By Jared Field

19 February 2008

greatlakeshoops.com

Bridgeport    15    7    9    11    -    42

Flint C-A      20   4   16    24    -    64

--The Cavaliers avenged last season's two-point loss at Bridgeport with a convincing 22-point win at home. C-A started the game with a new wrinkle--four guards. Starting Jon Lee alongside Reggie Stallings, Kieon Arkwright, Ahmad Cheers and Dee Chapman worked very well as the Cavaliers jumped out to a 14-5 lead early in the first quarter. After moving back to a more conventional lineup, the Cavaliers came back down to earth late in the first quarter and for the duration of the half. The Cavs scored only one basket and one free throw in the entire second quarter and took a two-point lead into the break before asserting themselves on the offensive end in the second half.

--The best player on the floor tonight was C-A's Reggie Stallings, who turned in one of his best all-around performances of the season. The senior guard scored 20 points and pulled down seven rebounds. When Reggie is on from the perimeter, he is as good as there is in Michigan. He's still not as dominant slashing to the basket as he should be, but tonight was a step in the right direction.

--The best prospect on the floor was Bridgeport's do-all sophomore Derrick Davis, who scored 16 points with seven rebounds. Davis isn't a prototype power forward at 6-2, but his quickness makes up for his lack of size in the post. He has the skill to play away from the basket, but his knack for scoring in the paint would make it hard for any coach to play him anywhere else. He got loose for a nice dunk in the first half which surprised me. I was not surprised that he could dunk, but he had a poor take-off and still managed to slam it home. Davis was the only Bearcat in double-figures.

--Speaking of dunks, C-A's Dee Chapman had three tonight. The 6-6 sophomore man-child had 16 points and six rebounds. Unfortunately for the Cavs, Chapman is still struggling with his post moves as well as receiving the ball down low. He had six turnovers in this game, much to the chagrin of C-A coach Bob Root.

--Jon Lee started off strong for the Cavaliers, but cooled off in a hurry. The senior point guard finished with nine points, five rebounds and five helpers. Lee just does not appear to be comfortable in his new coach's offense.

--Kieon Arkwright turned in a solid performance after a few rough outings of late. Arkwright look dominant early and finished with 14-points. The head coach of Davenport University in Grand Rapids, Lewis Garner, made the trip to watch Arkwright in action. He came away impressed with his sticky hands on defense and his perimeter shooting.

--Earvin Burton, Bridgeport's junior big man, turned in a solid all-around performance with eight points and nine rebounds. Burton is not as athletic as Davis, but like his frontcourt mate his future is on the wing.

--Bridgeport's first-year head coach, Jason Kowalski, was whistled for a technical foul in the second half after sharing his distress with the officials. I can't say that I blame him for being upset, however, as the Bearcats appeared to be getting pummeled down low.