One more win: LCC dream season continues

Menominee lacks firepower to overtake Cougars in semifinal

By Andrew Bolton

14 March 2008

greatlakeshoop.com

Field: Repovz an 'inspiration' to LCC teammates

East Lansing--There were three teams from the U.P. that earned the right to play at the Breslin this season. For Negaunee and Cedarville, they found the sledding down here much tougher than expected, and both bowed out, leaving the Menominee Maroons as the only U.P. team left in the tournament.

They would not fare much better against Lansing Catholic Central.

LCC had advantages across the board and they exploited them in the second half, opening up the game in the third period and cruising to an easy 64-39 victory.

The first period was comprised of runs by both teams. LCC opened the game on a 7-0 run, threatening to put the Maroons out early. Menominee responded, however, with a 9-0 run of their own to grab the lead. They then led 11-10 a couple minutes later.

That was the last they would see of the lead for the game.

The Maroons kept it close in the second, making timely shots to keep LCC from running and hiding. The Cougars would take just a four point lead into halftime, perhaps instilling some confidence in the Maroons. Maybe Menominee thought they could play with the Cougars after staying with LCC for an entire half.

What happened in the third period was not pretty for the Maroons, however. They came out flat and the Cougars came out roaring behind Mike Repovz, who was saddled with foul trouble for the entire first half. Once he got it rolling, there was no hope for Menominee. LCC outscored the Maroons 17-6 in the third period to take away any lingering hope, and both coaches emptied the benches in the fourth quarter as the game was out of Menominee’s reach.

Game and Player Notes

Stat of the Game: Field Goal Percentage (again):    Menominee–29%          LCC–53%

–Not much to say about this game. LCC simply pounded the smaller Maroons in the second half. As soon as Repovz got back in the game, that was all she wrote for Menominee. Mike was perfect from the floor, scoring at will in the paint. He finished with 13 points and five rebounds. Max Gover led all scorers with 14 points; he also chipped in six rebounds. Michael Murray added nine points, nine rebounds, and three blocks for the Cougars.

–Menominee scored just 18 second-half points as the Cougars really clamped down on defense. The Maroons were dominated in all facets of the game except for amount of fans present. They really traveled well for being so far away; lots of students and parents showed up to lend their support. Unfortunately, it was not enough. Matt Eisenzoph had 10 points and five rebounds, while Brett Beland added 10 points and four boards.

–Congratulations to the Cougars, who will face Flint Powers in the B final on Saturday night.