Defensive change sparks a 15-0 run, as Posen stays undefeated

The Posen Viking (4-0, 4-0) boys basketball players found themselves in an unfamiliar situation last Wednesday at Fairview as they trailed by 10 points. The last game of the 2004 schedule was close through the first quarter, but the Eagles started making their shots and forced the Vikings to turn the ball over. The Eagles took a 19-9 advantage in the second quarter, before Posen coach Ron Misiak changed the defense from a man-to-man to a zone with about four minutes to go. That’s when the turn-around began and the Vikings’ big men started to clamp down. Aaron Hincka had 12 of his game-high 21 points in the second quarter to lead three Posen players in double digits. He also cleaned the boards nine times.

MATT SZCZEROWSKI intimidated the shooters in the contest with seven blocks, forcing Eagle players to alter their shots when they got in close. The Vikings went on a 15-0 run before halftime and enjoyed a 24-19 advantage when the buzzer sounded at the end of the second quarter. Fairview continued to keep the game close in the second half, but Posen stood its ground and went on to win its fourth game of the season, 58-50, and stay undefeated.

“It’s probably the scrappiest defense we have faced,” said Misiak of Fairview. “They are going to be a team to be reckoned with. They play a tough man-to-man, full court defense, all game long. They take you out of your game plan. “Fairview hasn’t changed its defense since I’ve been here. It’s always straight up man-to-man, right in your face. They have enough quickness and speed, which really makes it difficult for you.”

MATT PONIK had 16 points for Posen, while James Sobek had 11. The Posen boys basketball program ends 2004 with only one regular season loss against Rogers City back in February. Last season’s Vikings lost two games in December against Ced

arville and Mio. Misiak said the seniors that were a part of last year’s amazing run want to keep their undefeated record intact in 2005 and have been driving the younger players.

“They are demanding a lot,” said Misiak. The seniors have requested more drills and running, and also wanted to practice the day after Christmas. “Practices are pretty intense,” said Misiak. The players have practices scheduled every day this week and are expected to have a day off Sunday before preparing for their first action of 2005 at De Tour on Tuesday. The next home game is January 7 against Hale.

THE JUNIOR VARSITY dropped its first game of the season and slipped to 3-1 in December. The Fairview JV limited the Vikings to 25 rebounds, after the red and white had averaged 55 a game. The Eagles won the game 60-41. Nick Delekta had nine points to top all Posen scorers, while Nick LaTulip had 10 rebounds.

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