East Lansing Thrashes Kzoo Central To Advance To Regional Final

The East Lansing Trojans used a balanced scoring attack and a stifling defense to knock off Kalamazoo Central 70-37 in the Class A regional semifinals at Battle Creek Lakeview HS on Monday night.

Backup forward Ben Zeka led four players in double figures with 13 points, five blocks and three rebounds.  Mr. Basketball finalist Brandon Johns, freshman Marcus Wourman, Jr. and senior Malik Jones each added 10 points on the night.

The Trojan defense forced 19 Maroon Giant turnovers and only allowed 15-39 shooting from the field (.306 percent).  East Lansing shot 48% from the field and only committed nine turnovers in the contest.

This victory avenges a regional final loss to Kalamazoo Central last season, and the Trojans now move to 21-3 on the season.  They will face CAAC Blue champion Okemos in the regional finals on Wednesday night at 6pn at Battle Creek Lakeview HS.  East Lansing lost twice to Okemos during the regular season.  The winner will move on to the Class A Quarterfinals next Tuesday night at Lansing Eastern's Don Johnson Fieldhouse.