By Mark Blentlinger
Buchanan Bucks came to Schoolcraft in February with an 8-8 record to challenge the Golden Eagles with a 4-11 record. The Bucks presented 13 players, including 6’2” senior Alyssa Carson. The Eagles carry 9 players, comprised of 3 seniors, 4 juniors, and 2 freshmen. Schoolcraft’s tallest player is 5’9” freshman Val DeVries.
The Bucks opened with a 10-0 lead until Carley Couk scored on a 2-point jump shot and Sydney Drenth found openings and drained 2 long 3-point shots just outside the paint. The visitors led 15-7. The Bucks played strong defense, anticipating and blocking multiple passes. At the half, the visitors led, 27-14.
During the 3rd period, the Eagles had some breaks and began closing the gap a little, but at the end of the 3rd, the Bucks held a comfortable 38-21 lead. The 4th quarter saw the Eagles moving a bit on offense, but the Bucks continued to add to their score, ending the night with Buchanan 51-35 win.
Next, the Eagles faced off against the Constantine Falcons at home. In their last meeting, the Falcons won 39-33. The opening pace was slow, but the Eagles accelerated the lead and were ahead 11-2 at the end of the 1st quarter. The 2nd quarter became much more physical, and at the half, the Eagles had a 8 point lead, 26-18.
In the third period, physical play continued, and while the Falcons cut into the lead, the home team maintained it, ending the quarter, 33-28. During the 4th period, Coach Kulczyk called a timeout and three Schoolcraft seniors, Sydney Drenth, Addison Blodgett and Paige Metzger, walked off the court to a standing ovation. In the end, Schoolcraft held off the visiting Falcons, winning 37-30.
