High vs. Hill

SVSV- Arthur Hill left little doubt who the best team in Saginaw is with their 81-62 win over Saginaw High, and Maurice “Pookie” Jones gave one more reason why he should be hailed this year’s Mr. Basketball.

Jones finished with 21 points while flirting with another triple-double.  Pookie is the catalyst for NGS’ #1 ranked team.  Jones’ 3-pointer got Arthur Hill going after a slow start, and his ability to break traps totally erased what the Trojans do best, and that’s force turnovers.

But Arthur Hill also proved that they are a complete team and not just a one man show.  The Jacks got a huge performance from Jordan Hare who completely dominated the paint.  The 6-9 sophomore was phenomenal and finished with 18 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 blocks. 

Teammate Dell Simon might have just had his best game of his career.  The 5-11 junior finished with 18 points but came up big late in the third quarter when Jones was forced to sit after picking up his third foul.  Dell took control of the offense and took care of the ball.  Most of the game Simon played the primary point to help free up Jones. 

Hare helped the Jacks take a 40-35 lead into the half thanks to his 14 points.  Arthur Hill then started the third quarter with an 8-0 run.  Saginaw didn’t score till Greg Hayes free throw with 3:08 left in the quarter, by then the Hill held a 48-36 lead. 

Arthur Hill blew the game open on a sequence of plays that included a Simon three point play, a Kwincy Tucker two hand dunk while being fouled, and a Pookie floater that gave the Jacks a 58-36 lead. 

Jones then made the play of the game by leaping into the air and snagging a Trojan pass out of the air one handed.  He then spun away from two Trojan players, leaving them hugging air, before tossing an open court assist to hare for the easy slam. 

The game got a little ugly when the Trojans lost their cool and tempers started to flare.  A pair of flagrant fouls led to a few push and shoves.  But both coaches showed their class by taking control of the matter. 

During the scuffles Jones picked up his fourth foul late in the third and was forced to sit.  The High took it as their chance to rally back.  Consecutive 3-pointers to start the fourth cut the lead to 12 points. 

Jones then reentered the game.  He answered with another jumper and then Hare added a crowd pleasing two hand dunk to erase any hope of a Trojan comeback.   

It was a big win for the Arthur Hill as they now are in complete control of the S.V.L. and it also helps Jones with Mr. Basketball voting. 

But we all know the game that counts will come in districts when these teams are destined to meet again.  And despite the blow out win, we all know Saginaw will be better prepared come playoff time. 

The Trojans got 15 points out of Greg Hayes who was hot for most of the game but just couldn’t get a shot off over Simon.  For the second time this year Tommie McCune struggled against the Hill.  He picked up two early fouls and never got on rhythm, but you also have to credit Hare for that.  DeAnthony Arnett continued to play well but he spent most of his energy trying to stay in front of Jones.