Grosse Pointe Farms

As playoffs near, South looks to turn things around

By Jon Malavolti
C & G Sports Writer

» Click on image to view full size « Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Grosse Pointe South senior Joe Srebernak dribbles past an opponent during a game earlier this season. The Blue Devils are hoping to turn things around in the postseason. Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Grosse Pointe South senior Joe Srebernak dribbles past an opponent during a game earlier this season. The Blue Devils are hoping to turn things around in the postseason.

With the state tournament rapidly approaching, the Grosse Pointe South boys basketball team is looking forward to wiping the slate clean and starting anew.

The Blue Devils have experienced heartbreak after heartbreak this season — losing nine games in a 12-game stretch by an average of 3.5 points.

Eight of those losses, none coming by more than five points, make up the eight losses in South’s 2-8 Macomb Area Conference White Division record at press time. The closest two games over that period came back-to-back at home recently, a 45-44 decision against Roseville High on Feb. 7 and a 48-46 setback Feb. 10 to rival Grosse Pointe North.

“We are always striving to improve as individuals and a team,” South coach Dave Grauzer said. “We have been so close in our last few games. Now, we need to mount a little winning streak in preparation for districts.”

Districts kick off March 5, and South will play host St. Clair Shores Lakeview at 5:30 p.m. that night; the Grosse Pointe North vs. St. Clair Shores Lake Shore opener is at 7:30 p.m.

The Blue Devils, 5-11 overall at press time, have a couple of items at the top of their list to smooth out before the one-and-done playoffs.

“The two biggest areas are shot selection and rebounding,” Grauzer said. “Too many times we try to bull our way through an opponent rather than do the little things which create a better scoring opportunity. Rebounding is simply attitude and desire.”

The coach credited captains Tim Kramer, Kevin Reck and Joe Srebernak as “holding the team together,” noting that they are “kids at heart who love to compete.”

“It is difficult, to say the least, losing so many close games, to keep a fighting spirit,” Grauzer said. “I believe they see the bigger picture in life. They keep bringing their best, day in, day out.”

Their best has certainly been put to the test in what the coach called an “extremely competitive” MAC White Division, which saw four teams tied atop the standings at the halfway point with identical 4-2 league records.

“Every game seems to be within five points or less,” Grauzer said. “The playoffs present a new start. We should realize that we can compete with these teams. If we start to value each and every possession, offensively and defensively, I believe we could surprise some people.”

Catch the Blue Devils in their regular-season home finale at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17, when they host Port Huron High.

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