Detroit, Warren, Sterling Heights

Cousino falls to Detroit King in regional semis

By Mark Vest
C & G Sports Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by David Schreiber Warren Cousino's Elena Popkey dribbles the ball up the court while a Detroit King player gives chase during a regional semifinal March 6 at Cousino. The host Patriots lost, ending their season. Photo by David Schreiber Warren Cousino's Elena Popkey dribbles the ball up the court while a Detroit King player gives chase during a regional semifinal March 6 at Cousino. The host Patriots lost, ending their season.

WARREN --- Warren Cousino's girls basketball team's banner season has come to an end, as the Patriots fell to Detroit Martin Luther King 49-43 in the opening round of regionals March 6. 

Cousino (19-4) led the game until the third quarter, when King (21-3) took a 34-33 lead. After the Patriots relinquished the lead, they were never able to reclaim it, as the Crusaders used a 10-point run in the fourth quarter to effectively end any hopes Cousino had to continue its season.

"I'm not big for moral victories, but we were the better team for about 75 percent of that game," said Cousino coach Mike Lee. "We didn't get a timely rebound, and (a) couple shots didn't fall for us at the end. We had the crowd behind us. (The) girls fought their tails off."

Lashai Geeter led King with 15 points; teammate Laquita Hart added 13 for the Crusaders.

Cousino was led by senior Elena Popkey's 15 points; Bethany McCord chipped in 13 for the Patriots.

King will face Detroit Pershing at 7 p.m. March 8 at Warren Cousino in a regional final matchup.

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Mark Vest at mvest@candgnews.com or at (586)279-1112. Follow Mark on Twitter.