockers)
Sidney at Troy II Rated Loud
The Sidney Yellow Jackets are riding high with a four game win streak and boasting
their best record in 10 years at 11-4. The Troy Trojans started the season 6-1, but
a two game skid finds them reeling at 9-4.
The first meeting Troy defeated Sidney 78-69 at the “Bee Hive” on Dec 11. DJ
Martinez scored 23 points with seven rebounds. The big differences in the game was
bench scoring and rebounding. Troy held a 20-9 advantage off the bench and
outrebounded the Jackets 32-26.
One can bet, Coach Clark has addressed both these issues because his team doesn’t
make the same mistakes twice.
The rematch will look different to Troy. Sidney’s Ben Ernst has replaced Zach
Michael in the starting line up. Ernst had a big game Tuesday against Miamisburg
with 11 points, three rebounds, two assists, and three steals. Michael provides the
Jackets much needed bench strength. He has scored 10 and 12 points, repectively, his
last two outings and doesn’t have a problem with his new role. Both Ernst and
Michael share equal playing time.
Friday Night Appetizers
Botkins at Houston – The Wildcats looking to even overall record at 7-7.
Jackson Center at Fairlawn – Tigers hoping to snap five game skid.
Coldwater at Minster – The Cavaliers are 3-1 in MAC and 10-1 overall. Still in the
hunt. More impressive,though, looking for all-time win #999.
New Bremen at Marion-Local – Cardinals are 3-1 and 9-2 overall and still in the title
hunt.
Fort Recovery at New Knoxville – Greg Kahlig 32 points shy of all-time scoring record
of 1,417 points. Indians need win to remain unbeaten in conference play.
Versailles at Delphos St. John’s – Blue Jays need win to remain unbeaten and keep
pace with Fort Recovery.
| 
