By Mike Moore
Staff Writer
Grass Lake — It’s been nearly 10 years since a time like tomorrow night, and before that, well, that’s up for debate.
“We did some research, but we’re not totally sure,” Grass Lake girls basketball coach Andrea Cabana said when asked about her team and program and when it last reached a regional final. “There’s some suggestion that in the late 70’s, the team was one of the final eight playing. We’re not sure.”
Either way, Thursday night will be somewhat historic, as the Warriors head to the Class C regional final at Adrian Madison for just the first time since 2008.
“We are very excited. We set goals all season long, and one at a time we’re finding ways to meet them,” Cabana said. “This was a big accomplishment.”
The Warriors reached Thursday’s 7 p.m. final against Blissfield thanks to a 46-12 victory over Ann Arbor Greenhills.
The win pushed the Warriors to 18-6 on the season, the most victories for the program in more than 11 years.
“It’s been a very exciting time for this program,” Cabana said. “Watching the girls see their hard work and dedication come to fruition is pretty special. They are seeing things pay off right now. And the farther you go the more exciting it gets.”
And more difficult.
Blissfield comes in at 22-2, and one of those wins was a 60-54 overtime decision against Grass Lake back on Feb. 21.
“It was a game that went back and forth,” Cabana said. “We hit a shot at the buzzer that was a second too late. Then in overtime we lost it. So we have to make some adjustments and be better.”
Defense will be the key for Grass Lake, primarily slowing down Kelsey Wyman and Brooke Henning.
The Blissfield senior duo scored 25 and 19, respectively, in the first meeting.
“We have to stop them, and if we do, we win,” Cabana said with a laugh. “The question is how do you stop those girls? It may take a couple girls at a time for us.”
Cabana said she’s not concerned with her offense and its ability to score against Blissfield, noting the 54 points her team had last time.
“Our philosophy all season has been about defense,” she added. “That’s the most important thing for us.”
And while the trip to this point in the postseason has been a rarity for Grass Lake, Cabana said it’s nothing that’s caught her by surprise.
“The girls are excited and ready,” she said. “I’ve always had faith in this team. From the first day in the gym I knew this was possible. Now that we’re at this point, I think that belief is with them. They are proud and ready for more.”
Mike Moore is a play-by-play commentator and Sports Writer for JTV Sports.
He’s also a Real Estate agent with Real Estate One, specializing with buyers and sellers throughout Michigan, from the Jackson area to metro Detroit. You can reach him at mmoore@realestateone.com or by calling (313) 770-6365 with any inquiries.