Plymouth's 'D' clamps down on Churchill in 41-38 triumph

BY ED WRIGHT
Feb. 13, 2010, 1:10 a.m.

  If you can score more than 40 points against Plymouth's boys basketball team these days, you deserve some kind of medal.

  The Wildcats' streak of sub-40 defensive efforts was extended Friday night in their 41-38 victory over Livonia Churchill, a decision that earned coach Mike Soukup's squad third place in the KLAA South Division with a 6-4 record.

  "I've been pleased with our defensive effort and our offensive execution is getting better," said Soukup, when asked for the key to his team's recent three-game winning streak. "We're turning the ball over less frequently than we were earlier in the season and making better decisions with the ball."

  Junior Pat Salo's 14 points led the Wildcats, who upped their overall mark to 9-7. Brennen Beyer turned in another stellar night in the paint, notching eight points and six rebounds, and junior guard Mike Nadratowski added seven points.

  Tony Frezzell paced the Chargers with 18 points.

  Plymouth led 23-18 before holding on at the end for the win.

  "It got kind of sloppy at the end of the game," Soukup said. "We made a silly turnover, then they made one. Mike Nadratowski made one of two free throws to give us a three-point lead and they missed a desperation three at the buzzer."

  The Wildcats made eight of 14 free throws.

  Plymouth will take on either Novi or Livonia Stevenson in Friday night's opening round of the KLAA tournament. Four teams from the Central and South divisions qualify.