In years past, I’ve always looked forward to the Meijer Holiday Hoops tournament in East Lansing. I’d spend the whole day at the Breslin Center watching not only some of the state’s best players, but also some of the state’s best teams.
I wonder, though, what has happened to this tournament. I’m still in North Carolina visiting family, but I try to keep up on basketball back home while I’m here. I’m actually glad I don’t have firsthand evidence for forming this opinion, but this tournament gets more boring every year.
Just look at these games:
DeWitt vs. St. Johns: Yawn. No one outside of Clinton County cares.
Owosso vs. Flint Powers: This one had blowout written all over it. And so it was.
Eaton Rapids vs. Brighton: Eaton Rapids had 19 points after three quarters and was blown out by 25.
Forest Hills Central vs. Hartland: Might have been the best game of the tournament, with Hartland winning by two. The marquee name is this game was Matt Poches, but probably only the hardcore hoops junkies know him.
Grand Ledge vs. Holt: I get this one. Two big CAAC schools with a couple of division one players. It makes sense. Horford’s the best player and Holt’s the best team.
Fowler vs. Pewamo-Westphalia: I know this is a rivalry game, but are you kidding me?
By my count, fully two of the 12 teams in this tournament could be considered in the top 10 in their respective classes — Flint Powers and Holt. Meanwhile, Detroit Pershing and Saginaw Arthur Hill are blowing up the scoreboard at Detroit Country Day.
It’s the Breslin Center; it’s Michigan State; and it should be the best holiday tournament in Michigan.
– Jared Field