It’s payback time for Milford boys' basketball coach Dave Gilbert when the Mavericks clash with Hartland in Wednesday’s district semifinal at Fenton High School.
He is in the same fantasy football league as Hartland coach Kevin Blouin. Things did not go well when Gilbert’s team faced Blouin. Frankly, their game was not close.
Now Gilbert seeks his revenge when the two men face off on the basketball court. Milford (12-11) doesn’t appear to have much of a chance against Hartland (18-4).
Milford does not dazzle with its offense. However, Gilbert has his crew playing stingy defense which should make this an interesting game. Milford beat Fenton 52-32 in Monday’s district opener.
“They have some talented guys but if we play like we did (against Fenton) with all those steals, flying around, we can play with anyone in the state,” Milford guard Noah Pike said of Hartland “When we play 32 minutes and we are flying around we are not scared of anyone.”
This should be an interesting doubleheader Wednesday. Brighton (15-7) faces Howell (13-9) in the 7 p.m. game. The teams split their season series, winning on the others home court.
Gilbert knows beating Hartland won’t be easy. The Eagles won the KLAA West Division but lost to Wayne Memorial in the KLAA championship game.
“They are 19-3 or whatever,” Gilbert said. “They are there for a reason. They are senior led and a bunch of those guys were on varsity as sophomores. They have experience. We have an absolutely huge test, but I think we will be ready.”
Gilbert smiled and thought back to his fantasy loss to Blouin.
“I struggled in that league,” Gilbert said. “He (Blouin) kicked my butt so I think I owe him one on the court.”