January 22, 2010
Each week, West Michigan Allstar takes our blogging circus over hill and dale to a high school gymnasium around West Michigan. It’s traditionally one of the biggest games in the area, with the top players and teams duking it out against one another (we like to watch that stuff, too), and this week is no exception. Of course, we do this to save the liberated fans of the world the trouble of deciding which game to go to that week.
We also live tweet updates from the game (which you can get sent to your phone), to make sure that the hardcore fans can keep up with the latest action and analysis, even if they can’t make it to the game.
BYRON CENTER BULLDOGS (6-2) AT GRANDVILLE BULLDOGS (4-5)
This week’s matchup is a battle between the Bulldogs, as Grandville hosts Byron Center. Grandville currently sits at 4-5 overall, 2-2 in the O-K Red, while Byron Center is at 6-2 overall, and leading the O-K Green at 3-0. Both sets of Bulldogs are capable of doing some damage against the best in the area, but to this point Byron Center has done it with more consistency. This inter-conference battle could go a long way toward solidifying that reputation, or helping Grandville gain confidence to go with their talent.
The gist on Byron Center
After breaking into the Class-B state rankings early in the season, Byron Center suffered a close loss to a very good Zeeland West team. They rebounded nicely by doubling up Cedar Springs on Tuesday, and still carry substantial momentum into Friday’s contest.
Lead by versatile guard Ryan Sabin, Byron Center has had no trouble scoring this season (apart from a still unexplained anomaly against Holland Christian). Sabin is disruptive on defense, with a tendency to rack up steals in bunches, and quite simply powers the Bulldog machine on offense. Zac Cross has come on strong of late for Byron Center, and will also play a key role in Friday’s game.
The gist on Grandville
Grandville is a tough team to figure out. On the one hand, they’re the team that only managed to put up 53-points in two losses against Grand Haven and Grand Rapids Creston. And on the other hand they’re the team who beat Rockford, and scored 40- of their 55-total points in the second half to come from behind against Hudsonville. Go figure.
Grandville is coming off back-to-back losses against Jenison and Ottawa Hills, so if history is any indication the Bulldogs are due for one of their better performances. Grandville coach Kyle VanderWall put it well after the Ottawa Hills game:
“We’re having a tendency right now of playing very inconsistent,” Grandville coach Kyle VanderWall said. “Our wins have been distinctive, and so have our losses.
“It’s feast or famine, and part of this is a process of these guys learning how to win. Mentally, learning that you can compete with every team you play, which is different for these guys.”
Grandville is lead by Jake Blauwkamp and Spencer Nabors, but other players are also capable of stepping up on any given night.
Overall prognosis
Tough call. Which Grandville team will show up? They’ve got the talent to hang with Byron Center, but whether they will live up to that potential is still a big question mark. That said, they are definitely due, if you believe in that sort of thing.
Prediction: Byron Center holds off a charging Grandville team late, 56-48.
Keep up with the latest action and analysis by becoming a WMA fan on Facebook, or join the conversation and receive live in-game updates by following WMA on Twitter. Heck, even start your own topic over at Allstars Among Us.
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