Mount Clemens boys hoops team has plenty of work to do By Jon Malavolti Despite sitting alone in first place at press time, Kurt Wilson knows there’s plenty of work ahead for his Mount Clemens boys basketball team. The Bathers were a perfect 6-0 through their first half of league play in the Macomb Area Conference Gold Division — but “perfect” isn’t a word Wilson would use to describe his team just yet. “We still have some turnovers; we’ve got to do better,” the coach said. “We try to force the ball when we shouldn’t. … I don’t think any coach will say, ‘My team is a great defensive team.’ You can get so many things done on defense — box out better, put a hand up — you can defend so much better all the time. “That’s the focal point, improve on defense and turnovers.” Wilson is adamant about shoring up those aspects of the Bathers’ game, because as the second half of the division season gets under way, he knows opponents will be aiming to bring the team down. “I think any team that’s on top is always a target,” the coach said. “You make the season of another team if they beat you. They’re going to get up for you every night, so you’ve got to bring it. “We have to take it one game at a time. Coaches have to do their job by scouting, and players have to execute the game plan.” While Wilson was quick to point out some of his team’s flaws, he also noted plenty of positives. For example, through 13 games, five different players have led Mount Clemens (10-3 overall at press time) in scoring. “A lot of games, we’re balanced this year, so that helps,” the coach said. A couple of keys to the Bathers’ offense have been senior center James McDougle, who’s commanding double-teams in the paint, and the strong play of the squad’s guards, according to Wilson. If things continue to improve and click for the squad, Mount Clemens could be looking at its first boys basketball title since 2002, when the Bathers went 16-0 to win the MAC Gold. “The team is truly motivated,” Wilson said. Mount Clemens was scheduled to play division foes Sterling Heights High and New Haven after press time. The Bathers were then slated to round out their MAC Gold schedule with a pair of 7 p.m. away games, against Marysville High (Feb. 17) and Warren Mott (Feb. 19), before two 7:30 p.m. home contests against St. Clair High (Feb. 23) and Warren Lincoln (Feb. 25). The road trip to Mott could prove the most crucial in deciding the division champ. The Bathers edged the Marauders 59-57 in overtime in their first meeting of the season Jan. 20, handing Mott it’s lone division loss of the season. Mott, the co-defending champions (along with Lincoln) sat in second place with a 5-1 MAC Gold mark at press time. You can reach Sports Writer Jon Malavolti at jmalavolti@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1040. |
