ABT holds off Athens’ rally
BY DAN STICKRADT
SENIOR EDITOR
dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
BIRMINGHAM — Marcel Smith relishes close basketball games.
Smith, a senior from Melvindale Academy of Business &Tech, finished with a game-high 25 points, knocking down 9-of-10 free throws and 4-of-9 three-pointers, in leading the two-time defending Class C state champion Gators to a 60-51 boys basketball triumph over upstart Troy Athens at the Motor City Roundball Classic at Birmingham Detroit Country Day.
“There’s no situation that I haven’t been in before,” said the senior guard. “This is what I play basketball for, these types of situations. I do what I need to (in order) to help my team win.”
Athens (1-4) closed to within 48-46 with 3:09 left on a pair of free throws by Jolly Gerwal
Smith responded with a three-pointer on ABT’s next possession to put his team up 51-46 with 2:31 to play and the speedy guard went on to score 13 of his team’s final 15 points — 11 points in the final three minutes.
“He’s the guy that we go to,” said ABT coach Martes Lewis. “We have a lot of guys back with (seven) seniors. But (Smith) is our leader. We were in a close game and he took over (down the stretch).”
Marcus Montague, ABT’s 6-foot-7 post presence, added 10 points and nine rebounds and Anthony Lairy followed with seven points for the Gators.
ABT held slim leads throughout the first half, going up 17-15 after the first quarter and 31-25 at the half, thanks to a 6-0 run to end the second quarter.
Athens, which upset Class A state powerhouse Clarkston 41-40 six days earlier, stayed within striking distance. A 16-15 edge in the third frame brought the Red Hawks to within 46-41 entering the fourth quarter.
Athens kept the game close, with Caleb McIntosh’s jumper pulling the Red Hawks to within 53-50 with 1:20 to go and Jake Duzey’s free throw to within 55-51 with 44 seconds remaining.
ABT closed with a 6-0 run after that point, all coming off free throws by Smith.
“We’re close. We’re only a couple of plays away,” said Athens coach Dave Scott. “I think we have to learn how to win. We have a bunch of young guys and the even the returnees have to learn how to win.”
Duzey, Athens’ 6-4 senior center who is headed for Iowa for football, finished with 11 points, 12 rebounds and four blocked shots. McIntosh finished with 14 points, Grewal followed with nine points and six rebounds and Lonnie Bolden had eight points, six rebounds and three steals for Athens.
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Category: Prep Wraps, Troy Athens
