Advertisement

KalkaskaÕs new found confidence was immediately apparent as Ryan ÒLights OutÓ Leitow drained a three pointer that culminated in an impressive display of ball movement only 30 seconds into the game. A defensive stop by the Blazers was followed by continued crisp passing on the offensive end that produced a bucket by Chris ÒCrossroadsÓ Keller on a nice feed from ÒSwervinÓ Alex Swoverland. Harbor Springs scored its first bucket but the attack synergy of coach David ManchesterÕs troops resulted in a basket and the harm for Keller which staked the Blazers to an 8-2 lead. Harbor Springs scored on an offensive board but Leitow responded with another from beyond the arc. A Marc Òthe MaestroÓ Wallace steal and scoop combo meal staked the Blazers to a 13-6 margin and unleashed a super sized torrent of scoring that provided a 22-6 Kalkaska advantage. Harbor Springs utilized a much needed time out and for the remains of the first quarter the Rams exhibited what the adage wounded but dangerous really entails.

Full court pressure applied by Harbor Springs quickened the tempo and derailed KalkaskaÕs offensive flow. Despite the change in tenor Kalkaska ended the first session up 24-14.

The Rams continued to plow forward in the second act of the eveningÕs drama as momentum ceded proved difficult to reclaim for the home team. Harbor Springs exhibited a dangerous long range ability that was only stalled when Blazer Alex Krause hit on a bomb of his own to impede the slippage at 27-19. The Rams battered back though with more aerial fireworks and tied the score at 29 all. Keller and Stanley ÒSteamerÓ Demo blocked the Ram charge with consecutive tallies but six unanswered points put Kalkaska down for the first time at 35-33. The senior leadership of Wallace, Keller, and Swoverland buttressed Kalkaska in the remaining moments of the first half and though bloodied the Blazers ended the quarter unbowed clinging to a 40-39 edge.

The manner in which the opening half started and ended was replicated immediately at the initiation of the third period as Leitow let it rain with a three. Wallace reordered at the steal and drive thru RamÕs window placing a request for two points off the glass. Harbor Springs countered but Keller responded and the Blazers remained up at 47-41. Youth was then served when sophomore John Kasza hit on a three, a deuce, and a helper to Keller which launched the Blazers to an 11 point lead.

Harbor SpringÕs determination was undeniable as the Rams again slammed into the margin and cut it to six. Responses by Krause and Leitow rounded out the Blazer scoring in the third stanza and Kalkaska maintained its advantage at 60-53.

A quick Blazer turnover started the final round and the Rams pushed back to within five. Jake Heller of Kalkaska responded with some ramming of his own as he pin balled his way to the front of the rim for two points and a 62-55 upper hand. Harbor Springs wasnÕt done pushing and cut their deficit to 64-61 with five minutes remaining. When lost a crossroads can supply direction and Keller stepped forward to lead his matesÕ home. Keller scored on a jumper in the lane but Harbor Springs countered to make the score 66-63. Blazer ball movement freed up the fast lane and Keller produced with a strong move to jar the Rams back 68-63. A Keller blocked shot brought the audience to a crescendo that only got louder as for the second time this week Demo provided the coup de grace to a vanquished opponent with a stiletto like three pointer. Up 71-63 the Blazers initiated a game of keep away as the Rams plummeted down the mountain. Keller (28 points and 9 rebounds) capped off the eveningÕs festivities with a lay in on an assist by Wallace (10 points, seven assists, and five steals) as the Blazers won out 75-63. The rough waters navigated early in the season have supplied these Blazers with sea legs capable of weathering any storm. DonÕt let this ship of dreams sail without you. Come on out and support the Blazers.