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For arch rivals like Marlette, Sandusky and Brown City, two of them will take a quicker exit than desired. All three GTC East members are in the same bracket in the Class C District at the Thumb Dome in Sandusky, which tips off first round action this Monday night, February 25. The host Lady Redskins (14-3), winners of five consecutive District title, will take on Brown City (11-7) in the second game Monday evening. The Lady Green Devils handed Sandusky one of its three losses this season. Marlette, which drew a bye and will face the winner on Wednesday in the semis, has beaten the ‘Skins twice.

Al DeMott, veteran Sandusky coach, echoes the thoughts of his peers - Coach Cindy Burton of Brown City and Coach Fred Mroczek at Marlette. "We've beat each other up all year and then we get to go at each other again."

In all three losses that Sandusky has suffered, Marlette and Brown City have contained sopohomore guard Marissa DeMott, one of the most explosive scorers in the area.

Burton believes that it will be hard to slow her and the rest of the Redskins down another time.

"I think they would figure it out eventually how to get her loose," said Burton."Plus, their on their home court and they'll want a District title because they didn't win the league."

The Lady Devils, who have not won a District since 1998, have their own offensive weapon in sophomore guard Kristen Greene, who averages over 18 points and 10 rebounds a contest.

DeMott, who will see his reign of five straight GTC East titles end, this season, will have his team geared to slow down Greene. However, he wants his offense to be just as effective.

"We've been working on getting (Marissa) more involved and we've had other kids, like Moinica Chambers, scoring more. We need to get that some good balance."

DeMott is also relying on tradition.

It's District time and traditionally our seniors have really stepped up for it over the years. Hopefully, we'll see more of it this year," he stated.

Burton added, "We'll try everything possible to win Monday night. But, no matter who wins, it'll be draining."

That is also why Mroczek likes having the bye. "The demands of our league are so great, it's nice to have a bye. Plus, three games in a week uses a lot of energy."

From a fan standpoint, though, Mroczek added, "This is really a great bracket." He then remarked, "Sandusky has the home floor. That's always an advantage. But, whoever we play, it's going to be a battle. Whoever wins that first game is going to be awfully fired up for us."

Marlette, which is expected to win the outright East title this week, last captured a District crown in 2000.

Three relative strangers to District play in this area fill the upper bracket at Sandusky. Dryden (13-4) meets Burton Bentley in Monday's opener. The winner then meets Memphis (11-5) in the semifinals. The championship game will be Friday night at 7 p.m.

Class B at Millington

The Lady Pioneers of Cros-Lex begin play on Monday with a first round game against Yale. A win their would put C-L into the semis on Wednesday night against Vassar.

Class D at Deckerville

The Lady Eagles of Deckerville step down from the Class C-laden GTC East competition to host a District where they could be a contender. They take on Peck in a first round contest Monday. The winner of that game moves on to the semis to face New Life Christian. On the opposite side sits Marine City Cardinal Mooney, the tourney favorite that's coming off an impressive season in the Detroit Catholic League. The Mooney takes on Kingston in Monday's opener. CPS drew a bye and awaits the Mooney/Kingston winner on Wednesday evening.