After Giving Phoenix a Fight, Hornets Fall in District

By any reasonable expectation, the Saline Hornets weren’t supposed to have a chance when they tipped off against state ranked Ypsilanti in Wednesday’s district semifinal at Milan.

Yet after falling behind 20-6 in the first half, the Hornets fought their way back into the game, and managed to get within seven points with 3:32 to play before falling 44-33.

“I feel awesome about how we played,” said Michael Smutny, the 6’8 senior who will continue his basketball playing days with a scholarship to play Lake Superior State. “We played hard. We scrapped. We were the aggressor for most of the game.”

Smutny knew the Phoenix were the overwhelming favorites.

“They are big. They are strong. They are long. They hit their shots. But we matched and exceeded their intensity tonight,” Smutny said. “I’m proud of my teammates and this organization for not quitting and not backing down.”

Smutny finished the game with 20 points. KC Borseth had eight points for Saline.

The Hornets got the start they wanted and were down just 4-2 half way through the first quarter.  But late in the first, Janeau Joubert hit a three pointer to give the Phoenix an 11-4 lead going into the second.

The Phoenix pulled away early in the period going on a 7-01 run to take an 18-4 lead.  The Phoenix defense appeared impenetrable at times. The Hornets were twice whistled for five-second violations on inbound passes, and turned over another ball for fear of a third.

From that point on, though, the Hornets outscored the Ypsilanti squad.

The Hornets began the third quarter down 23-10. After a free throw by Smutny, Tristan Simmons scored two of his 14 on the night. Borseth answered that with one of three great layups he made on the night.

After a free throw by Ypsilanti’s Mamadou Ba, Smutny scored two from the charity stripe.

A few moments later, Smutny made a layup and then hit a free throw for a three-point play. The score was 27-18 with 2:15 to play in the third and suddenly, the Hornets were creeping back into a game that appeared over only a few minutes earlier.

Erik Jacobsen hit a couple free throws in the final minute of the third and Saline went into the fourth down 29-20.

Kevin Moss got the Hornets on the board to start the fourth with a  free throw basket. After a point from the line for Ypsilanti, Michael Hendrickson sank two free throw attempts to make it 30-23 with 7:12 to play.

The Phoenix got a field goal from Darryl Hubbard-Tipton and then two points from the free throw line from Simmons to regain an 11-point advantage.

Borseth and Simmons traded layups midway through the fourth.

Smutny scored on a jump shot and then a layup to make it 36-29 with 3:32 left. But Joubert’s three-pointer 12 seconds later was a dagger in the hopes of  the Hornets.

Smutny and Borseth scored down the stretch, as Ypsilanti pulled away to advance to Friday’s district final against Bedford.

Saline finished the season with a 10-13 record.

It was a tough season for the Hornets, who lost expected starters Derek Owings and Reece Dils to injuries before they ever played a minute.

“I’m proud of my guys and the way they performed even when we were losing. We didn’t fall apart. We kept fighting” Smutny said. “This was the best team I played on in high school. We worked hard and played hard and the success I had this year was because of the mentality my teammates brought to every game.”