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  • Northport's Bill Stowe (13) drives over Grand Traverse Academy's Timothy Fraser (1) in the third quarter of Monday's game. Jan-Michael Stump/Record-Eagle

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March 6, 2012

Northport tops Grand Traverse Academy

BY DENNIS CHASE dchase@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — Northport and Grand Traverse Academy got an early jump on March Madness.

The two teams played a rare Monday afternoon Class D district basketball game at Traverse City Central on the first day of the boys tournament.

The game was originally scheduled for Leland, but Leland was still without power after a winter snowstorm blasted the region over the weekend.

Leading 18-15 at half, Northport used a 22-2 run in the third quarter to put away the Mustangs.

The key?

"Finally waking up after the snowstorm and playing basketball," Northport coach Todd Huck said. "Our defense, our press, got to them. We changed the tempo of the game. Our defense was the difference. Our offense never got going. Four days off, no power, no heat, that wears on you a little bit."

The Wildcats last practice was Thursday, about 24 hours before the storm arrived.

"We just got our power back (at the school) late Sunday night," Huck said. "We were supposed to practice Sunday. If we don't have school (Tuesday), I don't know if we can have practice (Tuesday), either."

School officials did call off for today during the girls district game, the second of three at Central.

Armando Hernandez and Forrest Rogers led the Wildcats with 13 points. Bill Stowe added 11. Tyler Floering scored 16 points and Mitchell Drilling 12 for the Mustangs.

Northport, 4-13, will play Lake Leelanau St. Mary's on Wednesday as part of a doubleheader. Those games could also be moved, depending on Leland's situation.

Three of Northport's wins this season are over Grand Traverse Academy.

"We do not have a great record," Huck said. "I don't think my guys have played to their potential yet. I'm still waiting for that to happen."

Monday's game brought back memories for Huck and assistant coach Dan Stowe. For years, Central hosted the Leelanau County district. Stowe and Huck played at Northport.

"I told the guys that — this is like going back home for the district," Huck said. "I've always loved this gym. It was fun today. It was great that TC did this for us."

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