Photo by David Schreiber Lakeview junior Kyle Jackson attempts to get a shot past South Lake senior Will Bowles during a game earlier this season. The boys basketball state tournament tips off March 8 with the district round.

By Jon Malavolti
C & G Sports Writer

The boys basketball postseason tournament is around the corner, and the local squads are gearing up for what should be some tough competition.

The playoffs open with the district round March 8. All district semifinal rounds will take place March 10; the finals are scheduled for 7 p.m. March 12. Every game will be played at the host schools.

St. Clair Shores Lakeview and St. Clair Shores Lake Shore compete in the same Class A district hosted by Grosse Pointe North.

Lake Shore (5-8 Macomb Area Conference Silver Division, 9-9 overall at press time) plays Eastpointe East Detroit (9-2 MAC Blue, 14-3) in a first-round clash at 5 p.m. The winner plays Lakeview (4-8 MAC Silver, 5-12) in a 5 p.m. semifinal.

North, Grosse Pointe South and Detroit Finney make up the remainder of the group.
St. Clair Shores South Lake, meanwhile, is headed to Highland Park Community High for its Class B district.

The Cavaliers (5-6 MAC Blue, 10-8) open against Clinton Township Clintondale (7-5 MAC Silver, 9-8) at 5:30 p.m. The winner of that contest takes on Detroit Crockett at 5:30 p.m. Hamtramck, Highland Park and Warren Lincoln make up the rest of the district teams.

South Lake is hoping for a déjà vu experience after already winning a tournament earlier this season. The Cavaliers bested their city rivals in back-to-back games Dec. 21 and Dec. 22 to take home title at the St. Clair Shores Holiday Classic.

The Cavs may likely experience further déjà vu when they play Clintondale in their playoff opener. South Lake coach Matt Ferguson described the Dragons as a “kind of a mirror image” of his team.

“They play kind of an up-tempo game,” he said. “They’re quick, they extend their defense and they’re athletic.”

Because of the squads’ similarities in strengths, playing style and athleticism, Ferguson expects the team that plays the smartest will win.

“It’ll be the most disciplined team on both ends,” the South Lake coach said. “You don’t gamble, take good shots and don’t give them the advantage.”

“The districts are going to be very competitive.”

Check out our Web site at www.candgnews.com and click on the Sports link for updates and coverage throughout the playoffs.

You can reach Sports Writer Jon Malavolti at jmalavolti@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1040.