ACHTUNG: This is not a “fair and balanced” story. It is an editorial by the editor.
It’s the silver lining 
in the dark cloud. It’s the consolation for the inconsolable.
Saturday’s finals results in the state high school basketball tournaments provided Wayland and Hopkins with some evidence they play pretty good hoops, but just couldn’t beat the very best.
The Wayland boys’ basketball team and coach Mike Hudson were devastated by losing to Wyoming Godwin Heights in the district finals by seven points, 63-56. Godwin then proceeded to run the table for the remainder of the season and this weekend earned the Class B state championship with a resounding 85-68 victory over Detroit Henry Ford.
For what it’s worth, the Wildcats in the last two seasons have bowed out of the post-season tournament by losing to the eventual champion. As bad as losing feels, there has to be some comfort in losing only the best, Godwin this year and Milan in 2014.
I thought the Wolverines took it to Wayland in the district finals by limiting the sharp-shooting guards to just one three-point field goal. Give them and their coach credit for doing what it takes.
The Wayland girls and coach Marty Howard also can take some solace and comfort in losing in the Class B regional finals by that identical 63-56 score to Haslett, which almost ran the table the rest of the way, losing only in the championship game to perennial power Detroit Country Day.
Hopkins and coach Darrin Smith also can point to a very good conference it plays in every year. The O-K Silver produced the Class B state champion in Godwin and the state runner-up in Class C, NorthPointe Christian. Four of the Vikings’ losses this season were to those guys.
The 2014-15 season had many more highlights than lowlights, and though it certainly ended painfully and abruptly, it always does for everybody except the state champions.
Don’t be afraid or reluctant to tell the kids and their coaches they did a really good job and they provided a lot of cheap entertainment and chills and thrills over a the cold winter. Thanks, guys and gals.
You can include Martin in that assessment. The Clippers went from a five win season to a 10 win season and lost the District Finals in overtime. Coach David Curry has brought that program back to a level of respect not seen in recent seasons.