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State Finals Boys Basketball Picks: U-D to claim first title
(PHOTO CREDIT: Dave Donoher)
East Lansing – U-D Jesuit guard Cassius Winston said if his team doesn’t win the Class A title on Saturday he won’t consider his senior season a success.
And that’s coming from a player who was named Mr. Basketball this past Monday.
After whipping Macomb Dakota 72-51 on Friday look for the Cubs to fulfill their season-long quest.
U-D (27-0) will play North Farmington (24-2) on Saturday at the Breslin Center at noon.
The winner will claim the school’s first boys basketball state title. Pick: U-D by 9.
Class B
Stevensville Lakeshore (20-7) vs. Detroit Henry Ford (19-7), 7:30: Give credit to Lakeshore. The Lancers finished strong and defeated Big Rapids, 61-60, in a Friday semifinal. Henry Ford reached the state final last season and has some unfinished business. The Trojans have superior guard play and that will be the difference. Pick: Henry Ford by 10.
Class C
Flint Beecher (24-2) vs. Grandville Calvin Christian (21-4), 4:30: This promises to be the most competitive final. Both teams played a rigorous regular season schedule. Calvin Christian dismantled McBain in a semifinal, Beecher needed a last second 3-pointer by Malik Ellison to defeat Detroit Loyola, 60-59. It’s tough to go against the tradition that Beecher has and the poise of this team. Pick: Beecher by 4.
Class D
Powers North Central (27-0) vs. Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes (22-4), 10 a.m.: North Central is the defending champs and this team could compete for the Class C title. The Jets are that good. Pick: North Central by 14.
Semifinal record: 7-1.
Quarterfinal/semifinal record: 21-3.
