Photo of the Basketball Now: 28 February 2011

Girls basketball playoffs started at the very end of February. Chelsea began in the Milan district against Onsted:

Chelsea had a rough first half but closed strong for the win, prompting much happiness.

After the victory, the Bulldogs stuck around to watch part of Milan vs Ida.

Speaking of Milan vs Ida…

Milan, a team with far more losses than wins, fell victim to the MHSAA’s silly all-inclusive playoff system and lost badly at the hands of a far superior Ida team. As time wound down on Milan’s season, one senior smiled at the still-vocal Milan student section…

…and got a hug from her little sister after the game.

(Fun fact: her little sister made an earlier appearance on this blog.)

Photo of the Sports Now: 25 February 2011

Chelsea basketball vs Lincoln:

Chelsea didn’t have a good first quarter…

…but they went on to win the game anyway.

After the game, an aspiring young basketball player took the court.

Photo of the Sports Now: 22 February 2011

Chelsea basketball vs Bedford:

As this was the final home game of the season, it was senior night. Here, the seniors share a moment.

Photo of the Sports Now: 19 February 2011

I traveled to Mason — which remains the only place I’ve ever been kicked out of a sporting event! — to photograph individual wrestling playoffs. One particular photo from the day caught my eye; it features Milan’s Tim Sims wrestling Dexter’s Drew Barnes late in the day. As you might be able to guess from the photo, Sims pinned Barnes.

Photo of the Sports Now: 18 February 2011

Dexter basketball vs Ypsilanti:

“I have an idea!”

At halftime the Jr. Dance Team took the floor:

Back to the action:

With eight seconds left, Dexter held a slim lead. The Braves hurriedly brought the ball down the court, passed it to Derrick Richardson in the corner, and…