Pioneers Gain Road Victory

The Pioneers understood that great teams learn how to win on the road and on Saturday they did just that by beating a solid Mid-Michigan community college team 87-77.  The Pioneers came out with determination and effort from the beginning of the game to the end.  Mid Michigan (MMCC) 0-3, has a dynamic scorer in Erik Layton who coming into the game against the Pioneers was averaging 27 points per game.  MMCC came out from the opening tip with an impressive alley-oop play for freshman Lane Simon, but the Pioneers answered back with a Chis Chrzan 3 pointer to take the lead.  The game was a fast paced up and down track meet with both teams making impactful plays to take the lead.  After a foul and one basket by Mid-Michigan's TJ Johnson, which gave MMCC a 24-18 lead, the Pioneers buckled down defensively and began to score consistently in the paint.  The Pioneers regained the lead and were given an exclamation point going into the half by a tremendous slam put back by Sophomore Travon Cotton who finished with 9 points and 11 rebounds.  The Pioneers went into the half with a 36-33 lead.  In the second half the game was back and forth by great plays by both teams but the Pioneers gained a double digit led after a Julian Henderson lay-up with 6:00 minutes to go in the game.  The Pioneers sealed the game by hitting 7 out of their last 10 free throws.  Mid-Michigan did not go away easy and I expect the next game to be as eventful as the first one. 

Pioneers had a balanced attack with 4 players in double figures for scoring and 2 players with double figures in rebounds. The Pioneers were led by Julian Henderson with 18 points, 11 rebs, and 3 assists, while Mid-Michigan was led by Tommie Henderson who scored 22 points.  Benjamin Batts added 20 points but had a great defensive day by guarding a dynamic scorer in Layton.  Coach Blackbourn also noted that Davian Phillips, who scored 15 points, went 8-for-8 from the free throw line on the day and stepped up big time from the bench.  Coach McMath also stated that last week practice was anchored by the great play of Jaylen Randle and Major Sattiewhite. 

Pioneers return to action on Wednesday November 12^th at home against Grand Rapids Community College at 7:00pm.