Fraser

Fraser basketball returns to regional, falls in semifinal

By Jon Malavolti
C & G Sports Writer

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FAIR HAVEN — Fraser High boys basketball coach Marshall Wandrei compared the postseason to being “on a rollercoaster.”

It has its ups and downs.

The Ramblers were on top of the world after winning their first district title in 14 years, but they came right back down after falling in the final few seconds of a March 12 regional semifinal.

Fraser fell 51-50 to eventual regional champion L’Anse Creuse North — the regular-season Macomb Area Conference Red Division champs. The Ramblers close out the season 16-7 overall, their most wins in years.

“This is a dream you’re trying to live out,” Wandrei said. “You want to fight like heck all the way through. We knew they were good. I thought our kids played their hearts out.

“We all wish we would have done a few things better, whether you’re a coach or a player. But we’re proud of how we played this game and how we handled ourselves during the season.”

Visit our website at www.cand gnews.com for a recap from the Fraser-LCN regional semifinal and more coverage and photos from throughout the tournament and season.

Fraser loses three seniors — Isaac Williams, Mayur Jadeja and Deante Williams. Isaac Williams and Jadeja started for the Ramblers, while Deante Williams came off the bench at point guard.

“We’ll miss the seniors,” Wandrei said. “Isaac, obviously, had a great season. Mayur made a lot of big plays at critical moments to allow us to get to this point. I’m happy about that.

“We got to this point. And as I just told them, we’ve got 11 kids coming back. There’s only three guys leaving. We’re hoping the legacy they leave is: They got us back on the map like we used to be. And this was step one. We’re hoping for more next year, and keep building on it from this point forward. We’ve got a lot of guys coming back.”

Three juniors started and played critical roles for the Ramblers, and they’ll be looked upon to lead the squad next year: point guard Erik Lockard, shooting guard Justin Hudson and center Nolan Linville.

While Wandrei will miss the seniors, he’s anxious to get back on the rollercoaster next season.

“Up, down, up, down … it’s something, but it’s what makes it fun, right? For everybody.”

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Jon Malavolti at jmalavolti@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1040. Follow Jon on Twitter.