FHC opens up their year against the East Kentwood Falcons and the Traverse City Central Trojans Friday and Saturday night respectively. Here are all the ins and outs of the kickoff of Rangerball’s season.

East Kentwood Falcons (0-1) at Forest Hills Central Rangers (0-0)

Everything you need to know about the Falcons:

East Kentwood dropped their opener to FHN 71-63. The final score is extremely deceptive, however, with EK coming out in the opening minutes down 22-2. They made a significant comeback to find themselves down by only six at the half, and down by as little as one in the third quarter before eventually falling to the Huskies.

The Falcons return four players with outstanding varsity experience. One being sophomore and all-conference point guard Jaa��Moni Jones. When in doubt, EK moves the ball in his direction and allows him to shoot and move quickly off of ball screens. Armoni Hall also returns and is the 6a��6″ big fella for the Falcons in the paint. His length and size allows him to body people in the paint and enhances his ability to shot block.

With significant speed in the starting five, EK uses a full-court press defensively and transitions into a 2-3 zone once they’re down the floor. Offensively, the Falcons bring a high energy look while attacking open gaps and feeding to the outside for open shots.

Score prediction:

Rangers 67-Falcons 60

Why:

Despite the quick look with size underneath the basket, I think FHC will be able to take care of the Falcons by getting a fair sized lead early. Seniors Ty George and Ryan Dunn match the talent up top and can keep up with their athletes along with outshooting them. Junior Daniel Deindorfer will body up the big man Armoni and will be in a battle all night in the paint. The knock on Hall has been his inability to finish and Daniel will take advantage of that.

FHC will out rebound and outshoot the Falcons tonight, giving them their first win of the season.

Forest Hills Central Rangers (0-0) at Traverse City Central Trojans (0-0)

Everything you need to know about the Trojans:

Last season, the Trojans traveled on the road to play a very talented Ottawa Hills team with four sophomores in the starting lineup. One of those starters was 6a��3″ point guard Tobin Schwannecke who has the potential to be one of the top point guards in the state this season. Combined with Tobin’s scoring ability and significant size underneath the basket, it will be a tough challenge for FHC’s defense.

Score prediction:

Rangers 79-Trojans 75

Why:

Despite the difficulties Traverse City will bring, FHC’s ability to spread the ball to their outside shooters like senior Andrew Tebeau and sophomore Jimmy Scholler will be the difference maker Saturday night. I think FHC will have four to five guys with ten or more points, and they will use the free throw line to their advantage to keep a lead throughout the game.