The Schoolcraft Ocelots men’s basketball team played host to the Pioneers from Delta College. Schoolcraft entered the contest looking for their 5th win in a row and to get their record over the .500 mark for the first time since they started the 2021-22 season 1-0.
The 1st half would be another offensive clinic for the Ocelots putting up a total of 44 points in the first 20 minutes of the game. With 11:16 remaining in the first half Delta would lead the Ocelots by a score of 20-15. For the rest of the first half, Schoolcraft would outscore the Pioneers 29-9. Mackhi Jackson would be on fire, leading the team with 16 points on 6/12 shooting including 3/5 from behind the arc. Marshall Thorn would contribute 6 points (4/4 from the free throw line) and grab 4 rebounds while doing work on the block.
Going into the second half, it was simple for the Ocelots, do not let up any big runs to let Delta back in the game. That game plan was executed, mainly from the offensive end. As Delta would find their offense, 48 total points in the 2nd half, Schoolcraft would all but match that total putting up 46 points of their own, including 26 points from the bench. Leading the bench would be Kechan Johnson (2/2 from 3) and Makell Johnson-Dobbs (1/2 from 3). 7 minutes into the 2nd half, Delta would hit a 3-pointer to cut the Ocelot lead to 10 points, but a Daniel Leejump shot on the ensuing possession would keep that Schoolcraft lead to double digits as Delta would never get the lead cut to 10 points again. Lee would lead all Ocelots in the 2nd half with 14 points on 6/11 from the field.
For the game, it was Lee leading the team with 23 points and Jackson not too far behind with 20. Lee and Noah Rainge would tie for the team lead with 5 rebounds and Keon Henderson would lead the team with 3 assists in just 10 minutes. 13 Ocelots would get minutes as the bench would put up 35 total points, led by Johnson-Dobbs with 10.
Schoolcraft returns to the court on Wednesday, January 10, as they host Community Christian at 6pm. This is the final non-conference game for the Ocelots as they open up MCCAA play on Saturday, January 13.
