Novi’s ‘Grinch’ halts Plymouth’s four-game winning streak
Ryan McCaig takes the ball strong to the basket.
Novi senior basketball player Aaron Lauer is undoubtedly one of the nicest guys in the world off the basketball court.
During Thursday night’s KLAA West Division opener, however, Lauer played the role of the Grinch against host Plymouth, which was riding an impressive four-game winning streak heading into the match-up.
Lauer poured in 21 points – 10 in the pivotal second quarter — to lead the green-and-white Wildcats over the black-and-white Wildcats, 60-53.
Lauer did most of his damage from in the paint and on mid-range jump shots.
Big ‘Mack’ attack
Plymouth, which slipped to 4-3, was paced by Mack Swafford’s 10 points. The host Wildcats also received strong offensive efforts from Chayse Calvin and Zerry Rue, who scored 9 points a piece, and Ali Hider, who netted 8 points.
(To check out Plymouth highlights from Thursday’s game, click here.)
Novi (5-2), which never trailed, led 14-9 after one quarter, 36-24 at the half and 50-36 with eight minutes to play.
Efficient ball movement — and several offensive rebounds — led to a sleigh-full of easy buckets for the winners.
Miscues costly for hosts
Plymouth was hampered most of the game by turnovers, a good portion of which Novi turned into easy baskets at the other end.
Novi secured a double-digit lead throughout most of the second half before Plymouth battled back to pull within seven at the final buzzer.
The highlight of the night for the hosts was Hider’s close-to-half-court basket as the second-quarter buzzer sounded.
Complementary scorers
Amir Miller added 6 points for Plymouth while Abdul Hammad scored 5.
In addition to Lauer, Novi was bolstered by Chase LeFevre (13 points), Michael Schave (11) and Brendan Lynch, who scored 8, six coming from perfect shooting from the free throw line.
Plymouth connected on just 4 of its 10 free throw attempts.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
