SAGINAW, MI – Ten months of waiting and frustration kept the Heritage boys basketball team focused on Friday’s rematch with Saginaw United.

The Hawks’ hyper-focus shut out United in the first quarter on the way to a 73-58 non-conference win Friday at United.

But 10 months ago, United ended Heritage’s season with a 69-64 Division 1 district tournament victory to close out February.

“I took it tough,” Heritage senior Jaylin Cooper said. “It was really hard. From that point on, I knew I wasn’t going to go out like that again.

“It was a close game, and we gave it up. We took advantage of our opportunity tonight.”

Both teams were 1-0 entering the game, but Heritage’s defense frustrated the Phoenix, who trailed 12-0 after one quarter.

“Their shots weren’t falling,” Heritage coach Steven Re

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