Joseph Hayes
The Times Herald
Tedaro France II took a glance around the packed New Haven gym after yet another victory.
For a moment, the Rockets veteran coach seemed to sense just how far his program had come. New Haven (15-1) is having what could be its best season in school history and recently disposed of Detroit Renaissance in stunning fashion. In the moments after Friday's victory, France II smiled as he reflected on another win based off of defense and team work - two of the essential points he teaches each and every day.
"We always talk about winning the day and getting better every time we step on to the court," France II said "We have to keep working and improving each and every day. It's good to see us winning, but also how we are winning. We are playing defense and sharing the ball."
New Haven enters the week riding a high after a dominating 78-48 victory over Detroit Renaissance. The Rockets remain the No. 1 ranked team in the Times Herald Boys Basketball Poll, just as they have all season.
While it's easy to notice the Rockets for their athleticism, it's also impossible to ignore the source of their success - their defensive ball pressure.
"We key on defense and at practice every day we start with a drill where you defend the whole court," Rockets forward Romeo Weems said. "Ball pressure is a key for us. Not just wild defense and fouling. We have to continue playing disciplined defense."
If the Rockets continue playing the way they have been in recent weeks, they will be awfully difficult to beat as the MAC playoffs begin later this week.
Richmond (13-2) enters the week No. 2 in the Times Herald poll after a pair of Blue Water Area Conference victories last week. Richmond defeated Yale early in the week and Croswell-Lexington to close out the week.
"I like how we are playing," Richmond coach Josh Presnell said after Tuesday's win over Yale. "Every game in the BWAC is difficult. We can't take any nights off."
Richmond will return home Tuesday against rival Armada.
Highlights
1. The Cardinal Mooney boys basketball team has come a long way this season. That was highlighted in last week's performances. Cardinal Mooney defeated previously undefeated Riverview Gabriel Richard on Tuesday behind 21 points and 10 rebounds from Daniel Everhart.
2. The St. Clair High School boys basketball team dropped its third consecutive game last week and desperately needs a quick turnaround to save what has been a good overall season. The Saints will get their chance later this week as the MAC Playoffs ensue.
3. Port Huron Northern senior Matthew Baravik continues to light it up for Northern. On Friday, he scored 23 points in a loss against Utica.
Top 10 Boys Poll
1. New Haven
2. Richmond
3. St. Clair
4. Marysville
5. Armada
6. Yale
7. Port Huron Northern
8. Port Huron High
9. Cardinal Mooney
10. Marlette
Contact Joseph Hayes at (810) 989-6268 or at jahayes@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @Joseph_Hayes11.
The Times Herald
Tedaro France II took a glance around the packed New Haven gym after yet another victory.
For a moment, the Rockets veteran coach seemed to sense just how far his program had come. New Haven (15-1) is having what could be its best season in school history and recently disposed of Detroit Renaissance in stunning fashion. In the moments after Friday's victory, France II smiled as he reflected on another win based off of defense and team work - two of the essential points he teaches each and every day.
"We always talk about winning the day and getting better every time we step on to the court," France II said "We have to keep working and improving each and every day. It's good to see us winning, but also how we are winning. We are playing defense and sharing the ball."
New Haven enters the week riding a high after a dominating 78-48 victory over Detroit Renaissance. The Rockets remain the No. 1 ranked team in the Times Herald Boys Basketball Poll, just as they have all season.
While it's easy to notice the Rockets for their athleticism, it's also impossible to ignore the source of their success - their defensive ball pressure.
"We key on defense and at practice every day we start with a drill where you defend the whole court," Rockets forward Romeo Weems said. "Ball pressure is a key for us. Not just wild defense and fouling. We have to continue playing disciplined defense."
If the Rockets continue playing the way they have been in recent weeks, they will be awfully difficult to beat as the MAC playoffs begin later this week.
Richmond (13-2) enters the week No. 2 in the Times Herald poll after a pair of Blue Water Area Conference victories last week. Richmond defeated Yale early in the week and Croswell-Lexington to close out the week.
"I like how we are playing," Richmond coach Josh Presnell said after Tuesday's win over Yale. "Every game in the BWAC is difficult. We can't take any nights off."
Richmond will return home Tuesday against rival Armada.
Highlights
1. The Cardinal Mooney boys basketball team has come a long way this season. That was highlighted in last week's performances. Cardinal Mooney defeated previously undefeated Riverview Gabriel Richard on Tuesday behind 21 points and 10 rebounds from Daniel Everhart.
2. The St. Clair High School boys basketball team dropped its third consecutive game last week and desperately needs a quick turnaround to save what has been a good overall season. The Saints will get their chance later this week as the MAC Playoffs ensue.
3. Port Huron Northern senior Matthew Baravik continues to light it up for Northern. On Friday, he scored 23 points in a loss against Utica.
Top 10 Boys Poll
1. New Haven
2. Richmond
3. St. Clair
4. Marysville
5. Armada
6. Yale
7. Port Huron Northern
8. Port Huron High
9. Cardinal Mooney
10. Marlette
Contact Joseph Hayes at (810) 989-6268 or at jahayes@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @Joseph_Hayes11.
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