The districts are now over, and the high school tournament now moves on to its second week. The main contenders in each class are still alive, but the competition picks up even more in the regional week.
Class A
Toughest Regional:
Detroit Pershing vs Redford Thurston & Birmingham Groves vs U of D Jesuit @ Southfield
The likely rematch of Pershing vs Jesuit in the regional finals will be the second top tier matchup for the Doughboys in the postseason.
Top team most likely to lose:
I am going with Saginaw High because the regional semi-final matchup will be the third against Midland. The Chemics have pushed Saginaw to the limit twice this season and could finally get over the hump in their third try. If the Trojans can advance to the final they would likely meet a ranked Grand Blanc team. Even though they are without their best player, Grand Blanc could make Saginaw uncomfortable.
Class B
Toughest Regional:
Detroit Douglass vs Ferndale & Detroit Country Day vs Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy @ Country Day
While Country Day is the favorite to bring home another state championship, this regional might be the toughest two games the Yellow Jackets will play until the finals. CPA is not nearly as talented as DCD, but they do have Derrick Walton who can single-handedly make up a lot of ground. He is the only player in Class B that could even the talent gap between Country Day and the field. The Yellow Jackets will likely face Detroit Douglass in the finals where they are led by Junior standout Davis.
Top team most likely to lose:
Stevensville-Lakeshore could be on upset alert with a semi-final matchup against Sturgis. Chance Stewart could be a tough matchup for Bushwyler. If the Lancers can advance to the final, they would likely meet South Haven who is playing their best basketball of the season.
Class C
Toughest Regional:
Melvindale AB&T vs Detroit Consortium & Madison Heights Bishop Foley vs Detroit Loyola @ Bishop Foley
Consortium is the most talented team in Class C, but they have a very tough grouping in regionals. Melvindale AB&T is one of the top 5 teams in the class and is one of the few teams with good enough talent to compete against the top team. If Consortium finds a way to the finals they would likely face Detroit Loyola, which is another top ranked team. I expect Vince Hunter to be on a mission after being left off the Mr. Basketball ballot, and Josh Jackson to use this postseason to spring board his hype train.
Top team most likely to lose:
Grandville Calvin Christian will be challenged in their regional. The semi-final game will be against Laingsburg who advanced in one of the toughest districts, and the potential final matchup would be against Muskegon Heights. The Tigers have been a main-stay in the Class B semi-finals the past few seasons, and are continuing their success in Class C.
Class D
Toughest Regional:
Allen Park Inter-City Baptist vs Pinckney Livingston & Bellevue vs Southfield Christian @ Novi
Southfield Christian's opening game against Bellevue could be a trap game if they are looking forward to the rubber match against Inter-City Baptist. Bellevue is very capable to pull off the upset. The regional final matchup could be a battle for one of the state final spots.
Top team most likely to lose:
Beal City should be able to beat Mio, but the potential final matchup against Saginaw Buena Vista could be the end of the road as Beal City has to make the trip to Saginaw. Buena Vista looks like a dark horse in Class D.
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