Hartland junior guard Logan Morrish spotted Brighton guard Isaac Gardner in the back hallways of Fenton High School and the pair wrapped each other in a warm embrace.
“See you Friday,” Morrish said.
“I’ll be there,” replied Gardner.
Both flashed broad smiles before parting ways.
They are rivals. They are friends. Sometimes things get bitter. Sometimes they exchange smiles and hugs. That is the way it is off the court for the Hartland Eagles and Brighton Bulldogs. That won’t be the case Friday night (5:30 p.m.) when Hartland (19-4) faces Brighton (16-7) in the rubber match of their three-game series this boy’s basketball season.
Hartland advanced to Friday’s Division I district final with a 47-31 victory over Milford (12-12). Brighton topped Howell 47-36 in the night cap.
One rival down. One to go for Brighton as the Bulldogs attempt to become repeat district champions.
“Some of the kids on Hartland are some of our players best friends,” Brighton coach Taylor Langley said. “They grew up together. There is a sense of shared community. The rivalry is fierce but friendly.”
The rivalry is much the same between Brighton and Howell. Most of their games are close. This one was too until Hartland forward Dylan Edgeworth (17 points and six rebounds) stepped outside for a pair of three-point shots that gave Hartland breathing room (36-29) with about two minutes remaining. That put Howell in desperation mode. Hartland took advantage by making 11-of-14 free throws during the final 1:39 of the game.
Hartland keeps plugging along without star player Parker Sundman who tore his ACL midway through the season. Sundman, who watched the game wearing a sporty shirt and tie combination, recently accepted a preferred walk on offer from Albion College.
Brighton players reached out to Sundman to wish him the best and a speedy recovery.
“Our heart goes out to Parker,” Langley said. “I am sure it was emotional for him. It was emotional for our guys. We want to be there for him.”