Basketball is about to heat up for the Polar Bears, but don’t expect them to blink.
Coming off a convincing road win over Lake 74-46, coach Mike Fuline is happy the team returned a favor from the past.
“It was a good win for us,” Fuline said. “A couple of years prior, with this same group of guys, we went over there and they handed it to us.”
Fuline said the team had that game in their minds, which led to a great week of practice and great shooting game night.
“From top to bottom, we played a real complete game,” he said.
The aspect of Jackson (12-2, 6-0 FL) allowing for big wins is the depth Jackson has in their lineup. Sure, seniors Josh Egner and Mark Henniger draw a lot of deserved attention, but there are plenty of weapons at Fuline’s disposal.
“We can go 10 deep on any given night,” he said. “Everyone understands their role, accepts that role and steps up to the challenge for that role. Mark and Josh, obviously. when (other coaches make a) game plan, it’s for those two. But other guys step up.”
Other players who are making significant contributions are senior Brad Dupont and junior Michael Shull. Both average about 10 points a night, but it is their presence on defense with rebounds and steals that makes them effective on both ends of the court. Seniors C.J. Julian and Dave Devine are also making those same types of contributions.
Waiting in the wings when called upon is another veteran presence in senior Nathan Kanam, who finally got some playing time against Lake and took advantage, scoring nine points and giving the team quality minutes.
Next up for the team tonight at Jackson High School is Austintown Fitch, who is struggling this season, posting a 1-13 mark overall and 0-6 in the Federal League. Jackson will also take them on Tuesday at home in the first round of the Federal League playoffs.
“They are pretty young with a young coach who is doing a good job,” Fuline said. “They are still a Federal League team. With a couple of sophomores and only one senior, they are rebuilding. Hopefully, we will not be rebuilding on our night.”
Playing a team twice in two days won’t cause Fuline to change his game plan too much, with the emphasis always being on putting pressure on the other team and getting up and down the floor.
“Not a lot we can change, we are who we are,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean we won’t make a change (if necessary).”
Going into the Federal League tournament and the post season tournament beyond that, the Polar Bears will look to remain hot.
Their second loss of the season came to Wayne Huber Heights out of Toledo the day after the big win over North Canton Hoover. It was a tough battle, but Jackson had a rare day where they could not make shots in the final minutes to stay close.
Fuline admitted the rivalry game the night before had its effect.
“It took a lot out of us, not to make excuses,” he said. “It was a great experience for our guys.”
Jackson would not see Wayne Huber Heights again unless both teams make it to the state finals, which is a ways off.
The first goal will be to take down Fitch Friday and Tuesday on route to a Federal League championship, which would be the school’s first since 2000.
“We are just taking it one game at a time,” Fuline said. “Once you get to this point in the season, there are no real surprises. I’m looking forward to playing the best we can and see what happens.”
