Utica boys basketball smoothing things out By Jon Malavolti With the final week of the regular season fast approaching, Utica High’s boys basketball team is hoping to smooth things out after a bumpy year. “We want to get on something of a roll and keep developing our team chemistry,” Utica coach Gerry Kraemer said. “It’s something that, between injuries, sickness and just our inexperience, we haven’t been on any type of roll — any kind of rhythm throughout the season,” Kraemer said. “We’ve had several different starting lineups because of those three reasons, and now I think we’re starting to settle in a little bit.” The coach pointed to a 66-54 Feb. 11 home win against division rival Utica Stevenson as a “big boost” because it was “the first time we were all healthy and ready to go.” The win over the Titans was the Chieftains’ fifth of the year. They were 5-11 overall at press time and 4-6 in the Macomb Area Conference White Division. Kraemer cited the team’s inconsistencies on offense as a major factor behind its woes in the win-loss column. “Our inability to finish, especially around the basket, has been one problem,” he said. “And our perimeter shooting hasn’t been great, and that’s one of the things I thought was going to be a strength going into our season.” The coach admitted he was more concerned about defense heading into the season — but that’s turned out to be a strength of the team. “Our defense has been pretty good all year, but we haven’t been making that many shots,” Utica senior Trevor Plizga said. Kraemer highlighted Plizga’s play in the win over Stevenson as an offensive spark he hoped the team would build on going forward. “I think it starts with him,” the coach said. The Chieftains will also be looking for more contributions from another senior guard, Derek Nichols, according to Kraemer. “I think those two are going to kind of lead the way for us, then hopefully, everyone else follows suit,” the coach said. “Hopefully, that gives our kids some confidence heading into the last couple of weeks of the regular season, and obviously, the districts.” The Chieftains peaked last season in the postseason, bringing home their first district title in seven years “We just want to get better for districts,” Plizga said. Catch the Chieftains in action before the playoffs start when they hit the road for a trio of 7 p.m. contests at Grosse Pointe South Feb. 26, Port Huron High March 2 and Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse March 4. Districts begin March 8. Check next week’s edition of the Shelby-Utica News for a boys basketball postseason breakdown. You can reach Sports Writer Jon Malavolti at jmalavolti@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1040. |
