Jackets Drop Second Half Opener to Danger

The Steel City Yellow Jackets opened up the second half of their regular season yesterday with a game against the Grand Rapids Danger. It was a close game throughout, however, the Danger edged out the Yellow Jackets by the final score of 118-113.

The Steel City Yellow Jackets were back in action last night for the start of the second half of their 2016/2017 regular season as they took on the number 16 team in the country in the Grand Rapids Danger. It did not go the Jackets way on this night as they fell by the final score of 118-113 dropping their record on the year to 5-5.  It marks the first time since December 3rd that the Jackets have had a record at or below a .500 winning percentage.

The Yellow Jackets would come out firing in this game as they took control early on jumping out to a 38-22 lead by the end of the first quarter of play. Lawrence Baker turned up the offense early and racked up a team high 15 points in the quarter. Johnathan Logan was also a key contributor hitting a couple of big three point shots to give him nine points early on. Baker's offense had been down as of late and to see him turn it on early was a great sign for the Yellow Jackets.

The Grand Rapids Danger would step up their defensive game in the second quarter, however, and hold the Jackets to just 14 points. Baker and Logan came through with three-point shots, and veteran Antonio Reddic scored five in the quarter. However, Grand Rapids Danger guard Jimmie Harvey put up 16 points in the quarter, outscoring the entire Yellow Jackets team, to cut the Yellow Jackets lead to just 52-46 going into the break.

Lawrence Baker would lead the Yellow Jackets through the first half with his team high 18 points. He would be followed by Johnathan Logan who had 12 points on the night. Three point shots ruled the first half for the Yellow Jackets as Baker hit two in the first half of play and all 12 of Logan's points came via beyond the arc. For the Danger, it would be Harvey leading the night with 18 points followed by Alex Musterts four point effort. The Yellow Jackets would be looking to hold on to their slim six point lead as they headed into the second half of play.

That lead would not stand up, however, as after a high scoring second half of play the Yellow Jackets ended up falling by the final score of 118-113. Antonio Reddic would turn on the offense in the second half scoring 29 points to give him a team high 34 points in the contest. This marked the third straight game in which Reddic has been over 30 points in a game. After being the sixth man for the Yellow Jackets at the start of the season, Reddic has found a home in the Yellow Jackets starting five and is making the most of his opportunities.

Following Reddic were three other Yellow Jackets who scored in double digits as Baker ended the day with 20 points, Logan finished with 16 points, and Isaiah Prince turned it on in the second half finishing with 15 points in the contest. Team Captain and veteran Gilmore Cummings did not play much in this game as he was in foul trouble early on and had to sit out the entire third quarter before coming back into the game in the fourth quarter with four fouls.

The loss dropped the Yellow Jackets to 5-5 on the season. Along with the loss in record, The Jackets also suffered a loss on the depth chart as Juan Franklin suffered a knee injury in the second quarter of the game and did not return for the rest of the game. However, with the loss came some positive for the Yellow Jackets as they signed on Billy Dee Williams from West Virginia University. The six foot six inch guard joined the Yellow Jackets on Friday and is expected to play in tonight's contest with the West Michigan Lake Hawks.

Steel City Yellow Jackets Player of the Game: Lawrence Baker

After a couple of down weeks offensively, Lawrence Baker got his scoring total back up to top three status and it was enough to secure him today's Steel City Player of the Week Award. He scored 20 points in the contest and although it wasn't enough for the Yellow Jackets top secure a victory, but it is a very good sign for the Yellow Jackets offense moving forward. With Baker, Reddic, and Cummings firing on all cylinders, this team will be able to reach the ultimate goal of a third straight playoff appearance.

Up Next:

The Yellow Jackets are wrapping up a double header road trip with their game against West Michigan tonight. The Jackets are looking to improve upon their 1-2 road record so far this season. The next time the Jackets will be at home is January 13th when they take on the Baltimore Hawks at the Neighborhood Academy. The Yellow Jackets need your support through the final stretch so come on out and catch the buzz.