The Ypsilanti Courier
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Lincoln rolls River Rats
Win is the third straight for the boys'
By Tom Perkins, Special Writer
PUBLISHED: February 7, 2008
The first time Ann Arbor Huron and Ypsilanti Lincoln met on Jan. 11, it was in the midst of a 0-11 Railsplitter skid and the River Rats came out on top 64-45.
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Less than a month later, it's a totally different Lincoln team.
This time it was the Splitters who dominated in a 59-50 win — their third straight.
"I can see a lot more life out of these kids," Lincoln head coach Mike Foley said. "Losing drains you, but my kids have stuck through and I see new looks on their faces."
Lincoln's defensive pressure disrupted Huron from the outset and the Railsplitters controlled the glass, consistently scoring off put backs.
Ryan Walton's 12 rebounds and 17 points were key to the Railsplitters upset.
"He was all over the place. He was great," Foley said.
Nate McMullan contributed 20 points and Andrew Dillon added 15.
Last Thursday saw the Railsplitters (3-12, 3-8 Southeastern Conference White) square off with a Chelsea team alert to their streak.
The Bulldogs edged Lincoln 48-46, but Foley said he can't come down the team for a poor showing.
"I'm pleased with the effort, but I'm dissatisfied with the result," he said.
The Railsplitters had a chance to go ahead with the game tied at 46 and 30 seconds remaining, but Chelsea stole a bad pass and made an uncontested lay up for the lead.
Lincoln got one more chance, but missed a five foot jumper at the buzzer.
"That was the fourth game in a row we played extremely well," Foley said. "I don't think this game will set us back. I think we will continue to play better."
After heading into the lockeroom with a two point advantage, Chelsea led by as many as 14 in the third quarter.
"We just fell asleep," Foley said. "We didn't put the ball in the basket and allowed them to make easy baskets."
By the middle of the fourth quarter Lincoln had reclaimed the lead after capitalizing off seven straight Bulldog turnovers.
Andrew Dillon was again instrumental to the Splitter's success, adding 15 points and 11 rebounds.
"Andrew has been incredible for us on the offensive and defensive glass," Foley said. "He is averaging over 10 rebounds our last four games."
Dillon's numbers coincide with the team's winning streak, which Foley hopes will carry over into the approaching post season.
"One thing that I stress is that the past doesn't matter," he said. "Every team can start a season, but who can finish one? We have been through adversity and stuck together. My hat goes off to my guys"
Tom Perkins is a freelance writer for the View/Courier. He can be reached at trperkins@gmail.com.
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