High school athletes converged upon East Lansing this weekend to play on the famed hardwood of the Breslin Center during the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s state basketball tournament.
The semifinals were March 24 and 25, with the championship game on March 26. The tournament kicked off Thursday with Division 3 and 4 schools and moved to Divisions 1 and 2 on Friday. Fans from around the state are expected to attend to cheer on the 16 teams that will be competing in four divisions.
Division 1 championship contender Belleville High School head coach Adam Trumpour, an MSU alumnus, said that bringing his team to East Lansing capped off a season of hard work, especially for student athletes who’ve missed playing time due to COVID-19 closures.
“It really means a lot to me, my coaching staff, my players and to our Belleville community,” Trumpour said. “That’s kind of the pinnacle of high school hoops, is to get down to the Bres or to be Breslin bound.”
Trumpour said that his connections to MSU, including coaching MSU small forward Gabe Brown during his high school years, make the trip to East Lansing all the more meaningful and exciting.
Pat Marsman, athletic director at Grand Rapids Northview High School, said, “Northview, like many other schools, has aspirations of reaching the Breslin Center. That was the main goal for our players and coaches entering this season. The Breslin Center is nationally known and we are thrilled to be playing on their court.” Warren de la Salle defeated Northview, 59-45 to advance to the finals.
In the Division 1 championship game, De la Salle won its first basketball title, beating defending champion Grand Blanc, 67-58.