Bell’s Best Games: Week 3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Entering week three of high school hoops, there are going to be plenty of games you simply can't miss. Here are the matchups I am particularly looking forward to seeing play out on the hardwood this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Monday, December 18th</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Portland (4-0) @ East Lansing (3-1) 7 PM East Lansing High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These two teams are going to square up in what should be a phenomenal contest on the court. Portland is coming in hot with their undefeated record, but they will be coming into a tough environment against a very talented team. East Lansing has won two straight and this will be their first home game after four straight on the road. East Lansing has Calvin commit [player_tooltip player_id='383704' first='Sophie' last='Klinger'] running the point with standout freshman [player_tooltip player_id='751168' first='Sydney' last='Black'] physically imposing herself on both ends. Portland is led by Lawrence Tech commit [player_tooltip player_id='335973' first='Malia' last='Thelen'] with outstanding sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='502309' first='Lilly' last='Thelen'] energizing the team offensively. The guard play in this one will be off the charts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hemlock (4-0) @ Midland Dow (2-2) 7 P.M H.H. Dow High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defending D3 champs will take on one of the SVL's best teams today in Midland. Hemlock has picked up right where they left off by winning four straight games, while Dow looks to bounce back from a close loss to KLAA powerhouse Salem. These two teams can put on a shooting gallery and this will be one of the most exciting games of the week. Hemlock will have Concordia commit [player_tooltip player_id='364157' first='Lauren' last='Borsenik'] leading the way inside with [player_tooltip player_id='502326' first='Victoria' last='Hauffe'] contributing outside. Dow is led by their pesky sophomore PG [player_tooltip player_id='614649' first='Melanie' last='Kolnitys'] and senior SG [player_tooltip player_id='244749' first='Klaire' last='Caldwell'], who has returned to full form. This is another game where coaches can see multiple next-level recruits this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday, December 19th</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Goodrich (4-0) @ Frankenmuth (3-0) 7 P.M Frankenmuth High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two undefeated titans of D2 will be clashing this Tuesday in what should be an offensive shootout. Goodrich beat a very good Kingston team last week and Frankenmuth won a close one against skilled rival Freeland. Frankenmuth will be led offensively by their Ferris State commit [player_tooltip player_id='244298' first='Mia' last='McLaughlin'] who has the firepower to take over a game when she gets hot. [player_tooltip player_id='409313' first='Clare' last='Conzelmann'] is a skilled junior who scores at all levels for the Eagles. Goodrich has showtime sophomore PG [player_tooltip player_id='614704' first='Kayla' last='Hairston'] leading the way on both ends, with talented juniors Ella Aegesen and [player_tooltip player_id='613007' first='Ella' last='Place'] causing matchup challenges also. You might not see a better D2 matchup until the playoffs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday, December 21st</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Howell (2-2) @ Hartland (3-0) 7 P.M Hartland High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rejuvenated Eagles are flying high under new head coach Mike Mckay, coming off a big-time upset of Grand Blanc last week. Howell started hot with a win against catholic powerhouse Mercy but has now lost two close games to Midland Dow and Clarkston. The Highlanders will look to rebound against Stevenson before this heated rivalry game. The Eagles are looking for revenge after Howell celebrated a district championship on their court last season. There is no love lost between these two schools and each game has playoff energy in the gym. The games are usually close and bring the best performance out of both teams. Howell has the high-profile sophomore PG [player_tooltip player_id='613940' first='Gabby' last='Piepho'], who set a school record for 3's in a game with 8 against Mercy, and many other guards who have plenty of cache coming into this one. Hartland has the dominant power forward [player_tooltip player_id='364161' first='Aubree' last='Meyer'], Siena Heights commit. This team has something to prove and has made a statement early on that they are a team to be feared in the KLAA West. I will be covering this one live from the bleachers on Thursday and am eager to see the outcome!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->