Quick start helps Athens cruise past Oxford
BY DAN STICKRADT
SENIOR EDITOR
dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
TROY — It’s one thing for a team to have high expectations and another thing for that team to actually live up to top those expectations.
Troy Athens’ is living up to such expectations out on the basketball court so far this season.
The Red Hawks are off to a 4-0 start for the first time since December, 2004, and made Oxford its latest victim Tuesday night in an OAA crossover game. Athens raced out to a 19-5 lead in the first six minutes of the contest and cruised to a 76-54 victory over the visiting Wildcats.
Second-year Athens coach Dave Scott eluded to the fact that there have not been many starts quite like this one in school history.
“It’s our first 4-0 start since (2004-05),” laughed Scott, looking up at the school’s boys basketball banner, which only has a few years engraved on it.
AROUND LEFT: Troy Athens senior point guard Aaron Fox(No. 20) drives past Oxford senior guard Ben Magdaleno during Tuesday's OAA crossover game. Staff Photo | Dan Stickradt
Senior guard Marcarius Coakley led four Red Hawks in double figures with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Senior guard Caleb McIntosh added 16 points, nine rebounds and three assists, 6-foot-8 junior center Jeff Koch added 16 points, 14 rebounds and six blocked shots and senior guard Aaron Fox scored 11 points with five assists. Jolly Grewal added five rebounds for the Red Hawks.
“We have some nice inside players,” added Scott. “Marcarius Coakley is a little bit bigger of a guard for us, Jeff Koch played great today, and Jolly Grewal played good for us and Caleb McIntosh is another bigger guard for us. Lucas Bezzerra came in and gave us a lice lift today and (John) Van Hoef is a freshman and he came in and gave us some nice minutes to help us with some size inside.
“I thought our guards, Aaron Fox and Caleb McIntosh did a nice job handling the pressure. Tim Shayoka and Robert Dema did a nice job coming off the bench for us,” added Scott. “We are happy, but I think we need to keep up our intensity for (longer stretches of the game). It was still a nice win at home.”
With state-ranked Clarkston awaiting Athens’ arrival on Thursday, the Red Hawks did quite a defensive job on Oxford as a tune up.
SETTING THE TABLE FOR TWO: Troy Athens senior Marcarious Coakley lays up two of his game-high 20 points in the Red Hawks' 76-54 win over Oxford. Staff Photo | Dan Stickradt
The Wildcats were held to a 31.7 percent shooting night (20-for-63) and was outscored in all four quarters.
Meanwhile, the Red Hawks shot 29-for-71 from the floor (40.9 percent). Athens, which used its length inside to outrebound the Wildcats 48-32, led 20-13 at the end of the first quarter, as Oxford closed with an 8-1 run to end the quarter.
The Wildcats opened the second quarter with a 9-4 spurt to close to within 24-21 with 5:45 left in the frame. Athens responded with a 17-8 run to go up 41-29 at the half.
In the third quarter, Oxford (2-3) scored the first two points to cut the deficit down to 41-31, only to see the Red Hawks respond with 10-1 spurt for a 49-32 advantage with 5:05 still left in the period.
The Wildcats could not close the gap to less than 12 points the rest of the way.
“They’ve got some kids with some great ball skills, big physical kids and I think that made a huge difference for them,” offered Oxford coach Paul Marfia. “They were just a little bit bigger. We had some guards try to make some plays, but they are 5-10 and they were 6-3. You have to give credit to them. They made some great shots, made their free throws. A lot has to do with their defense and what they are doing out there.”
GRAND THEFT: Oxford senior forward Mike Kitchner takes his steal in for a layup during Tuesday's game at Troy Athens. Staff Photo | Dan Stickradt
Senior guard Mark Hazelwood scored 16 points, including a trio of three-pointers, with five rebounds and three assist for the Wildcats. Senior forward Mike Kitchner added 12 points and senior center Zack Raisch chipped in with 10 points and eight rebounds for Oxford.
Oxford, without 6-foot-7 post player Collin Goetz, who has committed to Central Michigan for football but is out indefinitely with a injury.
“When you have a 6-7, 245-pound center, its causes you to play a certain way and without him, we’ve have to learn to play differently,” added Marfia. “I do like out effort out there.”
NO LOOK: Oxofrd senior guard Mark Hazelwood (No. 33) makes this no-look bounce pass to a teammate around troy Athens senior Marcarius Coakley. Staff Photo | Dan Stickradt
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Category: Featured Articles, High School, Oxford, Prep Wraps, Troy Athens
ADDITIONAL LINKS:
FALL SPORTS
FOOTBALL: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=Football&x=12&y=12
SOCCER: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=soccer&x=0&y=0
CROSS COUNTRY: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=Cross+country&x=11&y=10
GOLF: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=Golf&x=9&y=14
TENNIS: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=Tennis&x=13&y=4
VOLLEYBALL: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=Volleyball&x=0&y=9
SWIMMING: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=Swimming&x=11&y=14
WINTER SPORTS
BASKETBALL: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=Basketball&x=13&y=12
WRESTLING: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=wrestling&x=10&y=9
SKIING: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=Skiing&x=5&y=14
GYMNASTICS: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=Gymnastics&x=10&y=12
HOCKEY: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=Hockey&x=11&y=14
SWIMMING: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=Swimming&x=11&y=14
BOWLING: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=Bowling&x=4&y=13
SPRING SPORTS
BASEBALL: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=Baseball&x=16&y=13
SOFTBALL: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=Softball&x=8&y=11
TRACK AND FIELD: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=track&x=14&y=11
LACROSSE: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=lacrosse&x=12&y=9
TENNIS: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=Tennis&x=13&y=4
GOLF: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=Golf&x=9&y=14
SOCCER: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=soccer&x=0&y=0
FALL SPORTS 2011 ALL-AREA TEAMS:
ALL-AREA BOYS CROSS COUNTRY: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/12/20/all-area-boys-cross-country-2011-lead-runners-step-up-to-lead-pack/
ALL-AREA GIRLS GOLF: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/12/20/all-area-girls-golf-2011-tournament-tested-golfers-headline-talented-squad/
ALL-AREA BOYS TENNIS: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/12/19/all-area-boys-tennis-2011-top-flight-players-rule-area-courts/
ALL-AREA GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/12/30/2011-all-north-oakland-area-girls-cross-country-elite-runners-help-set-the-pace/
ALL-AREA GIRLS SWIMMING: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/12/28/2011-all-area-girls-swimming-and-diving-state-champions-all-staters-ride-wave-to-become-region%E2%80%99s-best/
ALL-AREA BOYS SOCCER: http://northoaklandsports.com/2012/01/03/2011-all-north-oakland-area-boys-soccer-team-gifted-players-deliver-on-the-pitch/
ALL-AREA FOOTBALL: http://northoaklandsports.com/2012/01/03/2011-all-north-oakland-area-football-team-explosive-athletes-seasoned-veterans-anchor-grid-iron-squad/
ALL-AREA GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: Dec. 30
SPRING SPORTS 2011 ALL-AREA TEAMS
ALL-AREA BOYS TRACK AND FIELD TEAM: LINK: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/07/06/all-area-boys-track-field-power-speed-highlight-postseason-squad/
ALL-AREA GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD TEAM: LINK: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/07/08/2011-all-area-girls-track-field-team-all-state-athletes-burnt-up-the-grand-oval/
ALL-AREA GIRLS TENNIS TEAM: LINK: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/07/10/2011-all-area-girls-tennis-these-players-made-quite-the-racquet/
ALL-AREA BOYS GOLF TEAM: LINK: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/07/11/2011-all-area-boys-golf-state-champion-oakland-christian-headlines-top-linkers/
ALL-AREA BASEBALL TEAM: LINK: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/07/12/2011-all-area-baseball-diamond-squad-is-armed-and-lethally-dangerous/
ALL-AREA SOFTBALL TEAM: LINK: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/07/15/2011-all-area-softball-all-around-talents-heat-up-the-diamond/
ALL-AREA GIRLS SOCCER TEAM: LINK: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/07/20/2011-all-area-girls-soccer-highly-touted-players-showcased-on-postseason-squad/
ALL-AREA GIRLS LACROSSE TEAM: LINK: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/07/18/2011-all-area-girls-lacrosse-rising-stars-abundant-in-state%E2%80%99s-fastest-growing-sport/
ALL-AREA BOYS LACROSSE TEAM: LINK: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/07/22/2011-all-area-boys-lacrosse-this-group-snatches-the-opposition-in-its-web/
WINTER SPORTS ALL-AREA TEAMS 2010-2011
Below are the links for the 2011 All-Area teams for the winter sports for the 2010-11 season:
ALL-AREA BOYS BASKETBALL: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/04/18/2011-all-area-boys-basketball-coachable-players-help-yield-great-success/
ALL-AREA GIRLS BASKETBALL: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/04/15/2524/
ALL-AREA BOYS-GIRLS SKIING: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/04/18/2011-all-area-ski-team-clarkston-lake-orion-head-up-talented-cast-of-ski-racers/
ALL-AREA BOYS GIRLS BOWLING: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/04/17/2011-all-area-bowling-this-group-knocks-them-down-with-precision/
ALL-AREA WRESTLING: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/03/31/2011-all-area-wrestling-state-champions-head-up-deep-and-talented-group-of-matmen/
ALL-AREA BOYS HOCKEY: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/04/05/2011-all-area-boys-hockey-state-semifinalist-lake-orion-leads-talented-cast-on-the-ice/
ALL-AREA BOYS SWIMMING: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/04/16/2011-all-area-boys-swimming-diving-tankers-glide-to-plenty-of-success/
FALL 2010 ALL-AREA TEAMS:
ALL-AREA FOOTBALL: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/01/21/2010-all-area-football-weapons-on-both-sides-of-the-ball-spark-postseason-accolades/
ALL-AREA GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/01/17/2010-all-area-girls-volleyball-this-team-brings-it-all-to-the-floor/
ALL-AREA BOYS SOCCER: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/01/20/2010-all-area-boys-soccer-this-talented-group-has-all-the-accolades-to-prove-worth/
ALL-AREA GIRLS SWIMMING: http://northoaklandsports.com/2010/12/30/2010-all-area-girls-swimming-diving-youth-is-served-in-area-pools/
ALL-AREA GIRLS GOLF: http://northoaklandsports.com/2010/12/07/625/
ALL-AREA BOYS TENNIS: http://northoaklandsports.com/2010/12/15/2010-all-area-boys-tennis-team-this-unit-could-surely-swat-away-the-opposition/
ALL-AREA BOYS CROSS COUNTRY: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/01/19/2010-all-area-boys-cross-country-team-sophomores-pace-pack-of-talented-runners/
ALL-AREA GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/01/19/2010-all-area-girls-cross-country-runners-join-the-front-pack-to-bring-home-accolades/
SPRING 2010 ALL-AREA TEAMS:
ALL-AREA BASEBALL: http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/all-area-baseball-big-bats-live-arms-headline-postseason-squad-1778.php
ALL-AREA SOFTBALL: http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/all-area-softball-talented-cast-covers-all-the-bases-1773.php
ALL-AREA GIRLS SOCCER: http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/all-area-girls-soccer-talented-cast-can-do-it-all-1779.php
ALL-AREA GIRLS TRACK: http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/all-area-girls-track-field-this-fast-group-more-than-sizzled-up-the-grand-oval-1741.php
http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/2010-all-area-girls-track-and-field-chart-1752.php
ALL-AREA BOYS TRACK: http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/all-area-boys-track-field-these-thinclads-were-fast-to-the-finish-1750.php
http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/all-area-boys-track-field-chart-1751.php
ALL-AREA BOYS GOLF: http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/all-area-boys-golf-consistency-the-key-for-arearsquos-top-golfers-1765.php
ALL-AREA GIRLS TENNIS: http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/all-area-girls-tennis-netters-serve-up-the-right-results-1769.php
ALL-AREA BOYS LACROSSE: http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/all-area-boys-lacrosse-these-players-take-game-to-the-next-level-1774.php
ALL-AREA GIRLS LACROSSE: http://northoaklandsports.com/pages/posts/all-area-girls-lacrosse-talent-level-is-fast-rising-1777.php
WINTER 2009-2010 ALL-AREA TEAMS
ALL-AREA BOYS BASKETBALL: http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/all-area-boys-basketball-the-kings-of-the-court-have-arrived-1213.php
ALL-AREA GIRLS BASKETBALL: http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/all-area-girls-basketball-dominant-players-abound-on-hardcourt-1372.php
ALL-AREA WRESTLING: http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/all-area-wrestling-state-placers-are-the-class-of-this-talented-lineup-1377.php
ALL-AREA BOYS HOCKEY: http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/all-area-hockey-all-state-honorees-headline-postseason-unit-1297.php
ALL-AREA BOYS SWIMMING: http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/all-area-boys-swimming-this-talent-pool-makes-a-big-splash-1419.php
ALL-AREA BOYS BOWLING: http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/all-area-boys-bowling-this-team-knocks-down-the-opposition-1331.php
ALL-AREA GIRLS BOWLING: http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/all-area-girls-bowling-this-group-found-the-right-alley-1330.php
ALL-AREA BOYS SKIING: http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/all-area-boys-ski-team-underclassmen-headline-postseason-list-1095.php
ALL-AREA GIRLS SKIING: http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/all-area-girls-ski-team-these-ski-racers-were-down-hill-in-a-flash-1101.php
FALL 2009 ALL-AREA TEAMS (inaugural launch):
ALL-AREA FOOTBALL: http://northoaklandsports.com/pages/posts/armed-and-dangerous-.-big-offensive-weapons-bone-crushing-hitters-highlight-all-area-football-team-430.php
ALL-AREA GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/01/17/flashback-2009-all-area-volleyball-players-hit-their-points-in-the-right-places/
http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/smack-down-all-area-volleyball-players-hit-their-points-in-the-right-places-1738.php
ALL-AREA BOYS SOCCER: http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/dream-team-honorees-lead-all-area-boys-soccer-team-1739.php
ALL-AREA GIRLS SWIMMING: http://northoaklandsports.com/2010/12/30/flashback-2009-all-area-girls-swimming-team/
http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/adams-stoney-creek-lead-all-area-girls-swimming-team-286.php
ALL-AREA BOYS CROSS COUNTRY: http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/leaders-of-the-pack.frontrunners-head-up-all-area-boys-cross-country-team-279.php
ALL-AREA GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY: http://northoaklandsports.com/2010/12/13/flashback-2009-all-area-girls-cross-country-team-all-american-goethals-leads-talented-all-area-pack-of-runners/
ALL-AREA GIRLS GOLF: http://northoaklandsports.com/2010/12/07/flashback-2009-all-area-girls-golf-team/
http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/super-team-players-highlight-all-area-girls-golf-squad-194.php
ALL-AREA BOYS TENNIS: http://northoaklandsports.com/2010/12/15/flashback-2009-all-area-boys-tennis-powerful-hitters-ace-positions-on-tennis-squad/
http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/powerful-hitters-ace-positions-on-all-area-boys-tennis-squad-337.php
2009-2010 ALL-AREA DIRECTORY: http://209.217.228.250/~northoak/pages/posts/season-in-review-2009-10-all-area-teams-directory-1780.php