Leelanau Sports Guy’s World at sportspig.com

Michigan State fans will hopefully have alot to cheer about this weekend as the men’s and women’s basketball teams play in Sweet 16 matchups. The men tip-off tonight (about 9:40pm) in a rematch with Kansas, while the women play Iowa State on Saturday.

Read MSU Men & Women in Sweet Sixteen at Absolute Michigan

Wow! That was a word I was using alot in the 4th quarter of the Class D Quarterfinal game between Ellsworth and defending state champion Muskegon West Michigan Christian at Traverse City Central on Tuesday night. Overcoming a 24 point third quarter deficit with a never quit attitude and some clutch shots, the Ellsworth Lancers cut the lead to 3 with 1:17 to go. I don’t believe I have ever seen a team play harder then the Lancers did and I give them tons of credit for that. Muskegon WMC also impressed me very much, especially their clutch free throw shooting and big-time 3-point shots in the first half.

When the score was 49-33 at the half in favor of WMC, the only thought on my mind was if the Warriors would make it to 100 points. Needless to say with Ellsworth’s half court trap and some scrappy rebounding they made it a game and had the entire gym on it’s feet.

Ellsworth was led by Jarod Steenwyk’s five early three-pointers (he finished with 22 points) and Jared Danbert with a game-high of 24 points. All-Stater Tyler Ingalls finished with 18 points, all in the 2nd half. Muskegon WMC was led by Evan Bruinsma’s 23 points (including a couple of big 3-pointers) and London Burris’ 20.

Congrats to both on a great game, I’m glad I got to see it.

Read Ellsworth’s late rally falls short in the Record Eagle

Join the Yahoo! Sports Bracket Challenge to go up against the best sports minds in Leelanau County (at least in our own minds) in our annual Leelanau March Madness Pool.

Just click the following link to register, you’ll need a yahoo! account…

http://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/t1/register/joinprivategroup_assign_team?GID=157885&P=county

Enjoy March Madness!

Leelanau Sports Guy

The Traverse City Wolves have announced their 2009 Inaugural Football Schedule. All home games will be played at Traverse City Central High school. Season tickets are now on sale and you can visit their website at www.tcwolves.com for ordering information and more info. Single game seats go on sale April 15th!

TC Wolves 2009 Season Schedule

7/11 @ London Silverbacks

7/18 @ Ypsilanti Yellow Jackets

7/25 vs Tri – City Thunder

8/1 @ Tri – City Thunder

8/8 vs Kane County Eagles

8/15 vs Genesee County Patriots

8/22 @ Kane County Eagles

8/29 vs London Silverbacks

9/5 BYE

9/12 @ Genesee County Patriots

9/19 @ Chicago Wolverines

9/26 vs Ypsilanti Yellow Jackets

All home games (in bold) are on Saturday evenings beginning at 7:00 pm

The Detroit Shock will be making a trip up north to Traverse City for a preseason game vs. the San Antonio Silver Stars, a rematch of the last WNBA Finals. Saturday, May 30th at Traverse City West High School with Tickets starting at only $10!

A clinic is also going to be offered before the game.

The press release said it is “the first professional preseason game of any sport to be played in Northern Michigan.”

Visit DetroitShock.com or call Carley Knox at 248-377-8614 or email cknox@palacenet.com to register or to purchase tickets.

Download the Promotional Poster

I have to say, I’m very happy with the almost first week of free agency and the job done by the Detroit Lions. Some very quality players have been added to the Lions roster and another trade with the Cowboys has given us another solid cornerback. Here’s my take on the players so far…

CB Philip Buchanon – Brings athletic ability and some experience to the secondary. Had two interceptions last season and should win one of the starting spots.

DT Grady Jackson - A bit long in the tooth, but still a solid player in the middle against the run. If we can keep him fresh, he’ll make a big difference in the middle.

WR Bryant Johnson – He’s big and has some speed and could have a big year with Calvin drawing all the attention. Johnson & Johnson, I love it!

CB Eric King – So far the only Tennessee Titan to follow Jim Schwartz to Detroit and could provide solid nickel and dime coverage as well as contribute on special teams. Wouldn’t count him out of earning a starting spot either.

RB Maurice Morris – I’ve always liked him and just wanted him to get more carries. Has good speed and can return kicks (yeah!) and should be an explosive backup for Kevin Smith.

CB Anthony Henry (in Jon Kitna trade from Cowboys) – Spent the last 4 years as the Cowboys starting right cornerback, so will likely challenge for a spot here. Might play some safety or possibly be moved to safety with his size. The Cowboys were rumored to be thinking of moving him to safety this upcoming season.

So all in all, I like where these signings are going. Not breaking the bank, but adding some solid depth to the roster. If anything we’ll at least have some legitimate cornerbacks that might be able to pick off more than one pass all season!