Region 8 PREVIEW

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The district's round is over and the next pursuit is for the regional championship. 2023 Recap: Howell defeated Hartland in the district round before losing in the semis to Lake Orion. Grand Blanc defeated Oxford in districts before losing to Flint Carman-Ainsworth in the semis. Clarkston lost in the district final to Lake Orion and Lakeland lost to Walled Lake Northern in districts. Let's take a look at each matchup and who the key players are.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Howell (17-7) vs. Grand Blanc (19-4), Monday, March 11, 5:30 PM, Milford HS</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grand Blanc won their district without breaking a sweat, winning both games by a combined 56 points. They will come into this matchup well-rested, but without the advantage of facing any true test since their regular season game against Midland Dow. The Bobcats won the SVL conference title and are undoubtedly the most athletic team in this region. Howell on the other hand defeated Hartland in a bruising overtime fight to the finish. They won the KLAA West and have the advantage of playing one of the most athletic and talented teams in the state in Belleville. The Highlanders showed they can compete against teams that have significant athletic advantages on the floor. For Howell to win they will have to handle the Bobcats pressure, knock down shots outside, and control defensive rebounds. Grand Blanc will win if they can cause turnovers with their length/speed, score points in transition, and create second-chance opportunities rebounding on offense. This should be an exciting game and I could see either team winning this one dependent on who can eliminate the other's strength.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Clarkston (18-6) vs. Lakeland (20-4), Monday, March 11, 7 PM, Milford HS</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clarkston and Lakeland both escaped their district with narrow victories. The Lakeland Eagles are Lakes Valley Conference champs and riding a five-game winning streak into the semis. They have held opponents under 40 points in 11 straight games. Clarkston tied for second in the OAA-Red and is also riding a five-game winning streak entering Monday's contest. The Wolves have not allowed opponents over 40 points in those games. Clarkston has the shooters and speed to score transition baskets, so if they can push the ball and knock down 3's this game will not be close. Lakeland is going to need to keep the Wolves from having open looks from 3 and force them to score in the half-court. If the Eagles can slow the pace and out-rebound their opponent then they can give themselves a chance to compete; they'll need to have multiple players step up offensively. My prediction is that Clarkston's speed and outside shooting will be too much for Lakeland to match in this one. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game Changers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["417883"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='417883' first='Chelsea' last='Bishop'] led the Bobcats to an SVL title, averaging 17 ppg shooting 59% from the floor. She adds 7 rebounds and 4 steals of production. Her aggressiveness to use her length and strength to score at the rim is elite. Chelsea causes havoc defensively in the press acting much like a free safety to read passes and pick them off. Whoever guards her Monday will have to keep her off the glass and out of the paint.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["424155"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='424155' first='Alison' last='Farr'] was able to make important shots late for the Highlanders and she will need to make shots again for them to win on Monday. Alison sets the standard for defensive communication, pressure, and hard work. She will need to shut down her assignment, rebound, and create offense under duress against an extremely athletic and fast opponent.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":[614650],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='734977' first='Elliana' last='Robak'] is back in action and converted a tough finish late in the fourth to help Clarkston earn a victory on Friday. She has the offensive firepower to take over games as a threat to hit deep 3's or drive and finish at the rim. Ellie sees the floor well to distribute the ball to teammates who also shoot with accuracy beyond the arc. The Wolves will need her to pass and shoot effectively on Monday.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_3_player_details_player_name":"Parker Ostach","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_3_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_3_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_3_player_details_position":"12125","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_3_player_details_school":"Lakeland","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_3_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_3_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003eParker Ostach u003c/strongu003eis a two-way guard who sets the tone for Lakeland on both ends. She backed down her defender to score a contested short jumper to win the district championship. Parker has a relentless hustle and plays a physical game on the boards and defensive side of the ball. She has the quickness and aggressiveness to drive downhill and finish at the rim. The Eagles will need Parker to effectively finish inside, hit shots, create extra possessions rebounding, and cause havoc on defense.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ee52c809f9b"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">At the Buzzer</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Evan Bell</strong>&nbsp;is currently a scout for Prep Girls Hoops, Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach at Lapeer High School, and Director of<strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='715992' first='Lapeer' last='County Cobras']</strong></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong>. Our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prepnetwork.com/frequently-asked-questions/">mission</a>&nbsp;at PGH is to cover as many athletes with D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO potential in the state as possible. If you know a prospect off our radar, please DM Evan through Twitter @CoachEvanBell or email him at lapeercountycobras@gmail.com</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->