Goodrich’s varsity boys basketball team is finding a way to pull out the close games ? and stay in the thick of the Genesee Area Conference Red Division race.
The visiting Martians overcame a 17-15 halftime deficit against Mt. Morris Feb. 15 to earn a 44-40 victory. With the win, the Martians improved to 11-6 overall and 8-5 in the GAC Red.
The two teams battled to a 9-9 deadlock in the first quarter before Mt. Morris pulled ahead for their halftime lead.
However, Goodrich’s Michael Skinner fueled the Martians? third-quarter comeback, scoring six points in that period. The Martians outscored Mt. Morris 21-12 in the third to take a 36-29 lead at the end of the third.
Skinner led the Martians with 14 points and added six rebounds, while Kirk Elsworth contributed nine points and five rebounds. Andy Klumpp led the Martians in rebounding with nine.
On Feb. 11, Skinner scored 22 points and connected on six three-point shots as the host Martians defended Byron 54-50 in double overtime. Skinner scored five of his points in the second overtime as the Martians outlasted the Eagles.
The two teams battled to a virtual standstill in the first quarter, with Goodrich holding on to an 11-10 lead. The Martians increased their lead to 17-13 at the half, but the Eagles bounced back to tie the game at 24 at the end of the third quarter, setting the stage for the fourth quarter and overtime sessions.
In addition to Skinner’s 22 points, Keith Brotherton added nine points for the Martians (including 6-of-8 from the free throw line). Elsworth led the Martians in rebounding with nine, while Klumpp added six boards.
Justin Engleman led the Eagles in scoring with 18 points.