We have reached the quarter final stage in both the boys and girls lacrosse tournaments. Eight teams remain in each division. And after this weekend, it will be Final Four time. I can use the term, “Final Four” can’t I? Trademarks notwithstanding, let’s press on and look at the Quarter Final matchups.
Girls Division I
Lakeland (15-1) vs. Midland (19-0)
Hudsonville (9-5) vs. Rockford (12-4)
Bloomfield Hills (12-4) vs. Utica Eisenhower (8-4-1)
Brighton (16-5-1) vs. Northville (16-3)
Team records from Lax Numbers
Solid games all around. The Lakeland / Midland game should be a battle as the Chemics try to remain unbeaten. Hudsonville is coming off a huge win over Portage Northern – will they have a let down against mighty Rockford. Bloomfield Hills dominated Ike in the regular season and KLAA powers Brighton and Northville will meet for the third time. This time, the winner advances to the semi-finals.
ALM’s picks: I’ll go with Midland, Rockford, Bloomfield Hills, and Brighton.
Girls Division II
Okemos (11-7) vs. DeWitt (16-3)
East Grand Rapids (20-2) vs. Spring Lake (13-2)
Detroit Country Day (17-0) vs. Cranbrook (9-6)
Ann Arbor Skyline (11-5) vs. Mercy (5-6-1)
Team records from Lax Numbers
The Okemos / DeWitt will be a battle for the free world, or maybe Mid-Michigan. They played earlier in the regular season and DeWitt took an 11-10 thriller. This one could be headed to overtime. EGR and Spring Lake will be the game to determine the West Side champ – at least in Division II. The game of the day will be Country Day and Cranbrook, two blue bloods who are peaking at the right time. Both squads are loaded with talent in all positions. This one will be a fun one to watch. Mercy tangles at Skyline in the last quarter-final game. Both teams have played tough schedules, but I give Mercy the edge.
ALM’s picks: I’ll go with Mercy, Country Day, East Grand Rapids and Okemos.
Boys Division I
Brother Rice (15-2) vs. Northville (10-4)
Rockford (13-4) vs. Lake Orion (13-4)
Hartland (20-1) vs. Saline (13-3)
Catholic Central (10-5) vs. Midland (14-6)
Team records from Lax Numbers
Except for the ultimate party-crasher (Midland) all the teams are #1 seeds. So, in theory, these games should be competitive and close to the end. Rockford and Lake Orion battle on Saturday, while all the others will be played tonight. Alas, I’ll be in a high school graduation ceremony all evening, so I may be checking my phone while I’m sitting in the audience.
Best game: Rockford and Lake Orion.
Upset Alert: Midland over CC
ALM’s picks: I’ll go with Brother Rice, Rockford, Hartland, and Midland.
Boys Division II
Forest Hills Central (14-3) vs. Forest Hills Northern (9-9)
Forest Hills Eastern (13-5) vs. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (13-8)
East Grand Rapids (17-2) vs. Cranbrook (6-10)
Detroit Country Day (12-3) vs. Okemos (11-4)
Team records from Lax Numbers
No matter what, a team from Forest Hills will be playing in the State Semi-Finals. With that prognostication, I’m assured of getting at least one correct. Seriously, these Friday games look a bit more one sided than those in Division I. The Forest Hills Eastern / Orchard Lake St. Mary’s game could be the best one of the bunch – there is no familiarity this year.
Best Game: OLSM vs. FHE
Upset Alert: None.
ALM’s picks: Let’s see, my picks are Forest Hills Central, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, EGR and Country Day.
