Mid-Michigan Matchups for Friday

Game of the night: Reese @ Unionville – Sebewaing Area

Match-up of the night: Albion’s Durant Crum vs. Hillsdale’s Mitchell Gabriele

By Gavin Raath

17 January 2008

greatlakeshoops.com

Albion @ Hillsdale: Thursday night

Finally, Albion gets a chance at revenge against the Hornets, after Tyler Laser dominated these games for the past two seasons. Albion is a dangerous team, no matter the class. Durant Crum, Mike Ridley, 6'3" senior Charles Lawler and 6'3" sophomore Justin Edmonds are tough and balanced line-up. Hillsdale offers similar balance, and while 6'0" junior Mitchell Gabriele may not by Laser, he's not too shabby either. Albion gets a ten-point win at home.

Bridgeport @ Frankenmuth

This is a perfect opportunity for Bridgeport to play spoiler. Frankenmuth is flying high on their undefeated record and could overlook their hated rival Bridgeport. Bridgeport has a great size advantage with 6’5” junior Derrick Davis and 6’4” junior Earvin Burton. Their guards are pretty strong with EJ Brooks, Bryson Ruffin and the return of Troy Cruz. Aside from Duby, Cruz has done the best job I have seen defending Brad Redford, and he was in street clothes for game one. It’s hard for me to bet against Frankenmuth, but my gut tells me that Bridgeport can win this game. The Bearcats by one.

Reese @ Unionville -- Sebewaing Area

This was set to be a huge game with two undefeateds until USA hiccupped against Laker High. Reese’s only close game this year came against class B Lansing Catholic Central at the Breslin. USA’s biggest test ended up being a pretty easy win over class B Birch Run. USA needs this win for a chance to stay in the GTC hunt – a loss would make them two back and at this rate I don’t see Reese losing two conference games. Friday will be the Rocket’s first and only loss of the season, as the Patriots walk away with a two-point victory.