Region 13 PREVIEW

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This region is stacked with talented prospects on every team, which should make for exciting basketball. These D2 teams are for real and have played outstanding basketball on a path to the regional semi-finals. Tecumseh blew out their competition in districts, while Parma Western defeated a good Olivet opponent. Lansing Catholic won the state championship in 2023 and is looking to make another run after blowing away the competition in districts. Haslett is coming into this game off an emotional victory against rival Williamston and will look to end Lansing Catholic's hopes of a repeat trip to the Breslin Center. Let's take a closer look at the matchups and players who will make a big impact on tonight's outcomes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tecumseh (20-4) vs. Parma Western (15-9), 5:30 PM @ Charlotte HS</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tecumseh defeated Parma Western by double digits in their regular season meeting and had a few impressive wins over Chelsea, Detroit Renaissance, and Blissfield. They have several high-profile prospects who will be tough to contain in this game. Parma Western defeated an outstanding Grass Lake opponent to start the season, competed well against Ypsilanti Arbor Prep, and took Detroit Edison to overtime. They have proven themselves capable of competing with top teams and will look to pull off the upset tonight. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lansing Catholic (19-5) vs. Haslett (18-7), 7 PM @ Charlotte HS</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lansing Catholic is the defending state champions and they are more than capable of making it back to the Breslin Center again this postseason. The Cougars have seniors with next-level abilities and playoff experience that few teams can match. However, Haslett comes into this game flying high after defeating an extremely talented Williamston team in the district finals. They have a few offensive prospects of their own who can cause problems for defenses. The question is whether their best can win individual matchups against Lansing Catholic's best. I look forward to finding out!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["419531"],"_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='419531' first='Alli' last='Zajac'] towers over opponents with her 6'2 height and length. She achieved first team SEC-White honors and surpassed 1,000 points in her junior year. Her deep 3 point range makes her a headache to guard and she showed how efficient she can be by knocking down 5 triples in a victory over Renaissance during the regular season (24 pts, 9 rebounds). Alli can propel the Indians to the next round if she can dominate in similar fashion this week.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["424567"],"_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='424567' first='Bayli' last='Stewart'] is an effective player on both ends for Parma Western. She creates turnovers with her ball pressure and quickness on defense, while finishing with balance and toughness at the rim. Bayli catches fire and will score with efficiency on the offensive end from all three levels. Against Marshall, she scored 21 points making 10 of 14 field goals. The Panthers will need Bayli to score with that efficiency tonight if they hope to defeat a loaded Tecumseh squad.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["244291"],"_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='244291' first='Leah' last='Richards'], in my opinion, is the X factor tonight for Lansing Catholic. If Leah can protect the rim in the paint, control the boards, beat Haslett's forwards facing up, and knock down shots outside, the Cougars will have their way tonight. Leah is a dynamic forward who has the athleticism to drive or shoot depending on the situation. Her shot blocking makes it tough for drivers and her shooting range makes it challenging for forwards to guard her effectively. Leah will be important for the Cougars tonight.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["502298"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='502298' first='Christina' last='Dixon'] has played phenomenal basketball against great competition this season. She had 19 points and 10 rebounds against a very talented Williamston team in the district finals. Her breakaway speed creates points in transition and her relentless pursuit of the ball adds extra scoring opportunities for the Vikings. Christina scores at the rim and outside, which makes her a challenge to guard. She will have to find a way to score and create scoring opportunities for Haslett against defenders who will be playing college basketball next season if the Vikings are going to pull off the upset tonight.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ef552745bae"} /--> <!-- 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;[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;&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 -->