Pioneers Bounce Back

The Pioneers came into the Sunday's game looking to rebound after stumbling against Lansing Community College by beating Columbus State College 79-59. 

The Pioneers took the court against a tall and experienced Columbus State team that has played a extremely difficult schedule thus far.  The Pioneers opened the game up with a solid defensive stop and an early three pointer by Markell Bradshaw (Saginaw High/Saginaw,MI) to give the Pioneers an early lead, but The Columbus came back with a 4-0 run to take the lead.  The defensive intensity from the Pioneers was evident by their willingness to dive on the floor for loose balls.  The Pioneers were led by Davian Phillips (Kalamazoo Loy Norrix / Kalamazoo, MI) with three 3 pointers in consecutive positions to take a strong hold on the game early. 

The Pioneers welcomed back Travon Cotton (Heritage/Saginaw, MI) who has been out of the line-up due to injury.  Cotton's presence at 6'5 225Ilbs was felt in the paint with his scoring and rebounding. 

In the first half the Pioneers excuted as best as I seen in any home game prior to Sunday.  Delta went into the Half with a 42-26 lead.

To begin the second half the Cougars of Columbus State College came out with intensity and energy not seen by the Pioneers in the first half.  The Cougars went on a big time run to cut the lead down to as low as 12 points at one point in the half.  The Cougars were sparked by the shooting of Matthew Rhodes who paced the Cougars with 19 points on the night. 

The Pioneers gained stability and never looked backed due to the all around play of Julian Henderson (Saginaw High/ Saginaw, MI).  Henderson who sat out most of the first half due to foul trouble responded by scoring 8 of his 10 points in the second half with 5 crucial rebounds late in the game to end possessions. 

Speaking with Coach McMath he mentioned the hard work and determination of Dan Stenback (Cedarville High School/ Cedarville, MI) on the defensive glass.  "Dan has been one of those workout warriors that is willing to put his work in the weight room and it is showing when he hits the glass." 

The Pioneers will have a heavy workload this upcoming weekend as they host the Lynn Conway Classic where they will take on Eric Community College (Buffalo, NY) on Friday 12/12/14 at 7:30pm.  On Saturday 12/13 the Pioneers will take on #12 Owens Community College (Perrysburg, OH) at 5:30pm.