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Ann Arbor Huron, Lansing Everett matchup in Class A one of many regional semifinals that could go down to the wire
Holt – Desmond Ferguson is still learning a new trade. In his third season as head coach at Lansing Everett, Ferguson and his Vikings survived a highly competitive district in mid-Michigan and will play an experienced Ann Arbor Huron team in a Class A regional semifinal at Holt on Monday at 6 p.m.
Ferguson played at Everett before enjoying a fine collegiate career at the University of Detroit.
Everett (21-2), ranked No. 9, is led by Mr. Basketball finalist Trevor Manuel, a 6-9 forward who signed with Oregon.
The Vikings have won 15 straight including back-to-back wins over DeWitt to end the regular season and in a first round district game last Monday.
Grand Ledge was one of the teams to defeat Everett this season and Everett defeated Grand Ledge 57-51 in the district final.
Unranked Huron (20-2) had an easier time in its district and the River Rats have won 11 straight. Huron defeated Ann Arbor Pioneer, 80-64, in a district semifinal then bested Dexter, 73-50, in the district final.
In its only state-final appearance, Huron lost in 2010 to Kalamazoo Central, 74-65. Everett has won two state titles, the most recent in 2004 under Johnny Jones.
Last season neither team made it out of the district. Pick: Huron by 2.
Other top regional semifinals
Class A
Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (23-0) vs. Muskegon (21-1) at Holland West Ottawa, 6: Central is ranked No. 2 but hasn’t played as difficult that the Big Reds have. Muskegon is the defending champions and its big game experience should pay off. Pick: Muskegon by 6.
Class B
Frankenmuth (18-4) at Goodrich (21-2), 8: Frankenmuth upset Flint Northwestern in a district final then slipped past Caro, 48-46, in the final. Goodrich lost twice to Flint Beecher, which is favored to win Class C. Pick: Goodrich by 6.
Class C
Ithaca (21-2) vs. Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary (21-2) at Reese, 6: Lutheran Seminary defeated Ithaca 49-43 on Jan. 16 but the Yellowjackets got revenge with a 52-49 victory on Feb. 27. Pick: Ithaca by 2.
Class D
Powers North Central (22-0) vs. Munising (20-1) at Negaunee, 7:30: North Central defeated Munising 45-43 on Feb. 24. The winner will get another test in the final against the winner of Crystal Falls Forest Park (18-4) and Lake Linden Hubbell (22-0). Pick: Central by 3.
