Photo by Mike Brothers
Sullivan’s Kaleb Shumard drives hard to the basket in the January 8 home game against the Tuscola Warriors on the Redskin home court.

•January 13, 2016•

By Matt Kracht
NP Sports Reporter

Redskins’ basketball fans watched an instant classic Friday night as Ty Molzen and Nick Bates traded baskets in a pair of all conference performances, that ended in a 38-36 Tuscola win.
Molzen finished seven for seven from the field tallying 14 points for Sullivan, and Nick Bates poured in 22 points leading the way for Tuscola.
Sullivan head coach Chet Reeder was unhappy with Sullivan’s “timid” play on the offense but thought the effort shown on defense was top notch. “We played our tails off on defense. Defensively that was one of the best games we have ever played. The ball just did not bounce our way a couple times, and that is all it takes.”
The Warriors jumped out to an early 7-2 before back to back baskets tied the game at the end of the first quarter. In the second period Tuscola’s Bates took over at the five minute mark scoring the Warriors next seven straight. The run gave the Warriors a 16-11 halftime lead. Coach Reeder complemented Bates’ game after the contest. “He is a special player; there is not a matchup for Nick Bates.” Sullivan stayed within striking distance during the third quarter and cut Tuscola’s lead to 23-21 with 2:30 remaining in the period. However, Bates responded with another run hitting what looked to be a dagger three pointer to put Tuscola up by 10, 31-21, with just six minutes left in the game.     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.