BLOG 16: Ferris will be challenged right off the bat by Grand Valley

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State University players Josh Young (left) and Matt DeHart (right) battle during practice (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – Ferris State University will take nothing for granted as it opens Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference competition Monday night at archrival Grand Valley State University in Allendale. The game is the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener for both teams.

The Bulldogs have had their share of ups and downs during this early portion of their 2008-09 schedule, but this test will be a significant one. Ferris is 1-2 on the young season after an 87-76 win, Tuesday night, in Jim Wink Arena against Olivet. Monday (Dec. 3) night’s contest against the Lakers, however, will be a major step up in competition for the young Bulldogs. Not much gets Grand Valley or Ferris more fired up than a head-to-head meeting.

The Bulldogs need to put together a complete 40-minute effort in this critical road contest. Ferris has played well during stretches, but those stretches have to last much longer. To win in Allendale, the Bulldogs need to figure out how to spread the floor to take some of the heat in the paint off sophomore center Justin Keenan. That means perimeter shooters, namely Austin Randel (providing he is back and healthy) and Josh Young. These guys, and others, have to provide firepower from the perimeter and be disciplined and effective in the running game, too. The point guards, sophomore Darien Gay and freshman Dontae Molden must handle the pressure on the road.

Grand Valley (4-0) has reloaded this season with massive losses to graduation (including the likes of cornerstones Callistus Eziukwu, the 6-foot-10 center, and Jason Jamerson, the sharp-shooting guard) from a squad that was 36-1 a year ago. Two of the biggest additions to the team are a pair of transfers from the University of Michigan in forward K’Len Morris and point guard Jerret Smith. So, any reports of the demise of GVSU have been exaggerated. In addition to Morris and Smith, the Lakers still have a pair of pretty solid cornerstones in forwards Pete Trammell and Justin Ringler, a native of Reed City, who is averaging 11.3 points.

Containing dribble penetration, stopping the ball in transition and guarding the 3-point arc will be among the keys to the game for the Bulldogs.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com