I attended the Detroit Consortium - Melvindale ABT Regional finals last night and this game was packed with energy, excitement and huge swings. When it was over, #2 ranked Consortium came out ahead, 64-54 over previously ranked #1 ABT. Melvindale jumped out early to an 18-11 lead with very balanced scoring in front of a very boisterous crowd at Bishop Foley. Once the second quarter started it was all Cougars as they went on a 17-0 run to stake themselves to a 28-18 lead. It wasn't until the 2:43 mark of the second quarter before Melvindale scored their first points of the quarter. Point guard, Travon Baker, proved why he is one of the top, if not top, Junior guards in the state, by scoring 14 points in the second quarter to double up Melivndale's total output for the quarter. Baker hit 4 3-pointers in the second quarter and had 20 at half. Consortium went up 35-25 at half and never relinquished the lead. Baker finished with 27 and sophomore Vincent Hunter slashed and drove his way to 22 points. This super soph is very tough to stop when he goes to the hole. He is in control, protects the ball and is strong and long. This entire Consortium team is very young and talented. They start one senior, 3 Juniors and 1 sophomore. Tre Tigner is a strong as a bull down low 6'6" player that gives them a presence on the boards. 6'5" junior Devondre Peoples is very athletic, is very long, can board with body control and can jump to the moon. Baker and Hunter round out the other underclassman starters. Oh yeah, then they bring in 6'10" junior Matt Willms off the bench. This kid has very good skills but has been hampered by a bad foot (ankle) all year so gets limited playing time. He needs to put on some weight and strength but is a D-1 prospect.
Consortium may have another tough game coming up with Saginaw Buena Vista but if they can contain leading scorer George Goodman they should be on their way to Lansing and a showdown with Flint Beecher. Consortium is the most talented C team and should win states the only thing preventing them from this is injury or foul trouble to their very talented floor leader, Travon Baker. I can not sing enough praises about this guard. He handles the ball well, gets to the glass on drives, can drain the outside shot and plays with a sense of fun for the game.
Detroit Southeastern beat Cody again, 43-40 to advance to meet Romulus. Winner goes to Breslin.
Kalamazoo took care of business and defeated the team that I wanted to see in Lansing, Lansing Eastern by a bucket 46-44 in a wild finish with a goaltending call with .2 seconds on the clock to give Kazoo the win. Should see Kalamazoo Central and Southfield meet in the semi-finals at State. Should be Bay City Western vs. winner of the Tuesday night showdown at Callahan between Romulus and Detroit Southeastern.
Romulus has the better overall team but Det Southeastern has the better star talent with Brandon Kearney and Percy Gibson.
CLASS B
Detroit Country Day and Flint Powers both won bringing on a huge quartrefinal match between the two on Tuesday with the winner getting the rights to go to Lansing. Flint is playing tremendous basketball right now and if anyone can beat DCD it is them. Winner goes to Lansing to hopefully meet Lansing Sexton.
Expect to see East Grand Rapids now and Muskegon Heights in the other semi.
ClASS C
Expect to see Flint Beecher, Schoolcraft and McBain join Detroit Consortium. This would probably be the best final four of the classes.
CLASS D
Cedarville sneaks by Posen, 64-62 in OT. Oakland Christian gets upset by Detroit Westside Christian. Expect now to see Wyoming Tri-Unity meet Eben Junction or Cedarville in one semi and Fulton and Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Sem in the other.
We are getting closer and closer to March 24-26 at East Lansing and this Basketball SNOB is getting excited.
Talk about excitement, should be plenty today as March Madness kicks off. Will be at Bailey's (Happy St. Patrick's Day) watching all the games.
One of the best times of year. Enjoy
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