Tuesday night in Mount Pleasant was just another day of 2025 for the Oilers Boys, as Dan Schell’s squad won their 6th straight game, defeating Saginaw Heritage 53-45.
Coming into the game the Oilers had won 5 straight, including 8 of their last 9.
The Heritage Hawks came into the contest losing back-to-back games, but still at 9-5 overall and 3-2 in the Saginaw Valley League.
The first quarter gave us back-and-forth action, as the fast paced pressure defense of the Hawks sped up the Oilers offense. Mt Pleasant added in a ton of hustle themselves on the defensive end, as we hit the end of the first frame tied up at 10.
The second quarter is where the Oilers shined, as they broke the full-court press of the Hawks throughout the quarter to lead to open threes – which they took advantage of.
Senior Easton Day hit 2 threes in the first and added 2 more in the second to lead the Oilers with 16 at the break – as Mt. Pleasant outscored Heritage 21-13 in the quarter to lead at the half 31-23.
Throughout the second half, Heritage would make cuts into the Oilers lead to shrink it as low as 6, but Mt. Pleasant would take control by the end of the 3rd where they led 43-31. Coach Schell’s squad closed out the 4th with clutch free throws and finishes at the basket.
Mt. Pleasant went on to win 53-45 to earn their 6th straight win, and their 9th win in the last 10 games.
The main key to this win for the Oilers?
HUSTLE.
Mt. Pleasant outworked the Hawks and gave everything until the final buzzer sounded, which is what you can expect from a Dan Schell led team. They held a Heritage team that came in averaging over 65 points per game to just 45, and hit timely shot after timely shot each time the Hawks attempted to cut the lead.
Easton Day led the way with 24 points, hitting 4 triples. Cam Ivey finished with 9, and Nick Dise totaled 8 – leading the Oilers against the full-court press of the Hawks.
Heritage was led by Junior Lemonte Wiley who finished with 15. Mt. Pleasant held Heritage star Junior Jaylin Cooper to just 8 on the night.
Mt. Pleasant advances to 11-4 on the season and now 6-1 in the Saginaw Valley League. The Oilers only conference loss up to date is their 10 point loss on the road to Flint Powers Catholic on January 7th – who just lost their first game of the entire season last night to Grand Blanc.
The Oilers Boys are back in action this Friday with a Home Doubleheader with the Girls Varsity team against Midland Dow.
Our Local High School Basketball Coverage continues this Friday in Beal City as the Lady Aggies host Highland conference foe Roscommon.
Kyle Sandel – Buck92 Sports Director
