Firestone (12-7, 11-1) vs. Buchtel (13-5, 10-2)
When: 7 tonight.
Where: Firestone High School.
Coaches: Stephen White of Buchtel; Dave Milo of Firestone.
Notebook: The Falcons defeated the Griffins twice in the regular season and won the regular-season percentage title. Firestone won the first meeting at Buchtel 73-72 on Dec. 21 in overtime and the second meeting at home 67-59 on Feb. 1 in regulation. Firestone relies on seniors Jerome Lane, Kevin Gladney, Ja’Tice Shaw and Darin Adams for a majority of its points and rebounds. Falcons juniors Evan Kennerly, Miles Kirk, Jae’Quan Jones and Andre Simmons are also key players along with freshman Raybon Lewis. Buchtel consistently starts three seniors — Elijah Bell, Demonte Hicks and Tyler Jones along with junior Tre Smith and sophomore Deric Rucker. Those five account for most of Buchtel’s scoring. The Griffins’ top reserves are senior Sable Cooper, senior Jharshon Graise, junior Ci’Andre Johnson-Lollar and sophomore LaShawn Johnson.
— Michael Beaven
