Impressions: Woodhaven

Woodhaven's inside/outside combo of Nick Farmer and Donnie Stoddard is an effective one. Farmer is a solid ball handler, has good court vision and is a legitimate scoring threat (18 points to lead all scorers). Stoddard is relentless in the post, and finds ways to pull down a number of rebounds based on hustle alone rather than simply size and positioning. His knack for getting to both the basket and the free-throw line will be a focus for the Warriors all season.

Oscar Rodriguez presents a potential match up problem for opponents as he handles the ball well as a combo guard while having a good presence on the glass for the Warriors.

Woodhaven has a number of capable players that will look to make their marks as the season proceeds. While Farmer and Stoddard seem to be the focus, other athletes in the starting lineup and coming off the bench will undoubtedly turn in some solid performances.

Overall: The Warriors suffered some lulls in their season-opening victory which is to be expected at the beginning of the year. Woodhaven will look to become more crisp in transition, both offensively and defensively, and cut down on the turnovers. If these things are done, the Warriors could surprise some people in the DRL this season.

Player To Watch: Jamone Johnson. Johnson didn't contribute much on the offensive end in the Warrior victory (three points), but he pulled down 10 rebounds and disrupted a number of Red Devil shots on the defensive end. Don't be surprised when Johnson becomes a bigger part of the Woodhaven offense. The combination with Stoddard in the post could pose many problems for opposing front courts.

Impressions: Grosse Ile

Take away the first five minutes of this game and the result could have been much different.

The Red Devils look outmatched early in the first quarter, trailing 10-0 minutes into the game. From that point on (three and a half quarters), Grosse Ile actually outscored the Warriors 44-43.

Rob White is a gritty veteran for the Red Devils with a strong all-around game as he can slash to the basket, shoot the three and distribute the ball. The "never say die" attitude that carried the Red Devils to a lengthy playoff run is embodied in White.

Keeton Ross is willing to take a pounding for his team as he earned several trips to the free-throw line against the Warriors (this will be a reoccurring theme this season).

Mike Matulonis and Josh Gaudette may not consistently light up the score board this season, but they are effective in pestering opposing offenses and forcing timely turnovers, many of which led to the Red Devils climbing to within four points late in the game.

Overall: While the Red Devils don't have the tallest team or many kids that can jump out of the gym, they do have some good shooters and a scrappiness about them that could make some noise in the Huron League. Free-throw shooting and scoring droughts will be some areas of improvement for the Red Devils going forward.

Player to Watch: Tyler London. London will see time at off-guard and has good size (6'3). He led Grosse Ile with eight rebounds and made a timely three-pointer when the Red Devils were trying to stay in contention midway through the game. With the ability to shoot from the outside and gradual improvement from the charity stripe, London could turn in a few impressive scoring totals this season.

Overall: Most season openers have their sloppy moments and this game was no different. Forced passes and unforced errors will work themselves out as the season progresses and both teams have some good pieces that may sneak up on some opponents in their respective leagues.

Until next time.