Howell boys basketball coach Nick Simon says his team’s fortunes in tonight’s Lakes Conference semifinal game against Walled Lake Central come down to two things.
“We need to rebound well, especially against their athleticism,” he said. “That’s been a key for us, and we (also) want to make sure we get good quality looks on offense. They’re going to score some points. We know that, so we have to make sure we get good quality looks.”
Both teams go into tonight’s game at Howell High School with 12-5 records. The game will be broadcast on The Livingston Post at around 7 p.m.
“They’re fantastic,” Simon said of the Vikings, who finished second in the KLAA North. “We’re going to have to stop their slew of guards who can shoot and drive and do almost everything offensively. We have to play as good on defense as we possibly can, try to make them take tough schots and hope they don’t go in.”
Howell has a pair of tough guards as well in Johnny Shields and Josh Palo, but the Highlanders beat Waterford Mott last week by 12 when Shields (two points), and Palo (six) were effectively muzzled by the Corsairs.
Jake Lothamer (16 points), Sean Samples, and Dan Zolinski (10 apiece) picked up the slack in scoring.
Lothamer also had nine rebounds, and Simon said he saw a difference in the senior forward.
“He’s practiced with the confidence he played with on Friday,” Simon said. “I’m expecting big things from him the rest of theyear. I think that game showed him how good he is and how much he can impact a game by being aggressive. I’m hoping for those things, not just (tonight) but for the rest of the year.”
Playing at home, too, could be an advantage, at least early.
“I think on our trip to Mott, we came out a little flat after an hour-long bus ride,” Simon said. “I think being at home, especially this late in the year, is pretty exciting. It’s exciting for the kids.”
It’s the second-to-last home game for the Highlanders, who will be home for a KLAA crossover on March 2 or 3.
As for Simon, he feels a fast start tonight will be crucial.
“You have to make sure you’re not coming out flat in a game like this,” he said, “especially against a tem that can put up 80 points per game. You have to make sure you’re not down 20-5 or 20-10 and have to dig your way out of a hole. We have to make sure we start out with great energy and hopefully we get off to a real good start.”
