On Feb. 17, the Milford Boys Varsity Basketball team, fresh off a KLAA West Division Title, began competing in the KLAA tournament as they went up against the Walled Lake Western Warriors. Milford improved to 15-2 by beating Walled Lake Western, 41-34, to advance to the next round of the KLAA tournament. However, the chance to win a Conference championship ended there, as the Mavericks lost to Walled Central, 34-32 on Feb. 21

The Mavericks season is not over though. After beating South Lyon, 34-29, on Feb. 28, the Mavericks finished their regular season 16-4 and are now looking toward the playoffs.

Today, Milford will play in its biggest game of the season as the boys go up against their long time rival the Lakeland Eagles. In early December, Milford beat Lakeland on the road 42 to 18; The Mavs will look to win again as they face them in the first round of the MHSAA District games. Since coming off the loss to Walled Lake Central in the second round of the KLAA tournament, Milford hasn’t changed its mindset or expectations said, Junior Varsity Head Coach Dave Gilbert.
“We want to be this competitive next year and in years to come,” said Gilbert.

Milford’s chances of beating Lakeland next week in the MHSAA districts are in their favor, as Lakeland’s home record stands at just 2-7, beating only Pinckney and Waterford Kettering. However, Lakeland has shown it can beat competitive teams. Earlier in the season, Lakeland beat Pinckney, 49-41, and Pinckeny went on to win the KLAA Tournament.
Lakeland is struggling this season, and even has had a few players quit, but coaches say that having a new group of guys can change how you strategize as a coach and how you prepare your team for games.

“They got a lot of new guys and they are going to try a lot of new things,” said Senior Chris Orr.” So, we are going to prepare for everything.”

The District game begins at 7 p.m. tonight at Lakeland High School, and the Mavericks can count on their fans to support them. They have what’s called: The 6th Man,” which is a group of high school students who motivate the team and excite the crowd during games.

“The 6th man brings a lot of energy and excitement to every single game,” Orr said.

Students who apart of the 6th Man dress in unusual clothing, such as referee uniforms and old basketball uniforms, and constantly yell and cheer for their team.

“I think they all do a really good job,” said Senior Forward Steven Sloboda. “I like having them at our games.”

One year ago, Milford was knocked out of Districts by Lakeland. For the players, this is something they have not forgotten, especially for Sloboda who remembers last year’s district loss vividly.

“We’re getting some revenge from districts last year when they knocked us out,” said Sloboda.

Win or lose against Lakeland, this season will definitely be a memorable one. Going 16-4 on the season and winning a conference championship for the first time in 14 years isn’t what the fans and the student athletes who play this game expected. Seasons like these create memories that fans and athletes of the game of basketball will have the rest of their lives. For Senior Brandon Wallace, the things he will remember the most are,“all the memories spent with the team and playing with all the kids I grow up with.”
Tip off is tonight at 7 p.m. and the cost is $5. If the Mavs win, they will play Walled Lake Northern on Wednesday.