Area basketball teams preparing for ‘March Madness’ tournaments

District girls’ basketball tournaments will get under way the week of March 2 and the boys will play a week later.

Interestingly, the undefeated Wayland girls will have to play South Christian for a third time this season in the opening round on the Sailors’ floor, where the ‘Cats managed to turn back an upset bid, 54-49. If they can do it again, they’ll face the tourney wild card in Kentwood Grand River, which sports a 12-1 record as of Feb. 12, but no one seems to know much about them.

The Hopkins girls drew a tough assignment at Paw Paw, facing a 9-6 South Haven squad, and if they can win that one, they’ll have to take on undefeated Plainwell, a team that blew out the Vikings last week.

Martin will take on Climax-Scotts, just like in other years in districts. If the Clippers can win their opener, they’ll be in the finals against Battle Creek Calhoun Christian.

The Wayland boys’ team was given no favors in the Class B districts at Godwin Heights. Just like the girls, they’ll have to play South Christian for a third time. And if they can take their opener and semifinal test, they’ll draw the difficult task of taking on host Godwin, once-beaten and ranked No. 2 in the state.

Hopkins will play Plainwell again. The Vikings took a nine-point victory from the Trojans last week. If they prevail again, they’ll face Paw Paw. Looming for the finals probably will be state-ranked Otsego.

The Martin guys drew a bye in the first round and appear to have the inside track to the finals, where the Clippers likely will take on Climax-Scotts.

The tournament pairings, which include team records as of Feb. 12:

Girls’ Class B at Grand Rapids South Christian

Monday, March 2, 7 p.m. — Wayland (15-0) vs. South Christian (8-7).

Wednesday, March 4, 5:30 p.m. — Wyoming Godwin Heights (8-5) vs. Kelloggsville (4-9). 7 p.m. — Kentwood Grand River (12-1) vs. Wayland-South Christian winner.

Friday, March 4, 7 p.m. — Finals.

Girls’ Class B at Paw Paw

Monday, March 2, 5:30 p.m. — Hopkins (5-10) vs. South Haven (9-6). 7 p.m. — Allegan (4-12) vs. Otsego (10-5).

Wednesday, March 4, 5:30 p.m. — Plainwell (16-0) vs. Hopkins-South Haven winner. 7 p.m. — Paw Paw (11-5) vs. Allegan-Otsego winner.

Wednesday, March 6, 7 p.m. — Finals.

Girls’ Class D at Climax-Scotts

Wednesday, March 4, 6:30 p.m. — Martin (10-7) vs. Climax-Scotts (8-6).

Friday, March 6, 7 p.m. — Finals, Battle Creek Calhoun Christian (6-8) vs. Martin-Climax-Scotts winner.

 Boys’ Class B at Wyoming Godwin Heights

Monday, March 9, 5 p.m. — Wayland (11-3) vs. Grand Rapids South Christian (7-6). 7 p.m. — Grand Rapids West Michigan Aviation Academy (2-7) vs. Kelloggsville (2-11).

Wednesday, March 11, 5 p.m. — Kentwood Grand River Prep (6-4) vs. Wayland-South Christian winner. 7 p.m. — Wyoming Godwin Heights (13-1) vs. Aviation Academy-Kelloggsville winner.

Friday, March 13, 7 p.m. — Finals.

Boys’ Class B at South Haven

Monday, March 9, 5:30 p.m. — Otsego (11-3) vs. South Haven (6-5). 7 p.m. — Hopkins (8-7) vs. Plainwell.

Wednesday, March 11, 5:30 p.m. — Allegan (0-14) vs. Otsego-South Haven winner. Paw Paw (10-5) vs. Hopkins-Plainwell winner.

Friday, March 13, 7 p.m. — Finals.

Boys’ Class D at Climax-Scotts

Monday, March 9, 5:30 p.m. — Kalamazoo Phoenix (1-5) vs. Climax-Scotts (11-4). 7 p.m. — Battle Creek Calhoun (1-9) vs. Kalamazoo Lakeside (0-1).

Wednesday, March 11, 5:30 p.m. — Kalamazoo Heritage Christian (7-9) vs. Phoenix-Climax-Scotts winner. 7 p.m. — Martin (6-8) vs. Calhoun-Lakeside winner.

Friday, March 13, 7 p.m. — Finals.