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2.0 years ago by Kevin Lozon Macomb Daily

Armada finds shooting touch, defeats North Branch in BWAC basketball game

It was all about getting into the zone for Armada on Friday night.

The North Branch and Armada basketball teams come together at midcourt before their game supporting Oxford High School and the Oxford community on Oxford Strong night at Armada on February 11, 2022. (KEVIN LOZON for MediaNews Group)

The Tigers welcomed North Branch on Oxford Strong night and in the first half Armada struggled attacking the Broncos’ zone defense.

Armada’s Andrew Sniesak takes a shot against North Branch. (KEVIN LOZON for MediaNews Group)

But in the second half, Armada juniors Riley Andrews and Andrew Sniesak were in the zone, leading the Tigers to a 59-41 Blue Water Area Conference basketball victory.

“We just played (North Branch) last week and knew they were a team that could challenge us,” Armada coach Chris Haller said. “They came out and they challenged us. Their zone defense made us adjust on the fly in the fist half.”

Armada, despite struggling against that zone defense, still managed to lead 20-13 at halftime behind 10 points by Sniesak.

Andrews opened the third quarter with a triple and a layup, before Sniesak added eight points, sparking a 22-14 Tiger run, pushing their edge to 42-27 heading into the final quarter.

“Our play wasn’t running like it should so at halftime we moved some players into some new spots to get better movement,” Haller said. “We also got a little bit more patient on offense instead of moving the ball as fast as we could. It definitely helped us.”

Andrews continued his hot shooting in the final quarter, knocking down three treys in his 11 points in the period, helping Armada cruise to the victory.

“We only had 19 rebounds tonight,” North Branch coach Mike Snoblen said. “That’s our worst all season. We didn’t rebound and in a zone, you have to commit to it. We didn’t commit to it.”

Armada’s Preston Hill shoots. Armada defeated North Branch in a BWAC game Friday. (KEVIN LOZON for MediaNews Group)

Sniesak led Armada with 22 points, while Andrews finished with 17 points, including 16 in the second half.

“(Sniesak) just comes out and plays basketball,” Haller said. “He’s a leader, willing to make the pass or he can find his shot when he can. He’s going to get to the rim, and he just battles. He hates losing and it elevates us to another level.

“I am so happy for Riley,” Haller added. “He’s been struggling a little bit in his rhythm, and we’ve been working on his shot in practice. He’s a workhorse. He’s the last kid out of the gym if he can be.”

The win improved Armada’s record to 9-6 overall, 3-6 league.

North Branch, which fell to 1-10 overall, 1-9 league, was paced by William Damaska with 11 points, while Gabriel Baksa added seven points, and Griffen Mabery finished with six points.

“William always plays hard,” Snoblen said. “He’s our leader and he’s been on varsity since he’s been here. He’s also the quarterback on the football team. He’s a great kid and does whatever it takes.”

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