Girls semifinal predictions: Another Elliott stars for Edison

Gabrielle Elliott will be attempting to accomplish something her older brother, Mr. Basketball finalist Greg Elliott of Detroit East English came up short of reaching, winning a state championship at Breslin Center.

Elliott, a freshman point guard, has helped Detroit Edison put together a record-breaking season. Edison will open up play in the Final Four at 1 p.m. Thursday when it plays a Class C semifinal game against Flint Hamady.

“We’ve never even won a district before this season,” said Edison coach Monique Brown, who started the program six years ago. “We have to continue to defend, rebound and contain Aryana Naylor.”

While Hamady (19-5) advanced with defense, earning a 37-28 quarterfinal win over Hemlock, Edison defeated Blissfield 58-45 to move on to East Lansing.

Edison (18-5), which defeated Class A power Southfield A&T this season, is led by 6-foot-2 sophomore Rickea Jackson (19.7 points, 11.3 rebounds) and Elliott (18.7 points, 4.4 assists). Pick: Edison by 6

Pewamo-Westphalia vs. Maple City Glen Lake: Glen Lake earned its first Final Four appearance since ’95. Pewamo-Westphalia wins with defense. Pick: Pewamo-Westphalia by 2

Class D, Thursday

Engadine vs. Saginaw Michigan Lutheran: Look for Michigan Lutheran to continue its Cinderella season. Pick: Saginaw Michigan Lutheran by 3.

Pittsford vs. Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart: Look for Maddie Clark and Jaycie Burger to be too much for Sacred Heart. Pick: Pittsford by 8.

Class A, Friday

Warren Cousino vs. Flushing: Defending state champion Cousino and Miss Basketball runnerup Kierra Fletcher should be poised in critical situations. This is Flushing’s first semifinal appearance since 1976. Pick: Cousino by 4.

East Kentwood vs. Southfield A&T: Michele Marshall has done an outstanding job in Year 1 of the merger between Southfield and Southfield Lathrup. East Kentwood sidelined Miss Basketball Jordan Walker and Muskegon Mona Shores. Pick: Southfield A&T by 1 in OT.

Class B, Friday

Detroit Country Day vs. Marshall: These are the state champions from the past two years. Pick: Country Day by 5.

Ypsilanti Arbor Prep vs. Freeland: Arbor Prep is ready to make the trip to the Class B state title game after winning Class C last year. Adrienne Anderson and Rozhane Wells will face a tough challenge in Freeland. Pick: Arbor Prep by 3

Girls basketball semifinals

At Breslin Center, East Lansing

Class A, Friday

Warren Cousino (24-2) vs. Flushing (22-3), 1

Southfield A&T (22-4) vs. East Kentwood (25-1), 2:50

Final: Noon Saturday

Class B, Friday

Marshall (23-2) vs. Detroit Country Day (24-1), 6

Freeland (26-0) vs. Ypsilanti Arbor Prep (26-0), 7:50

Final: 6 Saturday

Class C, Thursday

Detroit Edison (19-5) vs. Flint Hamady (19-5), 1

Pewamo-Westphalia (23-2) vs. Maple CGL (23-3), 2:50

Final: 4 Saturday

Class D, Thursday

Engadine (19-5) vs. Saginaw Michigan Lutheran (17-9), 6

Pittsford (26-0) vs. Mt. Pleasant SH (25-1), 7:50

Final: 10 a.m. Saturday