BLOG 24: Bulldogs continue to search for right lineups

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State University guard Darien Gay (right) plays some defense during a home game last Saturday against Hillsdale (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – Against the University of Findlay, the No. 1-ranked Division II team in the nation, Ferris State University used a bit of a different lineup.

The Bulldogs have had injury issues that have prompted lineup issues during the early portion of what will be a long season. Sunday, Ferris started Lou Williams at one forward spot while talented scorer Josh Young got another start on the wing. In the middle, Ferris has continued to rely on big man Justin Keenan, who is nearly unstoppable when guarded one on one. At the guard positions, sophomore Darien Gay started at the point while sharpshooter Austin Randel played the other guard position. It’s a lineup capable of offense and a group that should be able to run up and down the floor and generate offense.

Head coach Bill Sall’s Ferris squad boasts a solid bench that should only get better as this season moves along. Williams and Randel are two x-factors in the lineup. Williams has a wealth of potential with his athleticism and his ability to make things happen in transition or in the Bulldogs’ half-court offense. Randel, who is bouncing back from an early-season illness, also is an x-factor for his long-range shooting ability. Williams scored five points on 2-of-3 shooting while Randel put up eight points on 3-of-6 shooting (2-of-4 from 3-point land).

Dontae Molden, a promising freshman point guard who has been in and out of the starting lineup, finished with nine points and dished out four assists in 24 minutes. Molden is a good example of the depth that the Bulldogs sought during the off season paying some dividends already.

At this point, the Bulldogs are idle until Jan. 3 when they will host Grace Bible in a 3 p.m. non-conference contest in Wink Arena. This is a good time for a break. The student-athletes will have an opportunity to finish up exams, get some rest for the holiday and then come back ready for action at the start of the new calendar year.

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