WEST BRANCH – Ogemaw Heights Boys basketball has struggled to put the ball in the hole so far in this early season, but still have managed to score 50 points or more in their last two games.
Unfortunately, the defense hasn’t been able to keep the other team from making its shots and the results have been predictable as the Falcons are off to a 0-4 start. The Falcons are independent and don’t play in a conference.
The Falcons lost a 53-50 heartbreaker to Clare on Monday, Dec. 3 and perhaps feeling somewhat of an emotional letdown in their next game with Standish-Sterling dropped a 72-42 decision on Wednesday, Dec. 5.
“Same old story, we struggled with our shooting,” Falcons coach Mike Weiler said. “It’s getting frustrating. Standish has a good big guy inside, a tall, strong kid. He does a good job patrolling the paint.
“But, we missed open shots. When you go 5 for 15 right at the hoop, missed layups turn into layups. Just have to keep shooting in practice, keep shooting when getting hit. Just have to keep plugging away. Have to focus on the basket instead of worrying about the foul, and try to fight through some of those hits.”
Merik Hodgins led the Falcons with 12 points, which included three made 3-point baskets. He was the only one close to scoring in double figures, though, as Jere Getzinger was next high with six, followed by Tyler Bailey and Tyler Eedy each had five, while Calvin Beck, Jacob Rhine and Trevor Likavec scored two apiece with Brett Gemmill added a free throw.
The Falcons got out to a 7-0 lead against Standish, but couldn’t maintain the momentum. Standish gained separation from the Falcons in the second and third quarters. Ogemaw just couldn’t make a basket.
