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	The Ypsilanti Courier A Heritage Newspaper Weekly Publication

End game

Varsity Braves fall in districts

By Bruce Mason, Special Writer

PUBLISHED: March 15, 2007

After four consecutive must-win games en route to capturing a share of the Mega Red title, the varsity Braves didn't have enough left in the tank to advance in district play as the team saw their season dissolve with an 83-60 loss to Romulus last week.

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The Mega Red heavyweight battle between Ypsilanti and Romulus brought about intense media coverage. As a result, Romulus had it is way with Ypsilanti's younger players as they were a bit overwhelmed under the spotlight, said Braves' head coach Steve Brooks.

"I think the stage was kind of too big for them," Brooks said.

"I think they were just kind of overwhelmed with that."

Romulus senior Devin Searcy was the difference as he dominated in the paint with 17 points and 13 rebounds.

The Braves were in early foul trouble, particularly starting center Terry Lopez, who is their only sizeable kid with experience

Ypsilanti also missed shots near the basket and fell behind early only to watch Romulus advance to the next round.

Brooks said the quest to capture the Mega Red title caught up to his young team and they "mentally ran out of gas."

The loss also marked the end of a high school playing career for senior point guard L.J. Frazier, who will move onto the college ranks right down the road at the Convocation Center for Eastern Michigan University.

"I think he'll have a pretty good career," Brooks said. "I think it's great that he's going to be a point guard at the next level."

But will the Braves be alright next year without their Division 1-bound point guard?

"Oh yeah," Brooks said, citing how Marvon Sanders, Jordan Frazier, Torren Burns, Denzel Taylor and Lopez all will be returning.

"We've got some pretty good junior varsity kids coming up as well.

"A lot of them are ready to work."

Bruce Mason is a freelance sports writer for The View and Courier newspapers. He can be reached through editor@ypsilanticourier.com.