By George Kopf (@GeorgeKopf19) & Matt Reynolds (@MattRey30)
An early Christmas present is coming your way as volume 16 of the Peak Sports Weekly Recap is hot off the presses. Ferris State's big win has them hoping that Santa gifts them with a national championship trophy, meanwhile, many Peak basketball teams have definitely been nice so far and are being rewarded with plenty of early season victories. Lots to unwrap from this past weekend, so let's get right into it.
Next Stop: McKinney, TX!
Ferris State scored 21 unanswered second half points to eliminate West Florida 38-17, punching their ticket to the Division II National Championship. The Bulldogs (13-1) were relentless on defense, holding the Argonauts under 300 total yards. West Florida kept itself in the game though, scoring right before halftime to even the score at 17-17. However, Ferris State powered ahead in the final 30 minutes, leaning mostly on the run game. As a result, Marcus Taylor received Athlete of the Week honors (see below). The Bulldogs are hoping their return trip to McKinney, TX is just as successful as last season's, looking to secure their second consecutive title when they take on the Colorado School of Mines (12-2).
Lady Crusaders Leading the Charge
Holy Cross women's basketball have won their last five, following a 62-57 win over UMass Lowell. The Lady Crusaders (8-2) have been great on the road this season, winning their last four away from Worcester, MA. The main catalyst for success has been their elite defense, only allowing an average of 53.8 points per game through ten games. One of two Patriot League teams with winning records, expect the Lady Crusaders to roll into conference play with plenty of momentum.
New Week, Same Story
Northwestern State extended its winning streak to seven games after a dominant 91-73 win over Louisiana Monroe. The Demons (8-2) continue to score points in bunches, this time led by senior guard Ja'Monta Black who scored 31 points on seven three-pointers. Freshman guard Hansel Emmanuel, one of the most inspiring stories in college basketball, scored his first collegiate points on Saturday, including a highlight reel dunk that was featured on the 'Sportscenter Top 10'. Northwestern State will be well-rested when they play Rice, having six days to prepare. The Owls have not lost on its home court, but seeing as the Demons have thrived as the underdog this year, things could be interesting next weekend.
Scores from Peak Football Action
#1 Ferris State 38, #4 West Florida 17 (DII Playoffs)
#1 South Dakota State 42, #8 Holy Cross 21 (FCS Playoffs)
Peak Sports Athlete of the Week
Week 15: RB Marcus Taylor, Ferris State
Ferris State's run game has been the reason for their successes this year. It comes as no surprise that it was what got the Bulldogs to the national championship game. Taylor had his best performance of the season, amassing 20 carries for 181 yards and a touchdown. His score put the finishing touches on a 38-17 victory that sent the Bulldogs to McKinney, TX.
