The regionals were full of extremely close games, and the state's biggest class was not immune. It has set up this year's quarterfinals to be full of must-see match ups. There was only one significant upset in the regionals. The under-rated Detroit Southeastern upset L'Anse Creuse North. They were a favorite to make the semi-finals.
Let's take a look at all four quarterfinal match ups, and I will do my best to predict the winner. My choice for best match up will be in bold.
Detroit Pershing vs Romulus 5:00pm @ University of Detroit
Of course this is the best game in Class A because it puts together the two best teams in the entire state. Romulus' only loss this season came against the Doughboys, but the Eagles have responded with blow out after blow out. These two teams will spotlight at least 7 Division 1 players between them. Pershing has had one of the toughest roads to the quarterfinals with last second wins against Cass Tech and U-D Jesuit. Romulus got a scare in the regional final when Missouri bound Wes Clark went down with a knee injury. It is unknown if he will play on Tuesday, but I have to imagine if he is even 60% the senior will be on the floor. The Doughboys have gotten big postseasons from Khalil Felder, Justin Tillman and Martez Walker. I am excited to see the match up between Louisiana Tech bound Edwards and Tillman, and of course the extraordinary guard play. If Wes Clark plays, I have to think the momemtum Romulus has had will carry over and take them to the Breslin Center for the 2nd straight year. If Clark cannot go, or is not nearly himself, look for Felder to have a big game and lead Pershing to the semi-finals.
Grand Rapids Christian vs Muskegon 7:00pm @ Lansing Eastern
Christian is led by Drake Harris who is having an amazing post season so far, including going off for 37 in the regional final against Holt. Even though he is rated as the best football prospect from Michigan in the 2014 class, he is making a case for Mr. Basketball as well. The Big Reds have been the benefactor from Muskegon Height's financial problems as many players and head coach transferred over to Muskegon. They are led by star quarterback Deshaun Thrower and super-sophomore Deyonta Davis. It will be interesting to see how Christian can defend the size from Davis, but I think Harris will just be too much for Muskegon in this one.
Detroit Southeastern vs Rochester 7:00pm @ University of Detroit
Both teams are surprise quarterfinal contestants. Southeastern pulled off the biggest upset in the regional finals, and continue to be an underrated PSL team. While Southeastern is lacking the Division 1 talent that they had a few years ago when they made the state finals, they have a very balanced attack,. Rochester is led by McDonald's All-American James Young. Personally, I am hoping Rochester can keep their cinderella run going just so the Breslin can see Young in the finals. I don't think Rochester is on the same level as Romulus and Pershing, but James Young is playing some of the best basketball in the entire state. He is averaging 27 points and 14 rebounds and is still nursing a sore calf. I think Young is just too much for Southeastern and will lead Rochester into the semifinals.
Saginaw vs Ypsilanti 7:00pm @ Grand Blanc
Ypsilanti is playing their best basketball right now as they are finally buying into their coaches system. They are led by rising prospect Jaylen Johnson and star freshman Corey Allen, the problem is Saginaw has been here before and I think Ypsilanti is a year away from making a deep run in the tournament. The Trojans are the defending champions, and again are led by a balanced scoring attack and not a dominant player like Draymond Green. I think Saginaw will find a way to advance to the Breslin Center, yet again.
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