Hamady, Valley Lutheran, Midland among Mid-Michigan victors
BIRCH RUN -- The Frankenmuth girls basketball team eagerly awaited a shot at Goodrich for the right to become a Class B regional champion, but as Thursday's game wore on, it looked like an unfortunate case of "careful what you wish for."
Behind a 23-point performance from Frankie Joubran, the Martians cruised to an easy, 55-28 victory over the Eagles to advance to the state quarterfinals. Turnovers crippled Frankenmuth all night, as they were unable to keep up with the talent and athleticism of their foes.
Up next for the Martians: undefeated defending state champion Detroit Country Day.
"We were going to have to play Country Day sometime, so that's going to be a good game," said Goodrich senior forward Samantha Zirzow. "I'm looking forward to it. They're a great team and hopefully we can beat them out later."
"You saw the support we had tonight from our fans. Packed this gym tonight," added Martians head coach Jason Gray, of the atmosphere inside Birch Run's gym. "They were happy to watch this team play and you can see why tonight. They played their hearts out."
Elsewhere in Class B, Hemlock continued their playoff run with a thrilling, 62-57 win over Morley-Stanwood. The Huskies will meet Gladstone in Houghton Lake on Tuesday in the state quarterfinals.
In Class D, Bay City All Saints slipped past Deckerville by a 34-31 final in a defensive slugfest. The Cougars will now take on Waterford Our Lady in the state quarterfinals.
Mid-Michigan had plenty of activity in Class C, as two-time defending state champion Hamady breezed to a 57-28 win over Michigan Center, setting up a re-match with Pewamo-Westphalia, whom the Hawks defeated in last year's state quarterfinals en route to their second straight Class C crown. Meantime, in a Saginaw Township showdown, Valley Lutheran got the best of Nouvel Catholic Central, as the Chargers triumphed by a 58-33 score. Valley Lutheran will now take on Allen Park Cabrini next Tuesday at Heritage High School.
Over in Class A, Midland continued their outstanding season with a 40-24 victory over Clarkston, as the Chemics now gear up to meet Canton in the state quarterfinals, with that game taking place from Davison on Tuesday night.
