The boys basketball season ends Saturday at the Breslin Center. And mid-Michigan, specifically the city of Lansing, will be represented.
Sexton takes on Detroit Country Day at 8 p.m. in the Class B championship game.
Country Day is ranked No. 1 and has multiple all-staters in Ray McCallum, Jr., and Amir Williams. So here's why the Big Reds can win:
1. They are playing their best basketball of the season. And they are owning the end of games. If Sexton can keep this one close, they won't be afraid to win it. They show an incredible amount of poise and character when the game is on the line, something they probably learned in close losses earlier this season.
2. Sexton has seen enough good teams to not be intimidated. Remember, the Big Reds beat Eastern this season, and Eastern might be playing for the Class A state title today if it had been completely healthy against Kalamazoo Central in the regional last week. Sexton beat Holt. Sexton beat a good Detroit Douglass team. The Big Reds scrimmaged Country Day the week before the season started -- so they are familiar with what they've gotten themselves into today.
3. Defensive speed is an advantage. Sexton as a unit is at least as fast as Country Day and has baffled opponents during the postseason with a mix of zone and man. Granted, Williams isn't just some lanky 6-10 player who dominates because he's tall -- he's solid and he's got great ability. Sexton's James Suttles won't let him have it easy though. McCallum is incredible. Some believe he's the best player in the state. But I'm interested to see how the Big Reds try to defend him -- do they use 6-4 guard Denzel Valentine, or Anthony Clemmons, or mix up a few different guys? We'll see. But I think they can have some success doing so.
The difference maker could be Sexton's ability to put points on the board. Leading scorer Tyrin Wade didn't have a big game Friday, but will need to come up big for the Big Reds to have a chance. They shot well Friday, and that would go a long way. With Williams in the middle, they'll need the guards to contribute quite a bit because post points and put-backs will come much tougher.
Either way, this season as a whole is a program-changer for Sexton. Expectations are always high for the Big Reds, but it's fair to say this run has exceeded them for this season. Throw in a state title win over the No. 1 team? I can't even imagine the celebration. But it may have to wait one more year.
I'll take Detroit Country Day 66, Sexton 58.
High school sports editor 
