Winstel’s return bolsters Canton in district semis win over Plymouth
Canton senior Nick Hurley lays in two of his 12 points Wednesday night against Plymouth.
Following two weeks of mental torture — watching from the bench as his band of basketball brothers battled without him — Canton senior Teddy Winstel returned to his comfort zone (the court) Wednesday night — even though he was still in at least a little discomfort.
Admittedly still not 100% recovered from a lower-leg injury he suffered Feb. 11 against Northville, Winstel sparked a second-quarter Cobra rally that led to a 53-39 victory against short-handed Plymouth (the Wildcats played without starting guards Ali Hider and Chayse Calvin), which crashed the boards relentlessy early to seize a 15-14 lead after one quarter.
Winstel — who estimated he is close to 75% recovered from his injury — poured in a team-high 18 points (seven in the momentum-changing second quarter) to help advance Canton into Friday’s MHSAA Division 1 district championship game against host Ypsilanti Lincoln, which stunned Belleville, 46-45, with a last-second three from a player who hadn’t made a three all season.
Gutsy return
While his return-from-injury may not rank among the legendary and dramatic basketball injury comebacks of Willis Reed and Isiah Thomas (Google it, youngsters!), Winstel’s was compelling all the same as — unlike Reed and Thomas — the remainder of high school career was hanging in the balance.
“I wasn’t going to miss playing in the state tournament,” Winstel said, when asked if his return on Wednesday was ever dicey. “I’ve been working hard with our training staff and Don at Ethos with a goal of getting as healthy as possible for today so I could lace up my shoes and play in my last state tournament.”
Winstel tallied seven points in the final three minutes of the second quarter to help give the Cobras a 30-22 halftime advantage.
“Teddy means so much to our team,” said Canton Head Coach Jimmy Reddy. “We’ve missed him the past three or four games. We need him. It’s not just Teddy’s basketball; it’s his leadership, it’s his IQ and it’s his competitive spirit.”
Canton senior Nick Hurley has been an instrumental part of the Cobras’ success the past two seasons. A fundamentally sound, offense/defense standout, Hurley tallied 12 points — all in the second half when the Cobras outscored the Wildcats, 25-17.
“Nick’s so solid in all facets of the game,” Reddy raved. “His shot-faking, getting close-outs, hitting pull-ups or getting to the rim … Nick is such a valuable member of our team.”
Lemuel Pettway contributed 11 points and several rebounds to the Cobras’ cause.
Rue shines
Plymouth was led by All-Conference standout Zerry Rue, whose 16-point night was highlighted by his 8-for-8 effort at the free throw line. Plymouth senior Amir Miller capped his high school career with 14 points.
Winstel said missing four games may have, sort of, been a benefit.
“After I suffered the injury, I decided I was going to try to find some positives out it,” Winstel said. “Watching our team play from a different point of view (the bench) gave me a chance to see some things I wouldn’t otherwise see. In the long run, I can see some positives from watching the game from a difference perspective.”
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
