Dexter's Crystal Kedoske takes the ball to the hoop against Saline earlier this season.
Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com
It’s late in the season, the games are getting closer, and the picks are getting harder.
I went 5-0 last week for a Beat the Press sweep, but it was far from a breeze.
The Huron boys topped Saline by nine, but led by just four in the final minute after going up by 18 in the half. The Huron girls trailed by four entering the fourth quarter before pulling off a comeback win. I could have easily dropped two right there.
It’s enough to make me sweat plenty as I scour Twitter for scores.
And I’ll be sweating plenty more this week, because it’s SEC girls crossover week. That means we have five games including area teams that are designed to be as close as possible.
Most of the SEC boys games are taking place Thursday, while the girls crossovers will take place Friday. So our Beat the Press picks will focus on the girls teams as they prepare for districts.
First on the list is a battle of first-place teams that’s quickly becoming a familiar one. Huron beat Dexter, 49-37 in their first matchup. The teams meet again Friday in the crossover, and could meet again next Friday for a district title.
While the River Rats have gone 4-1 since the first meeting, three of those wins have been by seven points or less. Tuesday night, they were losing at halftime to Skyline before winning by double digits.
But Huron coach Steve Vinson thinks his team is done with the slow starts.
“They won’t come out flat on Friday I guarantee you because we’re playing Dexter,” Vinson said. “Then after that, you know because we’re one and done, I don’t think it’ll happen anymore. I don’t think it’ll happen anymore.”
I’ll have to agree. Huron has shown up big for big games. I’m going with the River Rats.
Beat the Press winners
People who have “Beat the Press” so far: 68
Kyle’s overall record: 29-6 (.829).
Kyle Austin covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kyleaustin@annarbor.com or 734-623-2535. Follow him on Twitter @KAustin_AA.