Brighton’s Grant Hetherton didn’t get to see much of the Bulldogs 60-48 opening boys basketball district win over Hartland.
He was too busy putting his nose into the chest of Hartland star sophomore guard Parker Sundman. Hetherton’s job was to face guard, bogart and harass Sundman in any way he could. Sundman scored 17 points to pace the Eagles, but only one basket came against the ultra-aggressive defensive trap set by Hetherton.
“We know he is a great scorer and great shooter,” Hetherton said. “He is just a sophomore which is very impressive. He is a great athlete so we face-guarded him looking to limit his opportunities.”
Brighton (12-11) moves on to Wednesday’s 7 p.m. District semifinal against Fenton (16-6) who popped the Bulldogs 87-68 earlier this season. Hetherton, a three-year starter at quarterback, is also a quarterback on the floor. He hit three important three-point shots to jump start the fourth quarter with a 10-0 run that extended Brighton’s 42-38 lead to 52-38.
Check mate.
Brighton senior guard Trevor Viau (17 points) and Sundman were going to get there’s during Monday’s clash at Hartland. The key to this game was the play of a second or third option. A case could be made that Brighton got contributions from their number two and three men.
Vincent Salmon, a 6-foot-8 junior forward, played much older than his age. He scored 10 points and grabbed eight rebounds. He also threw his weight around against the smaller Eagles, whose entire starting five were guards.
Hetherton played key roles on both ends of the floor. He began the game with a steal and layup, sparking a 12-point game.
“I knew I was going to get a lot of attention coming off a big game,” Salmon said. “So I was making sure to look for my teammates coming off picks for threes. They did a great job shooting the three.”
Brighton beat Hartland by double digits for the second time in three tries this season. This game hung in the balance until the Bulldogs opening fourth quarter surge.
“We are playing better as a team,” Salmon said. “Two months ago we were still getting to know one another. I think we played great tonight. The last time we lost I don’t think we were fully connected yet. I think we have come together now.”