Darsean Woodson (10) and unbeaten Detroit Pershing face once-beaten Romulus in a Class A state quarterfinal. (Ricardo Thomas/Detroit News)
Detroit — Al Anderson would have enjoyed this week.
A year ago, the late coach's school, Detroit Consortium, lost to Flint Beecher in overtime in the region finals in Class C.
Now, Consortium gets its rematch in the quarterfinals (7 tonight, West Bloomfield), but is missing its coach, who died Feb. 16 of apparent heart failure.
"It was intense," Beecher coach Mike Williams said of last season's 38-36 overtime victory over Consortium.
"It was the best basketball atmosphere I've ever been associated with.
"It won't be the same (without Anderson)."
Beecher went on to win the championship.
Interim Consortium coach James Mitchell remembered Anderson's words to his team during a recent practice.
"He said, 'Fellas, you've come together as a team,'" Mitchell said.
And it has done just that, winning 11 straight.
Pick: Beecher by 2
Class A
Detroit Pershing (25-0) vs. Romulus (24-1), 5 p.m. at Calihan Hall: Pershing defeated Romulus, 83-76, in December, although Romulus had the upper hand (67-62) in last season’s quarterfinals. Romulus senior Wes Clark (patella) is doubtful. Pershing by 2
Grand Rapids Christian (19-6) vs. Muskegon (19-6) at Rockford: Muskegon defeated Christian, 72-48, in January. But since that setback, Christian has lost once. Christian by 2
Detroit Southeastern (19-5) vs. Rochester (21-4) at Calihan Hall: Rochester is led by James Young. Southeastern, a senior-laden team, relies on defense and a physical style to wear opponents down. Southeastern by 5
Saginaw (22-3) vs. Ypsilanti (20-4) at Grand Blanc: Saginaw is the defending champion, and Ypsilanti, behind 6-foot-9 Jalen Johnson, has won 10 straight since losing to Ann Arbor Pioneer in February. Saginaw by 2
Class B
Detroit Country Day (22-3) vs. Flint Powers (13-12), 7:30 p.m. at Imlay City: Don’t look for this one to be close. Country Day has depth, quickness and is one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the state. Country Day by 15
Big Rapids (23-1) vs. Cadillac (20-4) at Ferris State: Cadillac won its third consecutive region title and is looking for its first final four appearance. Jalen Brooks has 34 points his last two games for Cadillac. Cadillac by 3
Detroit Community (16-9) vs. Jackson Lumen Christi (21-3), 6:30 p.m. at Chelsea: Lumen Christi is making its first quarterfinal appearance since 1989. Community is led by 6-7 F Bo Zeigler and 6-6 C Jerrell Martin. Community by 2
Stevensville Lakeshore (24-0) vs. Wyoming Godwin Heights (22-2) at Middleville: Led by 6-6 Keith Brushwyler, Lakeshore excels in the half-court. Lakeshore, however, must be aware of Godwin Heights’ 3-point shooting. Godwin Heights by 2
Class C
Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (22-2) vs. Schoolcraft (23-2) at Bangor: The defensive strategy will be similar for both teams — stop one player (CC’s Kevin Woodson and Schoolcraft’s Luke Ryskamp). Schoolcraft by 3
Beaverton (22-2) vs. Laingsburg (22-2) at Delta College: Coach Roy Johnston is hoping to guide Beaverton to the semifinals for the first time since 1984. Laingsburg has shown resiliency, defeating state-ranked Pewamo-Westphalia and Grandville Calvin Christian. Laingsburg by 11
Maple City Glenn Lake (23-2) vs. Negaunee (23-1) at Gaylord: Long trip for the Yoopers, but Negaunee, winners of 20 straight, is used to it. No team has been within 26 points of Negaunee in the tournament. Negaunee by 7
Class D
Cedarville (22-1) vs. Powers North Central (22-3) at Marquette: North Central’s top players are underclassmen, led by junior Travis Vincent. Cedarville is the power team in this class. Cedarville by 8
Wyoming Tri-unity Christian (23-2) vs. Frankfort (20-5) at Comstock Park: It hasn’t been easy for Tri-unity (led Kalamazoo Phoenix by four points with a minute left; needed overtime to defeat Muskegon Catholic Central). Frankfort won its first region title since 1975. Tri-unity by 7
Southfield Christian (20-4) vs. Climax-Scotts (24-1) at Battle Creek Central: Christian beat Scotts, 76-44, for the state title last season. This promises to be more competitive. Christian by 9
Lansing Christian (21-3) vs. Beal City (17-7) at Lansing Eastern: Beal City has weathered a few close tournament games. Beal City by 2
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