They've got Garret!!

[GLH Game of the Week Recap]

Friday, December 16, 2005

greatlakeshoops.com

Flint-- Tonight the Flint Carman-Ainsworth Cavaliers and the Flushing Raiders renewed their old rivalry in a big way. These two teams came into the game seeking a little respect. Carman-Ainsworth, already losers of two tough games, were looking to make a name for themselves against the Raiders. Flushing looked to put the Cavaliers in a hole right off the bat as they jumped out to a sizeable lead early on the strength of the perimeter shooting of Garret Konuszewski and Ricky Rowse. The Raiders picked apart the normally stingy defense of the Cavaliers and led by 14 points at the break.

It has almost become custom for the Cavaliers and their coach, Rory Mattar, to play their best when their backs are against the wall--tonight was no different. Coach Mattar lit a fire under his team and they responded with, of all things, shooting. A recent addition to the Carman-Ainsworth roster, from the junior varsity, is Sophomore sharpshooter Keon Arkwright. He helped lead the resurgent Cavaliers back into the game with five huge three-pointers--add those to senior wing guard Barry Fletcher's four and all the sudden we had a game on our hands.

The Raiders were not scared--they've got Garret. The senior almost single-handedly kept his team from losing its cool. He took care of the ball when it counted and hit his free throws down the stretch. The Raiders would need all of his 29 points on this night.

After Fletcher's fourth three-pointer that tied the game at 66, Flushing's inbound pass went to Konuszewski with under ten seconds left in the game. Garret took the ball the length of the floor, picked up a nice screen, elevated, and hit the game-winning shot with no time left on the clock.

Our game of the week was, indeed, the game of the week.

Game Notes and Musings

--Coach Simons at Flushing does a great job coaching his team. I believe the Raiders have a good chance of splitting with Grand Blanc this year if they can get a similar amount of production out of their post.

--Cavalier head coach, Rory Mattar, looks more like an orchestra conductor out there than a coach. He used every single player on his bench tonight, shipping them in and out the entire game. Give this coach ten guys, any ten guys, and you will have a game.

--Garret Konuszewski is quickly becoming one of the best players in the county. He didn't have any trouble handling the press of the Cavalier guards and his jumper is silky smooth. Garret might just be the best player Flushing has had since Matt Jakeway. If you keep this up, GK, you might just play your way into a Division one scholarship.

--If C-A is going to make it to regionals again this year they are going to have to get more production out of 6'4'' junior center Derrick Flowers. The kid is built like a brick house but continues to play with a little trepidation in the paint. Take it to them, Derrick.

--I knew it was only a matter of time before Keon Arkwright was called up from the junior varsity team. K-Ark went five for seven from three-point range and showed the ability to get good looks at the basket.

--Ricky Rowse...what were you thinking? This was a big win for your team and you appeared to be too caught up in yourself to enjoy the victory. Try to stay on the floor, your team needs you. Your coach did you a favor by keeping you out of the game after your well-deserved technical foul.

--Fletch lives: Barry Fletcher scored 20 points tonight and played with a lot of energy. I think we are starting to understand why Coach Mattar has always seemed to like this kid.

--The Raiders got a solid performance out of senior center Jay Barta down the stretch. The kid plays with a lot of heart and provides the Raiders with exactly what they need in the post--great effort. He had eight points for the winners.

--Former Cavalier point guard Brandon Carr was in attendance tonight, less than a week removed from winning the NCAA division II football championship with the Lakers of Grand Valley State. Congrats BC.

--The twice-weekly student section report: Both teams brought sizeable student sections to this game and were already warming up their pipes before the tip-off. I was impressed with the size of Flushing's student section--they travel well. In addition, your chant "we've got Garret" must have been a bitter pill to swallow for the Cavalier faithful; after all, they don't have Garret. As for the "Gravel Pit," you guys are completely obnoxious. I haven't quite decided if that is a good or bad thing.

--Memo to the athletic office at Flushing High School: What is with your roster? Normally I link the rosters of both teams for the game of the week review, but your's is a mess. Ricky Rowse is listed at 6'6'' and Jay Barta at 5'11''...what gives? Josh Cobleigh, the little guard, is listed as a 6'4'' center. Is this some sort of lame attempt at humor? You better hope someone in the athletic department at C-A doesn't accidentally forget who won tonight's game.

-One final note: Anyone interested in seeing this game in its entirety should tune in to Comcast channel 70 on Monday, December 19 at 8:30 p.m. and Tuesday, December 20, at 2:00 p.m. The game will also be appearing statewide on Comcast channel 98 on Wednesday, December 21, at 4:00 p.m. Tune in to see what all the fuss is about.

Game Photos