By Mark Blentlinger
The Eagle’s successful season came to an end at the state quarterfinals.
The team won the Division 3 District 80 title by first defeating Quincy 69-28, then defeating Centreville 53-35 in the championship game.
Schoolcraft hosted the Division 3 Region 20 championships. In game 1 of the semifinal round, Kalamazoo Christian defeated Hartford 78-52 to move to championship game.
The Eagles played game 2 against the Bridgeman Bees and dominated the whole game. At the half, the Eagles led 38-6. The Bees were no match for the Eagles, and by the 4th quarter, players were substituted off the bench, allowing all teammates to enjoy the 54-18 win.
Schoolcraft faced the Kalamazoo Christian Comets in the regional final on March 7 at Schoolcraft High School. The Comets had high hopes to redeem themselves after suffering two season losses to the Eagles. There were few open seats to watch the fast, physical game. At the half, Schoolcraft led 31-22. During the 3rd quarter, the Eagles started to open their lead and entered the 4th quarter with a comfortable 49-26 lead. The seniors left the court to applause and cheers as the team and hometown crowd celebrated the 63-33 win and the new Regional 20 Champions.
The last stop for the Eagle’s success season was the state quarterfinals at Loy Norrix High School where they met the Pirates of Pewamo Westphalia, the Regional 19 Champions. During the first half, both teams worked the defensive games, keeping the score close. The Eagles lead 17-14 at the half. Tucker Walther gained 3 fouls in the 3rd period and the Pirates started to find their groove by hitting 3-point shots. The Pirates eventually gained the lead 30-28 before the Eagles hit a 3 pointer to go back up 31-30. Schoolcraft had some trouble making shots and Tucker Walther was sitting at 4 fouls with 4:41 left in the game. The Pirates had the lead 39-34, but the Eagles were not going down without a fight. With 1:44 left in the game, the Pirates still held the lead at 41-36. The Eagles used the foul strategy to stop the clock and try to gain points, but the Pirates were able to score from the foul line. The game ended with the Pirates victorious at 50-43, ending Schoolcraft’s hopes for a state title.
In late March, Tucker Walther and Jimmy Miller were selected SAC-Valley, First Team All-Conference. Ty Goddard earned Honorable Mention.
