High School Basketball Playoff Update

I would normally just give my second playoff update before the quarterfinal round next week, but some of the brackets have been switched up which will affect the potential semi-final matchups.  On top of that, there were also two major upsets in Class A districts.

Upsets:

Saginaw vs #6 Saginaw Arthur Hill
The Lumberjacks appeared to be a team that was destined to break the March dominance of cross-town rival Saginaw, but for the third straight year the Trojans send Arthur Hill home early. Saginaw now becomes the favorite to advance to the Breslin for the third straight year.

Detroit Cass Tech vs #2 Detroit Pershing
The Technicians lost their fair share of close games this year, including a 6 point defeat to Pershing in January. However, Cass Tech was able to lead the Doughboys from the 2^nd quarter on and withstand a late game rally. This really opens the door for U-D Jesuit or Southeastern.

Marquee Monday Matchups

#3 U-D Jesuit vs #10 Detroit Southeastern (Class A)
Like I mentioned last week when I previewed this potential game, Cassius Winston is an elite sophomore point guard. However, there is very little help around him, and Jordan Morgan is not walking into their locker room tonight. Southeastern is an experienced team that seems to be peaking at the right time. The Jungaleers are in good position to make another run at the Breslin.

Holland Christian vs #1 Wyoming Godwin Heights (Class B)
Godwin Heights escaped the district matchup with fellow top ten team (South Christian), and will now move on to an under-the-radar Holland Christian team led by one of the best athletes on the west side (Kyle Steigenga).  This should be a very entertaining game, but Heights has the added advantage of playing this game on their home floor.

#2 Detroit Consortium vs #5 Detroit Allen (Class C)
Allen was able to beat a tough Detroit Loyola in district finals, but Consortium poses a whole other animal.  Josh Jackson is looking to cement his 2016 Mr. Basketball bid with this playoff run, and without a Monte Morris led Flint Beecher in the way there is not much that can stop the Cougars from claiming their first state title in school history.

#7 Baldiwn vs Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart (Class D)
Brandon Childress is the best player in Class D not wearing a Southfield Christian jersey. Sacred Heart seems to always be a tough out in March.  This will be another game that pits together two opposing philosophies. Baldwin will run its offense through Childress and its backcourt, while Sacred Heart wants to feed the post.

Bracket Changes

Class A: Bloomfield Hills collision course with Clarkston has moved up one round. It is now the likely matchup in the Regional Finals.

Class B: Comstock Park and Godwin Heights can no longer both make the semi-final round because they are favored to battle in the Regional Finals. So, if I am allowed to replace one of my Class B final fours, I would choose the Jalen Brooks led Cadillac to make a return trip to the Breslin.