Kirtland Community College

Sports News Release

10775 N. St. Helen Road, Roscommon, MI 48653 (989) 275-5000     kirtland.edu
Subject: Kirtland rebounds its way to 86-80 OT win
For Release: Monday, Jan. 17, 2005		 Office: Public Relations 
Contact: Irene Borak, (989) 275-5000 Ext. 242

Ash’s ‘incredible’ night lifts Kirtland in OT win
PORT HURON – Kirtland Community College’s Craig Ash, a 6’8” freshman from Pontiac Northern, even impressed his coach with his performance on the basketball court Saturday when the Firebirds took to the road and garnered an 86-80 overtime win against St. Clair County Community College.

Ash’s sky-high total of 28 rebounds, plus 18 points and 8 blocked shots had coach Glen Donahue using terms such as “incredible” and “amazing.”

“The pros don’t even turn in numbers like that,” Donahue said about Ash who was dealing with injuries during part of this season.

The win boosted Kirtland to 3-1 in Eastern League play (13-5 overall), which puts them in a tie for second place with Henry Ford Community College. Mott Community College holds the top league spot with a 4-0 record, for now.

Adding to Ash’s stellar performance Saturday were David Allison and Frank Washington sinking 17 points apiece for Kirtland, Adam Reese with 15 and Bernard Daniels with 12.

This was Kirtland’s third overtime win in their last five games.

“The game showed great effort by everybody,” Donahue said. “Everybody played a key role.”

The win came after two disappointing losses. The Firebirds ended a 10-game winning streak Monday, Jan. 10, when they fell in a lopsided 106-85 loss to Schoolcraft College. Daniels led in scoring for that game with 18 points, followed by Washington with 14 and Allison and Demarvelous Carter with 10 each.

Ash led under the boards with 7 rebounds while Sherman Yarbrough added 5. Daniels and Antonio Berry each offered 6 assists.

The Firebirds faced former teammate Martin Samarco, now playing for Schoolcraft. He was their lead scorer with 22 points.

Wednesday, Jan. 12, the Firebirds suffered a 78-77 loss to Delta College. Ash once again led the Firebirds with 17 points and 10 rebounds, followed by Allison with 14 points, Daniels with 13 and Washington with 12. Daniels added 7 assists, while Allison had 3 steals and 6 rebounds.

Fans of the Firebirds get to watch their team play on their home court, at the CRAF Center in Roscommon, for their next four games beginning Wednesday, Jan. 19, when they host league-leading Mott. The men’s game begins at 7:30 p.m., preceded by the Lady Firebirds’ game which has a 5:30 p.m. tip off.

Their home schedule continues Saturday, Jan. 22, when the Firebirds host Alpena Community College (3 p.m.); Wednesday, Jan. 26, hosting Macomb Community College (7:30 p.m.); and Saturday, Jan. 29, hosting Wayne County Community College (3 p.m.).