Muskegon Heights came to the Breslin Center looking to build upon last year’s championship game loss.  Although their plans were not fulfilled, the Tigers can still be proud of being one of the four best Class B teams in the state.  Matt Philpott brings you a gallery of shots from tonight’s spirited game…

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Sparta hosts Class B, Region 14, and the home town fans will get at least one more opportunity to cheer on their Spartans.  Both games on Monday should be close, but the final on Wednesday could potentially get ugly.

Sparta: The Spartans get the pleasure of hosting this round of the playoffs, and the home court advantage will be a necessity if they hope to make it to the Quarter Finals.  Sparta has not been tested yet in the post season, making it through the Belding District rather easily, winning their three games by an average of 23 points.  We know the Spartans can score points, with three players averaging 10+ per game, Luke Marble (12.5), Jared Bradford (11.6) and Kory Brown (10.8)– Monday’s contest against Big Rapids should show us how they fare in closer games.

Big Rapids:  To make a run in the playoffs you need to be able to win close games, and Big Rapids has proven they can do just that.  The Cardinals won two close games as they worked their way through District play in Reed City, taking down Fremont by three and Reed City by two.  Big Rapids is on a roll right now, having won eleven straight games, dating back to late January.

Muskegon Heights: Muskegon Heights is another team in this Region that hasn’t really been tested yet, winning their three District games by an average of 28 points.  The Tigers have a potent offense, as displayed by back-to-back 70 point outputs last week.  Juwon Martin is the leader of Muskegon Heights’ offense, but he isn’t going things alone, with Deshaun Thrower and Mike Davis there to help out.  Muskegon Heights will face a test on Monday, but if they get by, they should be favorites to win this Region.

Hemlock: The Huskies have shown they can win big, dropping 81 on Midland Bullock Creek to open the playoffs.  They’ve shown they can win close, eeking past Shepard by three.  Hemlock is the one team that poses a threat to derailing Mukegon Heights’ hopes of making a trip to Lansing.  TJ Vondette’s 14.9 PPG, along with Ryan Hagerty’s 10.4 lead this squad, which has won eleven of its previous twelve contests.  Monday night’s showdown with the Tigers will likely be the showcase game in this Region.  If the Huskies knock-off Muskegon Heights, they should have little trouble with the winner of Big Rapids/Sparta

Monday night should have two very close games.  In the early game, Muskegon Heights/Hemlock should be the premiere battle of the Region.  Both the Tigers and Huskies have their eyes set on East Lansing, and fans can expect a spirited contest between the schools.  I predict this game will feature a decent amount of scoring, with both teams putting up 60+ points.  Muskegon Heights will do all they can to win, but in the end I think Hemlock will manage to keep one bucket ahead of the Tigers.  Monday’s second game, Sparta/Big Rapids, could go either way.  The Spartans have home court and the offense, but the Cardinals have shown they can win the tight games.  I predict that Big Rapids will slip by the host team of Sparta, winning yet another nail-biter.  In Wednesday’s Region Final, Hemlock will get by Big Rapids without too much trouble.

Agree with my predictions?  Think I’m totally off-base?  We’d love to hear your thoughts!  Leave us a comment below!

The Muskegon Heights Tigers roared into district play by humiliating the Fruitport Trojans in a 50 point win on Monday night. Tonight the host Whitehall Vikings proved to be a more formidable foe. At least for the first sixteen minutes before the Heights would eventually run away with this one 70-48.

Whitehall started off this game showing the Tigers they would not be pushed around and intimated. They managed four early points that were matched by Deshaun Thrower for the Heights as he hit three triples to score the Heights first nine points. As the first quarter winded down the scoring became frantic with nine points scored in the last minute bringing us to a 19-10 score at the end of the first. Sam Kuipers played big in the first half for the Vikings banging bodies down low with the Tigers big men and drawing charges on the defensive end. Kuipers 7 first half points helped the Vikings cut the score to 3 at 28-25 with 1:23 left in the second. The Heights would then finish the half on a 8-2 run bringing us to a halftime score of 36-27. I simply did a discredit to Muskegon Heights Sophomore Mike Davis by not mentioning him on Monday night where he totaled 12 points for the Heights. Tonight he was even better leading all scorers on the night with 21. Davis has a great all-around game as he can score from virtually anywhere on the floor and he did just that tonight.

Davis as well as D’Vonte Dockery began to find their way into the lane easier as the night went on and the Heights collectively worked together to break down the Whitehall defense that had started out so strong.

Dockery would finish with 18 and Thrower with 14 for the Tigers. Juwon Martin the Heights leading scorer on the year was defended well by the Viking defense as they forced him to settle for contested jumpers as he went 4-11 on the night scoring 11. Whitehall showed how balanced of a team they are as it was a group effort tonight as no one managed to reach double figures. Matt Ferguson was the high-man with 9 and Kuipers finished with 8 along with Bobbie Johnson who also picked up 5 rebounds.

Muskegon Heights advances to the District final where they will meet the Spring Lake Lakers as the Tigers look to once again own a district crown and continue onwards to State.

The great thing about this tournament is everyone gets their shot to prove themselves. Tonight we saw the downside of that as an overmatched five win Fruitport team met a Class B contender in Muskegon Heights. The Heights have their sights set on a return  trip to Breslin and the journey began tonight in what was a dominating performance for the Tigers as they steamrolled the Trojans 73-23.

The Tigers are a fast paced, athletic, and explosive team that’s averaged 69.8 ppg this season. The Heights would blow this one open right off the tip scoring the first 12 points of the contest. Ten of those twelve came from the Heights leading scorer who averaged 16.3 ppg during the regular season Juwon Martin. Martin is the most athletic player I’ve had the privilege of watching this season and he accompanies that athleticism with a great stroke and unmatched creativity. Martin would score 15 as he went 7-12 from the field. It was constant pressure all night long by the heights and the game was played at a tempo the Trojans simply couldn’t match.

The Tigers surpassed their point average easily tonight with the starters off the floor for the most part from the second quarter on and a running clock in the fourth. The Heights are not all Martin as they are a loaded team. D’Vonte Dockery added 10 as he went a perfect 3-3 from the field. Along with Martin Dockery will need to play a huge role for the Tigers if they want to make a deep run in this years tourney. Dockery is a tremendous on-ball defender constantly in the oppositions grill applying pressure. He is best offensively when he gets into the paint and uses his spin move to open up clear lanes to the rim. Another Tiger that impressed me tonight even though his stat line wouldn’t suggest it was 6’0 point guard Ronald Jenkins. Jenkins has the size of many teams centers but has some of the best vision and passing ability of points you will find throughout West Michigan. There was little hope for the Trojans in this one as they were just completely outclassed but sophomore Travis Grimm did manage to produce a nice game of his own as he continued to compete hard even as things were dire. Grimm scored 7 with 3 steals and 4 rebounds on the night.

The Heights will now advance to play Whitehall on Wednesday night with the Vikings getting the benefit of home court.

Hackley Stadium, home of the Big Reds since 1927, has a feel unlike almost any other high school football stadium in Michigan.  The feelings as one drew near for today’s clash between cross-town rivals, was even more unique.  The air had a buzz, and the noise coming from the packed, sun-bathed stands could be heard all across the surrounding neighborhood.  Inside, a party atmosphere engulfed the seven thousand fans that came to see the Tigers and Big Reds take the field against one another for the first time since the late ’70s.

Muskegon took control of the contest early and they never looked back, when quarterback Princton Duncan ran the ball in from eight yards out, with 7:58 remaining in the first quarter.  On the ensuing Muskegon Heights possession, the Big Reds‘ defense forced a three-and-out.  Attempting to punt the ball away on fourth down, the Tigers‘ long-snapper accidentally sent the snap sailing over the punter’s head and out the back of the end zone for a safety.  Muskegon, momentum clearly in hand at this point, sent a message to their guests that victory wouldn’t come easy, when Juwan Lewis broke out a 60 yard touchdown run on the first play of Muskegon’s next possession.  The extra point kick missed, giving the Big Reds a 16-0 lead, with the first quarter only half complete.  Ryan Williams-Follins added yet another Muskegon first quarter touchdown, when he scored on a 39 yard run with just under two minutes left in the first.

The second quarter unfolded much like the first, with Muskegon’s offense keeping the proverbial foot on the gas pedal, and their defense keeping Muskegon Heights off the scoreboard.  Following a Ryan Williams-Follins interception, Juwan Lewis found the end zone again, his second touchdown of the day.  Following a successful two point conversion, the Big Reds were ahead of the Tigers 30-0.  Less than a minute later, the Big Reds struck again, as Laquinton Miller intercepted a DeShawn Thrower pass, taking it all the way to the house for a touchdown.  After a missed extra point kick, the score was now 36-0 and the rout was on.  The Tigers turned the ball over again on their next possession, losing a fumble in their backfield.  Pouncing on yet another Muskegon Heights mistake, the Big Reds worked their way down the field once again, with Juwan Lewis scoring his third touchdown of the afternoon, bringing the score to 43-0.  Muskegon would reach an even 50 before the half was over, when backup quarterback Jalen Smith hit Ryan Williams-Follins for a 19 yard touchdown pass with just over a minute left in the second quarter.  Muskegon Heights finally managed to get on the scoreboard with 13 seconds left in the half, when DeShawn Thrower connected with Kevin Day for a 42 yard touchdown pass.  The extra point was no-good, however, and the score at the break was 50-6.

Per MHSAA rules, the second half saw a running clock throughout its entirety.  Muskegon, with victory firmly in hand, shut down the passing game, pounding the ball up the middle with rushes.  Muskegon Heights kept the Big Reds off the scoreboard in both the third and fourth quarter, but it was clear the Big Reds weren’t necessarily looking to score.  The Tigers had one more score left in them, when the speedy Kevin Day scorched an 88 yard touchdown run down the sideline, with 1:46 left in the game.  The Muskegon Heights extra point missed, giving us our final, 50-12.

Muskegon Heights falls to 0-2 on the season.  They will look to rebound next week Friday when they host an undefeated Bay City John Glen.  Muskegon ups its record to 2-0.  They will open up their OK Red conference season when they travel to undefeated Hudsonville next week.

Jai'lyn Thompson flattens the Muskegon Heights defender.

The Tigers offense struggled to establish itself all day.

Angelo Corona puts a lick on the ball-carrier.

The Muskegon Heights defense forces the ball loose.

Ryan Williams-Follins looks the pass in.

DeShawn Thrower ran for 31 yards in the game.

Ryan Williams-Follins leveled the defender with a block on this punt return.

The Tigers swarm the loose ball, causing a turnover.

Juwan Lewis rushed for 113 yards and 3 touchdowns.

DeShawn Thrower passed for 61 yards and a touchdown.

Ryan Williams-Follins runs back an interception.

Kevin Day (#17) scored both Muskegon Heights touchdowns.

Matt Philpott Photography was happy to bring you coverage of this afternoon’s game.  Please be sure to visit his website  to view additional photos!

West Michigan has a school in each of today’s State Final match-ups and it all tips off with Tri Unity Christian at 10am! Enter the live blog below to stay up to date on all the action and commentary from this game as we will have live blog action all day. We also have games tipping of at Noon for Class C, 4pm for Class A and 8pm for Class B.

Muskegon Heights walked into the Breslin Center tonight and acted like they were right at home. Facing off with Dowagiac in the Semi Final, the Tigers were out manned in the stands as the Dowagiac faithful came in droves. Unfortunately for Dowagiac they did not have Deontae Hudson. Hudson was Mr. Everything tonight as he poured in 31 points, exactly half of the Tiger total.

Hudson had little problem getting inside all night.

One of the few shots Darius Wilson didn't send into the stands.

Heights' guards played great all night.

Brandon Smith and his fellow big men came up large in the second half.

Rowmell Crawford with a tough drive.

So many close battles went the Tigers way.

A late throw down by Hudson was the icing on the cake here as Heights ran away with a 62-43 victory.

All photos provided by ADC Graphics and to see even more from this game head over to their site for loads of action shots.

With only 4 teams left in each class, WMA decided to take a look at the 4 West Michigan teams that are left.

Class A- Kalamazoo Central, the Maroon Giants are the reigning state champs and always seem to find a way to make it to The Breslin Center. Kalamazoo Central survived a scare against a young Hudsonville team in quarterfinals. K-Central will play Southfield on Friday March 25th @ 1 p.m. Southfield is 20-3 on the year, so they should provide us with a solid game. Should K-Central advance they will play the winner of the Bay City Western/Detroit Southeastern game which will take place @ 2:50 p.m. Friday. If K-Central advances to the state finals, their game will be on Saturday March 26th at 4 p.m.

Class B- Muskegon Heights, Heights will play a solid team in Dowagiac who defeated EGR on Tuesday. Dowagiac is 20-6 on the year. The game will be played @ 7:50 p.m. at The Breslin Center on Friday March 25th. Should they win, they will play the winner of the Detroit Country Day/Lansing Sexton game which takes place prior to the Heights game. If Heights can advance past Dowagiac, they will play in the state finals game on Saturday March 26th at the Breslin Center @ 8 p.m.

Class C- Schoolcraft, they will look to remain unbeaten as they play Detroit Consortium on Thursday March 24th @ 1 p.m. should Schoolcraft advance they will play the winner of the Flint Beecher/McBain game. Flint Beacher knocked out one of our local teams- Western Michigan Christian on Tuesday night. If Schoolcraft can advance they will play in the state finals game on Saturday March 26th at The Breslin Center @ Noon.

Class D- Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian, Tri-Unity is always a solid team in class D but without conference foe Western Michigan Christian in Class D anymore (they moved up to Class C this year after having won 3 State Titles in a row), so this will be the first year in 3 years that there is a Class D Boys Basketball State Champ that is not Western Michigan Christian. Tri-Unity last won it in 2006 and will look to restore their basketball dominance. Should Tri-Unity advance they will face the winner of the Fulton/Detroit Westside Christian game. If The Defenders can advance onto the state finals game, they will play on Saturday March 26th at The Breslin Center @ 10 a.m.

WMA will have coverage for you of Friday’s games and should any of our teams advance we will have state finals coverage for you. Be sure to “like” us on facebook. If you wish to discuss the matchups, comment below. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing you all out at a game or two.

This district at Muskegon Heights should provide us with some intriguing matchups.

As you can tell Spring Lake, Muskegon Heights, and Whitehall have all have solid years, but there’s at least one possible sleeper team in this bracket.

Fruitport- while Frutiport went a dismal 1-13 in conference play their out of conference play has been respectable as they are 2-4. Fruitport is however 1-3 head-to-head and this is what limits them as a spoiler team. Fruitport is led by Steve Devries who is averaging 16.6 points per game. If Fruitport wishes to advance past their first round matchup with the host team, Devries will have to have a great game and Tyler Fehler or Mike Reyes will have to step up as the #2 scorer.

Muskegon Oakridge- Oakridge has had a solid season going 9-10 but unfortunately they are only 1-3 in head-to-head matchups with the other 5 teams. Oakridge is led but Jamie Potts who is averaging 17.3 points per game and 5.4 rebounds per game. If Oakridge wishes to advance out of the second round (they have received a bye for the first round) then Potts and either Patrick Giddings or Jake Ferguson will have to have big games.

Muskegon Orchard View- Orchard View has had a poor season as they went 4-15 overall but they have been solid when playing head-to-head against the five other teams in the district as they are 2-3 against them. Fortunately Orchard View has drawn a first round bye, but if they wish to advance to the district finals, Greg Alexander who is averaging 14.5 points per game will have to play lights out. Kody Harrell will have to step up as well and knock down a couple of key threes.

Whitehall- despite going 13-7 overall Whitehall is only 2-2 in head-to-head matchups against the other 5 teams in this district. Whitehall faces a tough matchup with Spring Lake in the first round, look for Travis Love, Ryan Butzer, and Jacob Uithoven to all have big games if they wish to advance.

Muskegon Heights- the fact that Heights is hosting districts makes their odds at running away with this district much better and fortunately for them they have drawn Fruitport in the first round. Heights is led by their star player Deontae Hudson who is averaging 21.3 points per game, 6.2 rebounds per game and has rattled in 28 threes this year. Look for Heights to use their athleticism and literally run away with this district.

Spring Lake- they have had an excellent year going 15-5 overall and 11-3 in conference play as well as 4-0 against the other five teams in this district. Spring Lake has a tough first round matchup with Whitehall. If they wish to advance look for Austin Johnson to come up big as he is averaging 13.7 points per game and 7 rebounds per game. Michael Hankinson and Trevor Tidwell will also have to come up big for them.

Prediction: the round one matchup of Whitehall and Spring Lake should be an exciting one, but Spring Lake should be able to find a way to win. Muskegon Heights will run away with the game against Fruitport. Muskegon Heights will able to pull away from Orchard View in the second round and advance to the district championship game. Spring Lake will be able to move on past Oakridge in the second round which will set up a Spring Lake v Muskegon Heights championship game. Spring Lake just won’t be able to match up well with Heights‘ athleticism and Deontae Hudson. Heights should be able to cruise through this district at home.

Don’t overlook the Oakridge v Spring Lake game or the Whitehall v Spring Lake game as they should both provide us with some excellent action. Feel free to discuss below in the comments section and tell us all the reasons why we’re right, as well as why we’re wrong.

Were working hard to bring you some amazing coverage and giving you some input is vital to us. Check out our polls where you can vote for the coverage you want to see, help your vote by passing the poll along to friends as you can only vote once. Try to keep up and help us with any comments to get your team where they belong. We encourage the fans of WMA to tune into ESPN 96.1 as we will have nice spots running to keep you the fans updated on all that is West Michigan High School Sports.

1.) Grand Rapids Union (13-3)

Union takes over the top spot in our rankings as well as an OK Black title, not a bad week for Terrence Williams’ crew.

2.) Montague (16-0)

Montague stands alone as the final unbeaten in West Michigan, how long can they keep it up?

3.) Grand Rapids Christian (16-1)

The Eagles were dealt their first loss of the year by Union but by no means does that diminish what these kids have done this year. A playoff run will validate that.

4.) Comstock Park (15-1)

With the conference tied down, its post season prep time for Park.

5.) Grand Rapids Catholic Central (14-2)

Catholic fell to Ottawa Hills on Tuesday but picked up revenge on Caledonia Friday night. The Cougars have a couple league games left, including a Friday night tilt at South Christian.

6.) Rockford (12-6)

Rockford began the year at #2 in our rankings, and then dropped to an honorable mention, and are now back on the rise in what can only be described as a wild season for Majerle and the Rams. At Muskegon on Tuesday and Home with EK on Friday could set us up for an OK Red title game. (Wow! Were keeping our fingers crossed).

7.) East Kentwood (13-4)

The Falcons took care of business last week and have a date with Rockford on Friday to potentially decide the OK Red.

8.) Godwin Heights (15-2)

The OK Silver title goes to the Wolverines and now Godwin plans for the next few weeks.

9.) Tri Unity Christian (15-1)

Godwin Heights and Western Michigan Christian are coming to town this week so the Defenders will have their hands full.

10.) Wayland (14-3)

The Wildcats got one of the league losses it needed from Catholic Central to steal the OK Gold, unfortunately Wayland has no control and will be rooting for Forest Hills Eastern and South Christian this week while also trying to handle their own business.

Honorable Mentions (in no order)

Muskegon (11-5)

The Big Reds dropped a big game at East Kentwood on Tuesday and all but sealed their fate in the OK Red.

Holland (12-5)

A big win over FHC has the Dutch ready for a District run.

Muskegon Heights (11-6)

A close win over Grand Haven was followed by a narrow loss to Kalamazoo Central on Saturday.

Grand Rapids South Christian (13-4)

A big game with Catholic on Friday will help decide the OK Gold.

We hope to see you out at a game and will keep you posted on where we will be. Don’t forget that we will update you every Monday on the new WMA rankings. Again feel free to discuss below!