Turns Out, Height Does Make A Difference In Hoops

 After Glasgow’s home game against Glendive on Jan. 25, it’s pretty much proven that a 6-foot-10 center really does make a difference. About a 20-point difference, in fact.

In the first half against Glendive, the Red Devils’ center, Bryden Boehning, was suspended for “violating team rules.” The Scotties took advantage. They scored 27 points and held the Devils to 13 points in the half with stifling pressure defense.

In the second half though, Boehning was able to play and his presence was immediately felt. Glasgow’s Keil Krumwiede, who spent most of the first half driving to the hoop for a lay up, tried to do the same in the second half and was denied by Boehning with a block.

Then, the press that had worked wonders in the first half for Glasgow, lost a lot of its effectiveness as the Devils just put Boehning at half court, tossed it up to him where no defender can reach and easily break the press. The Red Devils went on to score 22 in the third quarter and pull with one to begin the fourth, 36-25. The Scotties adjusted defensively and held the Devils to 13 in the fourth but couldn’t find consistent scoring on the offensive end and lost 48-43.

“I’m glad we don’t have to put up with [Boehning] again until next season,” said Head Coach Norm Braaten.

There are other formidable post players in Class B, though. And one of them is coming into Glasgow on Saturday in Plentywood’s Jackson Marsh.

“Marsh is as good as anyone,” said Braaten. “He’s so difficult to defend.”

The Plentywood games comes a day after the Scotties travel to Harlem in the biggest weekend of the season for the Scotties.

The Scotties defeated both versions of the Wildcats on consecutive days earlier in January and will need to do the same to have a chance at the third seed in districts.

The difference between the third and fourth seed is stark. The third seed would take on a struggling Poplar team in the opening round and then face Wolf Point in the second round. The fourth or fifth seed would face one of Plentywood or Harlem in the first round, and if they were able to win, would have to face Malta in the second round.

That’s a daunting task. So being able to take third and the easier route to a berth to divisionals has to be the top priority. With Glasgow already defeating both Plentywood and Harlem once, wins over both would essentially lock up the third seed as long as the Scotties don’t drop one of two games against Poplar.

The Scotties and the Indians were supposed to face off in a game re-scheduled from Jan. 11, to Jan. 28, but weather forced a second re-scheduling for Feb. 4. The Scotties will then face Poplar again on Feb. 7.

For now, the focus is on the Wildcat twins in Plentywood and Harlem.

“We know what to expect from Harlem. They crash the boards really hard and if some kids gets hot, it could be a long night,” said Braaten.

Plentywood brings a different type of game.

“They’ll press us and we’ll press them. It just kind of goes back and forth like two heavyweight boxers,” said Braaten.

The key against Plentywood is Jerod McCrory and Trey Howard, according to Braaten. Those two can get on a hot streak with outside shots, which would in turn open up the middle for Marsh.

“We’ve got to hope somebody is not shooting very well,” said Braaten.

The last time the Scotties met with Harlem, they won 57-47 and lost time they saw Plentywood, they came away with the 50-40 win.