Before their big game against rival Allen Park for the top spot in the Downriver League, the Lincoln Park Railsplitters welcomed in the Griffins of Taylor. In a game that could have been a look-ahead spot for the Railsplitters, they were able to pull away late, leading them to a 62-51 win.
Taylor Griffins
Bringing the Pressure
The Griffins of Taylor High School laid out a plan for anyone who wanted to try and beat the Lincoln Park Railsplitters, and that was to show that all you need to do is bring the pressure. The Griffins would go down to the corner and trap the Railsplitters, and that helped the Griffins stay in the game for the first three-quarters, but the energy they exerted in the first three quarters led to the Griffins coming up just short in the game.
Lincoln Park Railsplitters
Fast Pace
The Lincoln Park Railsplitters like to play fast, and that isn’t always the best, but it showed in this game. While they did go and win the game by a final of 62-51, it was a sloppy game for them with turnovers and not finding a way for them to gain much separation until late in the game. The fast pace was the main reason they won the game; however, they were able to break the pressure that the Griffins provided by giving back the pressure in the form of their speed. Whether it was quick passes or speed down the sideline, they moved fast and efficiently.
The main beneficiaries of the quick play were Zahir Haqq and Sean Bailey. For Haqq, it was a typical night as he dropped 22 points in the win, and for Bailey, his fast play allowed him to crash the boards on the offensive and defensive side of the glass and pick up a double-double. If the Railsplitters can get their speedful attack under control, they will be able to cause issues and might just be able to win a league title in basketball for the first time since 2012.