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	The Ypsilanti Courier A Heritage Newspaper Weekly Publication

Cagers split games with Flyers

Braves remain atop Mega Red Conference

By Bruce Mason, Special Writer

PUBLISHED: February 22, 2007

Two games between cross-town rivals Ypsilanti and Willow Run resulted in a split last week.

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Ypsilanti found itself outside of first place in the Mega Red after losing, 68-66, Feb. 15.

Marvon Sanders scored 17 points, Donald Spencer chipped in 14 and L.J. Frazier added 11.

Terry Lopez contributed a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

With a 75 - 58 win Saturday, Ypsilanti quickly found itself back in a first-place tie with Taylor Truman.

Sanders scored 19 and Torren Burns had 14 points. Jordan Frazier had 13 points and 13 rebounds, while Lopez had 12 points and a season-high 18 rebounds.

Asked about the difference between Feb. 15 loss and Saturday's rout, Ypsilanti coach Steve Brooks said his team accepted a challenge and stepped up in the second game.

"We really had to win to be tied for first place," he said.

"I really think it was just challenging them to step up. Kids came off the bench and played great defense."

Ypsilanti, 10-6 overall and 6-2 in Mega Red, has four games left on its schedule before districts.

The first thing on Brooks' mind is to get senior guard L.J. Frazier out of a mini slump after he experienced back-to-back sub-par games against Willow Run.

"We know it's going to be hard if we don't get him going again," Brooks said.

"I think he wants to go out in a blaze of glory and he's just kind of pressing right now."

Ypsilanti faced a physical and tough Monroe team Tuesday. The team will travel Friday to face the Belleville Tigers in the teams' second tilt of the season. The varsity Braves lost a hard-fought battle against Belleville, on their home court, Jan. 26.

Brooks expects both opponents to come out and play hard and he wants his young team to pick up the intensity.

"We kind of like our chances," Brooks said. "They really have to understand that playing in first place, (other teams) are gunning for you. If we play with intensity, I think we'll be fine."

Bruce Mason is a freelance sports writer for View/Courier publications. He can be reached through editor@ypsilanticourier.com.