PREVIEW-FERNADLE VS OTTAWA HILLS
The second game of the 10th annual 2K Showcase features the defending Division 2 state champions, the Ferndale Eagles will square off against the Ottawa Hills Bengals from 2055 Rosewood.
Ferndale makes its second appearance in the 2K showcase, bringing its championship culture to the event. Ottawa Hills is making its debut in the 2K Showcase, representing the city pride of Big O.
A year ago around this time, Ferndale was one game under .500 before winning 16 of their last 18 games en route to capturing the Division 2 state championship. Coach Juan Rickman's formula remains the same this season, as Ferndale's four out of five losses have come against four of the top 10 teams in Division 1 (Brother Rice, UofD Jesuit, Muskegon, and North Farmington). Ferndale (6-5) is led by unsigned seniors Trenton Ruth, who played a major role on Ferndale’s state championship team, and sharpshooter Kaden Houston. Ferndale features a strong freshman class led by the state's #1 freshman, Eden Vinyard, while freshman guard Toriano Adams runs the point for the Eagles.
Coach Derrick King and the Bengals have also faced a competitive schedule, with four of their five losses coming from top teams in Division 1 (Muskegon and Lansing Waverly) and Division 2 (South Christian and GR Catholic Central). Ottawa Hills (6-5) senior class has been primed and ready to make a run led by unsigned senior and one of the state's top scorers, Craig Hureskin who is averaging 26 points per game, including a 51-point outing earlier this month. Unsigned seniors Willie Duke and Daten Strickland have also made contributions for the Bengals.
As the teams prepare to compete, the styles of play will make this matchup a good one. The game will likely come down to which team defends the 3-point line better and which team will take care of the ball under pressure.
Both squads continue to be battle-tested, Coach Juan Rickman's expectations are clear, to win a state championship, while Coach Derrick King believes this is Ottawa's year to make a run out of districts and beyond.
Both squads continue to be battle-tested. Coach Juan Rickman's sights are clear: to win the state championship. Coach Derrick King believes this is Ottawa's year to make a run out of districts and beyond.
