By Chuck Pleiness
@MIPrepZoneMD
This isn’t your typical Detroit Country Day boys basketball team.But don’t tell that to New Haven coach Tedaro France II.
“They’re a young, athletic team and well coached,” said France, whose team plays the Yellowjackets in a Class B regional semifinal game Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Imlay City. “They have a couple guards and a couple post players.
“Their record doesn’t show how good they are because they play a tough schedule and face a lot of good teams,” France continued. “Right now they’re 3-0 (in the tournament) and this is where you look at each game like it’s your last.”
New Haven (20-2) returns a number of players off a squad that lost in a Class B quarterfinal last season, 61-55 to Detroit Henry Ford.
“At this point you have to take each opponent like they’re good,” France said. “As coaches we’re taking it one game at a time, but as kids we know they can look past teams. We need to keep the kids focused on the now. Every team is good from here on out.”
The Rockets were dealt a heavy dose of reality when they lost to Macomb Area Conference crossover rival Ford near the end of the regular season.
“We came into it like it was just another game,” France said. “It was senior night and Ford came into it like it was their championship game. They kind of smacked us in the mouth. We got exposed.
“It was a great loss because since that game it’s kind of woke us up,” France added. “I think that loss made them learn quickly to play each game like it’s their last game.”
New Haven breezed to a pair of wins, scoring more than 70 points in each and allowing an average of 48 against.
DCD advanced with a narrow win over Michigan Collegiate, 55-51.
“They’re a scrappy team,” France said.
Yale plays Lake Fenton at 6 p.m. in the other semifinal. The regional championship is Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.