By BUTCH HARMON
If the results from Saturday’s East vs. West Battle of I-96 Holiday Classic basketball tournament are any indication, look for both the Rockford and Flint Beecher boy’s basketball teams to make some serious waves in the state basketball tournament come March.
In the final two games of the five-game tournament at Grand Rapids Creston High School, Rockford and Beecher puts on some impressive displays of basketball.
In the fourth game of the day Rockford, who advanced to the Class A state title game against Saginaw last March, put on an impressive display of passing, ball handling and defense as it defeated Detroit Loyola 55-40.
In the final game of the evening defending Class C state champion Flint Beecher showed that it will be difficult to dislodge from the top spot this year as it downed Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills 65-49.
Beecher was led by Mr. Basketball candidate Monte’ Morris who put on an impressive display. Morris led all scorers with 26 points, dished out 10 assists, added four steals and four rebounds. Senior forward Markell Lucas added 12 points and seven rebounds while junior guard Emmanuel Phifer finished with eight points.
“I was happy to come back to this side of the state,” Beecher coach Mike Williams said. “I started my coaching career in Big Rapids. I wanted to bring the team to this side of the state and experience the competition. They play some great basketball on this side of the state and I wanted our kids exposed to it. We don’t talk about Class C. We are a basketball team and we want to play anybody in the state regardless of class.”