By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
PLAINWELL—The first game in its new home was a rousing success for the Plainwell boys basketball team.
Not only was a standing-room-only crowd on hand for the game the Plainwell Field House, but the Trojans also secured a 60-39 win over archrival Otsego.
“I was a great evening,” Plainwell coach Larry Ash said. “I wish we had that kind of crowd every game and the field house was rocking like it was tonight.
“Playing Otsego for our first game in the field house seemed like it was destined. To have all the people in the area to share our building with was amazing. We all know about the rivalry between Plainwell and Otsego, but I think at the end of day we’re all one big family and it was great to have Otsego be a part of this.”
Otsego coach Matt Dennis had nothing but praise for Plainwell’s new facility.
“Tonight, we had a great atmosphere for a high school basketball game,” he said. “Plainwell’s new field house has more space than the old gym and there certainly was a buzz in the air with people wanting to check out the building and see a rivalry game.”
It didn’t take the Trojans long to get acclimated to their new home.
Plainwell scored the game’s first 11 points before a basket by Matthew Long got Otsego on the scoreboard. By the end of the first quarter, the Trojans led 18-4.
“Yes, we came out pretty good and have been working on defense a lot,” Ash said. “We still have a way to go, but I think there were a lot of good signs for us tonight.”
Otsego cut its deficit to nine points near the end of the second quarter, but Plainwell answered to push its lead to 34-19 at the intermission.
John Amaezechi led Plainwell with a double-double, going for team highs of 17 points and 14 rebounds. He also had two assists and two steals.
Drew Nelson added 16 points, while Chib Amaezechi and Trason Stephenson added nine points each. Chip Amaezechi also had seven rebounds.
“I think we are playing pretty good right now and the conference is tight with three to five teams looking over their shoulders at each other,” Ash said. “That shows that the Wolverine Conference is getting tougher and tougher.”
The Bulldogs, meanwhile, entered the game down two starters, as one suffered a broken wrist and another was dealing with a knee injury.
“I was proud of how we fought,” Dennis said. “With some guys out, our players had to adjust and step into new roles. Everyone played hard and was coachable throughout the ups and downs of the game.
“We fell behind early, which hurt us, but the guys didn’t fold they kept fighting and trying to make plays.”
Long led Otsego with 13 points. Wyatt Dennis, making his varsity debut after being called up for the JV squad, had eight points.
“I give a lot of credit to Plainwell,” Dennis said. “They were excited about the new home court and a good crowd. They’re also a team that is on a roll right now.”
