The Saline Reporter
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Hornets wrap up winning season
12-point win over Bedford could be prelude to playoff W
By Jerry Hinnen, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: February 28, 2008
The Saline boys' basketball team has made two trips to Bedford in the past week. If the second was as successful as the first, their season is still alive.
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The Hornets took on Adrian Wednesday night after press deadline in a district tournament semifinal at Bedford, in the same gym where the Hornets polished off their winning season with a 55-43 victory over the Kicking Mules last Thursday.
The win concluded Saline's regular season with an 11-9 overall record (a six-game improvement from 2006-2007) and a 10-6 mark in Southeastern Conference play.
"I'm proud and happy for the kids," head coach Jay Plitzuweit said of the Hornets' achievements. "They've worked hard and it's nice for them to be able to see the fruits of their labors. We've seen a lot of improvement. But we're still not where we need to be."
The Hornets were in control throughout against Bedford, outscoring the Mules 14-8 in the first quarter and extending that lead to 27-15 by halftime.
The two teams traded baskets for most of the second half and the Hornets were able to score 17 points in the fourth quarter to keep the Mules at arm's length.
Saline continued their recent efficient play on the offensive end, shooting 22-of-44 from the field (50 percent) while holding Bedford to 12-of-38 (32 percent)
"I thought we were really good defensively," Plitzuweit said. "Holding them to 15 points in the first half allowed us to build our lead to double digits and we were able to keep it there in the second half."
23 of Saline's 55 points came from senior center Kyle Larsen, who completed his 14th double-double of the season by also grabbing 10 rebounds.
Larsen was followed on the scoresheet by Tyler Bagbey, who totaled 10 points to go with five rebounds and three assists in a strong all-around game. Jacob Fosdick added nine points, three assists, and three steals, with Cord Trott contributing five points, a team-high six assists, and three steals.
Jake Santure scored three points and added five rebounds with Zach Lambert scoring four points and Nick Moeller one.
After the Bedford game, Saline's focus turned towards Wednesday's showdown with Adrian, 70-54 winners over Monroe in Monday's opening-round game. The winner will face either Tecumseh (56-38 winners over the host Mules) or Lincoln in the district final.
Saline split their two regular-season games against the Maples.
"Adrian is a very good basketball team and we're going to have our hands full," Plitzuweit said. "Like in every game we play, we're going to play our best and hopefully it'll be enough."
Coverage of Saline's play in the district tournament is available at www.salinereporter.com.
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