Boys Basketball: Pioneer bounces back with impressive win at Saline

Now that’s how you bounce back.

The Pioneer boys’ basketball showed its resolve on Friday night with an impressive 51-49 victory over host Saline in an SEC Red Division showdown. The Pioneers were coming off a tough loss on Tuesday to city-rival Skyline but proved they know how to look ahead and not behind.

And they did it the hard way by coming from behind in the fourth quarter.

After a 12-12 first quarter deadlock, the Hornets went on a 12-5 run in the second quarter to take a 24-17 lead into halftime. The Pioneers outscored the Hornets 13-10 in the third quarter but still trailed 34-30 heading into the fourth quarter.

And the Pioneers saved their best for last. They scored 21 points in the fourth quarter while holding Saline to 15 to pull off the victory.

Pioneer had balanced scoring with only one player reaching double-figures. Koebe finished with 12 points to lead the way. The senior guard continued his strong season by hitting 3 of 5 shots from the field and 6 of 8 free throws. He also had five rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Senior guard Micail Fly also was 3 of 5 shooting and had nine points for the Pioneers. Junior guard Aidan Lee had eight points and Mac VanRenterghem (two steals), Conor Easthope (seven rebounds) and Rasheed Sampson (five rebounds) each scored six in the win.

Pioneer shot 19 of 39 from the floor but just 3 of 10 from three point. The Hornets shot 16 of 36 and 4 of 9 from beyond the three-point line. Pioneer was 11 of 15 from the free-throw line compared to 13 of 21 for Saline.

The Pioneers play at Bedford on Friday, Jan. 24 and play against Lakeland at Detroit Country Day at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25.