The Superior Central boys basketball team’s defense did the job on Thursday, Feb. 1. The Cougars held visiting Cooks Big Bay de Noc’s offense in check, but the problem was, they were unable to get their own offense going, and dropped the contest 31-26.
“Tough grinder of a game,” head coach Adam Ely said. “The total combined score was less than what they average by themselves. Didn’t shoot well and 26 isn’t going to win many games. Usually, you think giving up 31 is a decent win. I’ve been impressed with Big Bay and I think they play well.”
Trent Rutter scored all five of S-C’s points in the first quarter, though they trailed 9-5 after one. Rutter did much of the work in the second as well, scoring six points. Jason Kanerva drilled a three pointer for their other points, but they were still behind at the half, 16-14.
The Cougars had Rutter hit three-offour free throws in the third and CJ Adams scored two points, sending the game to the fourth quarter in a 19-19 deadlock.
Adams hit a three in the final quarter and Rutter was able to net four more points, but Big Bay managed to have just enough to escape with the win.
The Cougars had Rutter finish with 18 points, Adams put in five and Kanerva added three.
On Tuesday, Jan. 30, S-C took down visiting Rock Mid-Pen, 32-21.
“We were already missing a couple rotational players and then Logan Frusti and Blake Tanner both left the game in the third quarter after rolling an ankle,” Ely said. “They would both return to the game, but we kinda just grinded it out from there.”
The first quarter started well for the Cougars. Kanerva knocked down a pair of threes and Rutter hit one from deep as well, as they led 15-6 after one. Kanerva made two more threes in the second, and Rutter added a bucket as well and the Cougars claimed a 23-8 lead at the half. They also led 27-13 entering the fourth quarter.
Kanerva hit four threes in the game and finished with 15 points. Also, for the Cougars, Rutter scored nine, Blake Tanner had six and Adams chipped in with two.
S-C (13-4 overall) played at Rapid River on Tuesday, is set to host Crystal Falls Forest Park on Friday, will host Hannahville Nah Tah Wahsh on Monday and heads to Big Bay on Wednesday, Feb. 14.
