Sophomores, Bench Shine in Saline Win Over Chelsea

On their way to a 3-0 record, the Saline varsity boys’ basketball team developed the kind of M.O. that causes heartburn for coaches: Build a big lead, let it slip away, but win in the end.

Tuesday night, the Hornets gave their coach a strong start-to-finish effort in a 49-36 win over Chelsea.

Saline improved to 4-0.

Saline head coach Matt Seidl said it was unquestionably the team’s most complete game of the year.

“We had a little let down at the start of the third quarter, but we are really pleased with our effort. This was cleary our best effort,” said Seidl.

The Hornets were led by three sophomores. Michael Hendrickson was the leading scorer with 13 points. Fellow starting sophomore KC Borseth scored 11 points. Perhaps the surprise of the night was Eric Recknagel, who entered the game when center Michael Smutny landed in foul trouble. The 6’6 sophomore scored 11 points and provided toughness under the net. Recknagel scored seven of his points in the final five minutes of the second quarter, helping Saline increase it’s 15-14 lead to 26-16.

“Max played extremely well. We’ve wondering how to get him more minutes if he’s going to be on varsity. With (Smutny) getting in foul trouble, it was the perfect opportunity,” Seidl said. “He’s finally getting healthy. He had foot surgery, so he came into the season not really ready. He’s just now starting to get there.”

Recknagel said he felt good on the court.

“Coach said it was kind of a coming out party. I stepped into a role I wanted—to be a spark plug off the bench for Smutny. I was just glad to be able to help my team,” said Recknagel. “I try to bring a lot of strength and intensity and score when the opportunity is there. I bring a lot of heart to the team.”

Seidl also praised the play of Joe Wooley, the 6’3 physical senior who blocked shots, played tough defense against a tough Chelsea team and who hit a big three pointer in the fourth quarter.

“Holy cow. When he pulled up an hit that 18-footer …  He played so well defensively. Because Chelsea is so physical, this is a good game for him,” Seidl said.

Borseth opened scoring with a three-pointer and Saline was never behind the rest of the way. The Hornets also got layups from Hendrickson and Kevin Moss, a jumpshot from the corner from Borseth, and a three pointer from Hendrickson to pace Saline to a 12-10 lead after the first quarter. But with five fouls in the first 6:35 of the game, the Hornets were in foul trouble and seemed a little hesitant to start the second quarter.

When the Bulldogs tied the score at the free throw line, Hendrickson hit a three-pointer  to make it 15-12 two minutes into the second. After another Chelsea basket, Luckett had a nice drive to the basket. His layup rimmed out but Recknagel put it back. When Chelsea made it a one-point game again, Recknagel made a layup and free throw to give Saline a 20-16 lead. Seconds later, Matt Grasley sent Wooley in for a layup and a six-point lead. Grasley show then showed a lot of speed making his own layup while being fouled. Recknagel closed the half by putting back a rebound for a 26-16 lead.

Chelsea was strong to start the third, but the Hornets limited the Bulldogs to three points.  Smutny put his head down and bulldozed his way to the basket for two points. Borseth made a basket from the free-throw line to re-establish the 10 point lead. And then, after a hard foul while attempting a three pointer, Hendrickson added three more points from the free throw line to make it 32-19.

Recknagel made a layup and Luckett sank two free throws as Saline took a 36-24 lead into the fourth.

Chelsea opened the quarter with a trey from Logan Brown. But Recknagel replied with a basket and then Wooley hit his 18-footer to make it 41-27 and put the game out of reach. Borseth hit is second three pointer of the game midway through the quarter and sank two free throws in the final minute. Moss and Hendrickson also scored from the charity stripe in the game’s final minute.

It was a big day for the Saline bench and the sophomores on the team.

“I think we’re great,” said Recknagel, of the sophomore class on the team. “We’re up-and-coming and you can look out for us in the upcoming years.”

Seidl said the sophomore class is a strong.

“It’s definitely one of our focus areas in our program. We’ve got three good ones with us and some good ones on the JV, too,” said Seidl. “They are kind of beyond their years. They play with composure. They’ve played a lot of basketball. They’re experienced kids even though it is their first varsity season.”

Seidl said he happy to see contributions from so many players Tuesday.

“We played 11 guys. They all helped at some point. We were in the bonus, or close to it in the first quarter. We had two starters in trouble, so (the bench) had to (step up),” said Seidl. “They knew this was a big game. This is the best opponent we’ve had so far. We defended really well and (Chelsea) never got into a rhythm.”

Saline returns to action Dec. 29-30 at the Dexter tournament.