By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
Lee junior Marc Whitfield had 34 points and six assists to help the Legends beat visiting Muskegon Catholic Central 69-58 Tuesday.
The win kept Lee securely atop the Alliance League at 5-0 (15-1 overall), followed by West Michigan Aviation at 5-2, 10-6.
Ny’Zhem Marshall added 14 points and 3 blocks, while Joe Russau had 12 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks.
“Marc plays the game with much passion and leads on the court with his actions,” said Lee Coach Dominic Shannon. “Against MCC Marc really willed our team to a conference win by remaining aggressive offensively.
“All season Marc has been productive with scoring and creating for others. We’re at our best when he can get into the open court and create.”
Shannon, however, said his team didn’t play its best basketball against Muskegon Catholic Central, at least in the first half.
“Many defensive blunders as MCC shot and made several open 3-point attempts in the first half, leading to a 27-27 score at halftime,” Shannon explained. “Our message to the boys at halftime was clear, respond and let’s play our style of basketball. Minutes into the third quarter we were active, creating fast breaks with our defense and were up 10 points very quickly.
“I think we responded to the adversity well … a few things to clean up in practice this week as we head to Fruitport Calvary on Friday.”
Other players stepping up
Shannon talked about other players pitching in for the Legends.
“At 6-3, Joe Russau has been a constant force inside and out as he has been relentless on the glass, blocking shots and showing the versatility in his game,” Shannon said. “Ny’Zhem Marshall has grown much this season and is gaining confidence at the right time. At 6-4, He’s been knocking down his outside shots at a good rate as of late and aiding Joe with protecting the paint. He has a lot of upside and is excited he’ll be returning next year. Excited for his future development.
“We think Clarence Lewis is one of the top on-ball defenders in the state of Michigan. Each night we give him the assignment of guarding the team’s best perimeter offensive player. Now, it may be hard to shut someone down, but Clarence does give tremendous effort each night to do so and make the other team’s best player earn his respect.”
‘Sights set on the Breslin Center’
Lee has definitely turned things around this year. Last season, the Legends finished 2-6 in the Alliance, 5-16 overall.
“Considering the previous state of the basketball program here at Lee, it feels good but the job isn’t done so we are not yet satisfied,” Shannon said. “The last conference championship for Lee was in 1980, and we’re a couple games from an outright conference crown. We control our destiny.
“The first priority is to secure the conference and then put on our dancing shoes as we head into March. The last state championship was 1960, and honestly we have our sights set on the Breslin Center.”
