I was lucky enough to see the Romulus vs Pershing quarterfinal game, so most of this post will be raving about the Eagles' victory. Elsewhere around the state in Class A the better team advanced setting up an interesting weekend for Michigan's biggest division.
1. Romulus (25-1) Ranked AP #2
The Eagles defeated Pershing to get revenge from their lone loss in the regular season. Last night's game was the best high school basketball game I have ever witnessed. Both teams scored 20+ points in each quarter, and it was close throughout the game with Romulus coming away with a 93-91 win. The game featured 7 division 1 players. 7 legitimate division 1 players. And each of them lived up to the hype. The Eagles have 4 players in their starting lineup that will be receiving their college for free, and a 5 that is a lights out sharp shooter. EC Matthews, Rhode Island, led the way with 29 points, but he was supported by Wes Clark, Missouri, Leo Edwards, Louisiana Tech, and 6'4" undecided Junior Jalon Plummer. This team played an incredible game last night, and it will be interesting to see how they respond on Friday. Last year after an emotional win over Pershing in the quarterfinals the Eagles laid an egg against Rockford.
2. Saginaw (24-3) Ranked AP #6
The Trojans are the defending champions and are hungry for a repeat. High has advanced through one of the toughest roads with wins over arch-rival Arthur Hill, Midland, and Ypsilanti. Saginaw's stars change, but their style of play does not. The Trojans play some of the best defense in the entire state, and their team is loaded with gritty basketball players. Saginaw jumped out to a 17 point lead againist Ypsilanti last night, but then had to hang on for a 4 point win, 58-54. The Trojans are led by a balanced offensive attack, and has seen 4 different top scorers in 7 postseason games. 6'2" Senior Julian Henderson is considered the best player, and he is averaging 19 points and 8 rebounds during this playoff run. Saginaw also gets key contributions from Senior Markell Bradshaw and Freshman Algevon Eichelberger.
3. Grand Rapids Christian (20-6) Ranked AP Honorable Mention
The Eagles needed a valiant 4th quarter comeback to down Muskegon in the semifinals, 64-61. Christian has actually needed multiple comebacks to beat East Kentwood in districts and Holt in regionals. The Eagles are led by 6'4" Junior standout Drake Harris who is averaging close to 30 points during this playoff run, and 6'2" Sophomore Deleon Brown. This is GRC's 2nd straight semifinal appearance, but last year they were in Class B and lost to Stevensville Lakeshore.
4. Detroit Southeastern (20-5) Ranked AP Honorable Mention
The Jungleers played against Rochester in the 2nd quarterfinal at U-D last night. Since they followed the best high school game I have ever seen, this matchup was less than entertaining. Southeastern put the clamps on Kentucky-bound James Young, and held him to 16 points and probably 20+ shots. Southeastern used a 1-3-1 zone to confuse the Rochester ball handlers, force turnovers, and keep Young out of the lane. The Jungaleers do not have the division 1 talent they did 2 years ago when they made a Breslin run, but they still value playing a high pressure, trapping defense. Southeastern is led by Senior Jovone Haynes, Kenyatta Singleton, Kwesi Williams, and Korel Clark.
Romulus vs Grand Rapids Christian 1:00pm Friday
The Eagles are the best team in the state, and they proved it with last night's win. The problem is that they have been the most talented team in the state for the past 3 seasons and have nothing to show for it. If the same Romulus team shows up on Friday that I saw last night, Romulus will roll to a lopsided win. Grand Rapids Christian does have 2014 Mr. Basketball candidate Drake Harris, but Romulus has 4 division 1 players. The EC Matthews matchup against Drake Harris will be really intriguing.
Saginaw vs Detroit Southeastern 2:50 Friday
The Trojans already beat the Jungleers once this season. The only problem is that they needed a furious fourth quarter comeback to win by 1. This should be an exciting, low scoring game between to top notch defensive teams. I think Saginaw has improved dramatically throughout the season, and can draw on their 2012 championship run or the motivation for a rematch from an earlier 30 point loss to Romulus.
Class A Final 12:00 Saturday
Romulus should be advancing to the final for the last game of their talented senior class, but which team will join them is more of a toss up. I think Saginaw has discovered enough offensive firepower to overtake Southeastern to set up a rematch with the Eagles. Romulus is the state's best team, and I have to imagine the 3 top tier seniors will be motivated to go out on a winning note. Will this be the game that Jalon Plummer makes a name for himself to possibly be included on the 2014 Mr. Basketball ballot?
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