Game Recap: Holt wins a close one over Okemos 53-52, creates a log jam atop the CAAC-Blue standings

Okemos and Holt squared off in what was the only game in the Lansing area Saturday. Holt came into this game in the middle of the CAAC-Blue standings with a 7-6 overall and 4-5 conference record. Okemos entered the game in first place in the CAAC-Blue with an 11-3 overall and 8-1 record.

Holt has a senior trio in the backcourt that makes their team go in Troy Jordan, Caleb Cooper and Malachi McClain while Okemos has a solid backcourt trio themselves in 2018 Jordan Henry, 2019 Evan Thomas and 2020 Noah Pruitt.

The first quarter was all the home team as Okemos came out more focused and aggressive. They also shared the ball well as Jordan Henry led with 5, and teammates Evan Thomas and Mason Kaczmarek both chipped in 4 more points each.

The second quarter was a bit different though, as Holt managed to cut the lead to 3 going into the break. Caleb Cooper and Troy Jordan had solid second quarters to chip away at the lead, and Holt went into the break down 27-24.

The second half is when Holt's senior backcourt stepped it up. Caleb Cooper in particular had a great second half, as he was everywhere for his team and seemingly had a hand in every basket his team scored in that half. They took a 43-39 lead into the fourth, and it was a back and forth battle in that final quarter to determine the winner.

Holt was able to turn up the tempo in the second half, and it got them the lead in the 3rd. Okemos managed to handle the tempo a little better in the 4th and the game was within 1 or 2 possessions nearly the entire 4th. The Chieftans had opportunities to win it, including a three point shot to win it with less than 3 seconds left, but Holt managed to hang on for 53-52 upset that created a logjam atop the CAAC-Blue standings.

For Holt, Troy Jordan had a great game, scoring a team high 15 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Caleb Cooper had a great second half, and had 11 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. Most of those stats came in the second half for Cooper. Deondre Whetstone had himself a solid game, posting 11 points and 5 rebounds and Malachi McClain had 10 points as well for the Rams.

Jordan Henry scored a game high 17 points, and had 4 rebounds and 4 steals, Evan Thomas had 8 points, 9 rebounds, Noah Pruitt had 7 points, 5 rebounds and Zach Hetfield grabbed 7 rebounds off the bench for Okemos.

The win by Holt caused Okemos to drop into a 3 way tie for 1st place in the CAAC-Blue with East Lansing and Grand Ledge, while Holt moved themselves into the next highest spot in the standings behind those three teams.

Below are some notes on some things some of the players above did well.

Jordan Henry- 2018

Henry might have been the prospect with the highest ceiling in this game. He has good size for a guard at 6'2 and has a knack for scoring the ball. He finished well with both hands around the rim and also showed the ability to score at mid range or from three. He also had a few nice passes to teammates off his dribbles attacking the rim. He should look to tighten up his handles to improve his ability to create separation in isolation situations and it will also help him to become an even better playmaker for teammates. He is definitely a scholarship level player and one NAIA programs need to be on heavy while D2s could check him out too.

Caleb Cooper- 2018

Cooper might be one of the fastest guards in the state with or without the ball. If he gets in front of someone in transition they should not even bother trying to catch him. He also has great acceleration with the ball, which makes him a tough player to pressure, especially when combined with his slick handles. Cooper did a good job at slashing and kicking to teammates in the half court as well. He occasionally got himself going too fast at times though and threw a few wild passes out of bounds. If he can cut those wild lapses back he could be a dynamic point guard at the JUCO or potentially NAIA or D2 level.

Malachi McClain- 2018

The 6'0 shooting guard made a killing attacking the rim, where he used his athleticism and finishing ability to convert all his points. He showed the ability to finish with both hands and showed good body control when attacking at full speed. Needs to continue improving his handles and jump shot to become a more dynamic half court player who can get his own shot even when not allowed straight line drives. Should be a solid small college prospect.

Troy Jordan- 2018

High motor shooting guard for Holt who has a nose for the ball on both ends. Rebounded extremely well for the Rams and was doing it on both offense and defense. Knocked down a pair of threes that forced Okemos players to play up on him more than they wanted to. Finished at the rim well too in both the half court and transition.

DeAndre Whetsone- 2018

Unsung hero in this one for Holt. He knocked down a team high 3 threes, and all of them came at big moments. Only had 5 rebounds but played like he had more. Forced Okemos players to put a body on him inside. Also was disruptive on defense. Altered a few shots and deflected several passes as well.

Evan Thomas- 2019

Intriguing wing for Okemos who showed flashes of serious talent. Could be one of the better guards in the Lansing area next year. Decent athlete who rose above the smaller Holt players around the rim and finished with ease early on. Has a decent looking jump shot but did not look extremely confident shooting. Also used his athleticism to be an effective rebounder for Holt.

Noah Pruitt- 2020

One of the top sophomores in the Lansing area had a sub par game for his standards. Handled the pressure that Holt tried to throw at him, but struggled to make shots. Only had 7 points but if he hits even half the shots he missed that he normally makes, Okemos likely would have won this game. Got to his spots and showed real good ability to create space in isolation situations, just could not finish today. Big time talent for Okemos going forward though.