Wesley Clark and his Romulus team face a daunting task in playing Grand Rapids Christian in the Class A semifinals Friday at the Breslin Center. (Elizabeth Conley/Detroit News)
Romulus — As important and intense as its 93-91 quarterfinal victory over Detroit Pershing was Tuesday, it was just the midterm exam for Romulus. The final exams are this weekend at Breslin Center in East Lansing.
First up is a skilled and athletic Grand Rapids Christian team in the Class A semifinals at 1 p.m. Friday. Should Romulus pass that test, Saturday's championship awaits.
But it's Christian that Romulus coach Nate Oats has top of mind.
Christian has one of the state's top juniors in Drake Harris, who had a career-high 37 points in a 78-70 victory over Holt in the region final and 25 in a 64-61 victory over Muskegon in the quarters.
Among the concerns Oats has is keeping Harris off of the free-throw line — Harris was 14-for-19 against Muskegon.
"We've got to keep our hands off when we're playing defense," Oats said.
Oats also is concerned with the health of his team.
Entering the quarterfinals, senior point guard Wes Clark's availability was uncertain. Clark suffered an injury to his right knee March 13, but he responded well to treatment and played.
Pick: Romulus by 4
Class A
Detroit Southeastern (20-5) vs. Saginaw (23-3), 2:50 p.m. Friday: Southeastern prefers the half-court game; Saginaw excels in transition. Saginaw by 5
Class B
Detroit Country Day (23-3) vs. Cadillac (21-4), 6 p.m. Friday: Cadillac is making its first semifinal appearance after holding Big Rapids to 29 points. Country Day will score more that in the first half. Country Day by 17
Detroit Community (17-9) vs. Wyoming Godwin Heights (23-2), 7:50 p.m. Friday: Venias Jordan Jr., took over a talented team that was suspended from the tournament last season (eligibility). Godwin Heights’ play in the backcourt is the difference. Godwin Heights by 6
Class C
Flint Beecher (25-1) vs. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (23-2), 1 today: Beecher might have a letdown after beating Consortium. Beecher by 13
Negaunee (24-1) vs. Laingsburg (23-2), 2:50 today: After blowing past most of its opponents, Negaunee escaped in the quarterfinals. Laingsburg has won 16 straight. Negaunee by 2
Class D
Southfield Christian (21-4) vs. Lansing Christian (22-3), 7:50 tonight: It’s not been an easy road for the defending champions, and Lansing Christian is a worthy foe . Southfield Christian by 4
Powers North Central (23-3) vs. Wyoming Tri-unity Christian (24-2), 6 tonight: North Central is a surprise, having upset No. 4 Cedarville. Not sure this U.P. representative can handle Christian G Joey Blauwkamp . Christian by 7
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