The playoffs are now fully underway on MSR as the girls have concluded their regular season, and we have already crowned boys district champions. This week we look at our final girls power poll of the year at the end of the regular season and preview some of the big-time playoff matchups coming up this week on MSR on the hardwood… and the ice.

 

GIRLS POWER POLL

POLL NOTES

  • FHN Into Final Top Three: As the regular season concluded another win last week while West Catholic Fell has propelled FHN back into a top 3 poll spot, where they started originally back in early January.
  • Red Hawks Right On Time: Cedar Springs were RCA Conference champions in the league’s inaugural season, and a good finish to the year while GRCC lost a pair of games (to strong opponents, albeit) have listed the ‘Hawks into the final top 10 at the clos of the regular season.
  • Cal Jumps Up: With GRCC dropping put, the strong finish from Caledonia moved them up a couple of spots as they also leaped Hudsonville in the final poll.

 

MSR LIVE PLAYOFF COVERAGE PREVIEW

 

Bonus – Hockey – Thursday, D2 State Semis, Grandville vs Flint Powers Catholic:

Before we look at the hardwood action, a plug for a game that we at GAME NIGHT will have on the ice Thursday. As Grandville’s magically run will take them to USA Hockey arena where they will battle the #1 team in the state, Mr. Hockey Finalist Ayden Cook, and the Powers Catholic Chargers for a chance to move on. The ‘Dawgs defense has been outstanding as goalie Ayden Karas picked up his third shutout in 4 games in the post season in their 1-0 win on Saturday in the quarters – The ‘Dawgs have only allowed 1 goal this postseason.

They’ll need to carry that type of effort to move on to the finals, and also likely find some more explosiveness on offense. But, this teams seems to be up to the task of delivering when needed, they have 3 3rd period winning goals this playoffs, including Luke DeBoer’s goal with 2:18 to go that sealed the 1-0 win over TC Central on Saturday.

We’ll be live at 4:30, so be sure to tune in for our free radio coverage of the game!

 

Monday – Girls District Quarter-Finals

Coopersville vs Jenison: The Girls playoffs open on MSR as 5-17 Coopersville take son 7-15 Jenison, we’ll see which team can get a big win to build some momentum for the possible coming playoff run. Jension one the first meeting back in Decemeber 36-29, so we’ll see if Coopersville can flip the script or if Selena Titus and the ‘Cats can try to put together another magical run to a district title like they did 2 years ago.

 

Tuesday – Boys Regional Semis

South Christian vs Catholic Central – The premier matchup of the day, that might wind up being the decider of who gets to make a run all the way to the Breslin Center. Some of the areas best players will match up head-to-head for the second time this season – South took the first meeting 50-40.

West Ottawa vs Hudsonville –  An OK-Red Rematch at Hudsonville, as the Eagles look to keep marching through the playoffs after picking up a pair of 30+ point wins in the district. West Ottawa was able to get a statement win over Grand Haven, who beat them twice in the regular season, on Friday. They’ll try to do the same now on Tuesday.

Rockford vs Flint Carman-Ainsworth: The state’s most unique region is spread across the state, as Rockford (fresh off their unbelievable buzzer-beater win over Muskegon Friday)  travels to take on Carman Ainsworth at St. John’s on Tuesday. If they win that matchup their regional final will be all the way up at Gaylord Thursday night!

Byron Center vs. Northview: The second game at Hudsonville may be the one that can challenge CC vs SC for the title of the best game of the night/. There will be D1 talent all over the floor between Northview’s Brady Swartz and Cam Ryans and BC’s Camden Karel. Byron Center is one of the area’s bets defensive teams – never allowing more than 67 points in a game – while Northview scores 67.7 as one of the area’s best on offense – something has to give!

WEDNESDAY

We have a quartet of girls matchup’s in the district semis as well on Wednesday. Including South Christian and Rockford, who have TBD opponents based on Monday’s games. Also, you can tune in to Comstock park and Grant and Sparta and Tri County in D2!

 

It’s a big week as we’ll also have more action coming Thursday in the regional finals for the boys and Friday for the girls district championship games. Plus, if Grandville wins on Thursday – We’ll be back on the east side Saturday as the Dawgs will look for a hockey state title!