Reserve Thompson sparks 'Cats' 58-50 road win over Highlanders

BY ED WRIGHT
March 3, 2010, 1:50 a.m.

  Another weapon has emerged for Plymouth's boys basketball team -- just in time for next week's Class A District tournament.

  Aaron Thompson, a sweet-shooting reserve forward, scored 15 points to help spark the Wilcats to a 58-50 road triumph over Howell.

  The win boosted the Wildcats' regular season-ending record to 11-9. The Highlanders slipped to 4-14.

  Over half of Thompson's points were the result of three triples.

  "Aaron was a key for us tonight," said Plymouth coach Mike Soukup. "They were playing a zone and he hit a couple of shots early, so he got his confidence going. It was like a snowball rolling downhill. He can be a heck of a player when he's confident with his shot. Aaron let the game come to him tonight. I'm proud of his effort.

  "When we started hitting some outside shots, it pulled them out of their zone, and they're not real comfortable playing a man-to-man."

  Junior guard Mike Nadratowski paced the Wildcats' scoring ledger with 20 points. Brennen Beyer added 12 and Pat Salo chipped in with eight.

  The Wildcats drained 14 of 22 free throws.

  Plymouth led 13-10 after one quarter. The game was knotted at 24-all at the half, but the Wildcats enjoyed a big third quarter and took a 39-31 lead into the final eight minutes.

  The win ensured a winning record for the Wildcats, who open Class A District action Wednesday, March 10, against the winner of Monday's Novi Catholic Central-Novi game.

  "Probably the most important thing our players have learned this season is how hard they need to play every night, every game," said Soukup. "I was a little disappointed we didn't string together four or five wins during the stretch when we'd win one, then lose one.

  "We can't be happy with average or just above average."