FIVE FOR FIGHTING – Top individuals outings from the Class A state girls basketball champion Birmingham Marian Mustangs this weekend in East Lansing at the Breslin Center

1 Samantha Thomas – The 'S' stands for SUPER WOMAN, as well as stupendous, sensational scintillating, sizzling, superb…Shall I continue? SAM I AM went for a game-high 15 points on Saturday in the Mustangs' 44-26 thrashing of Canton in the state finals, showing the GLAM-BAM type game that has her on the fast track to GREATNESS. (she was a thorn in her opponents' sides in the semifinals, too, going for 13 points and seven rebounds). BE AFRAID, BE VERY AFRAID!!

2 Kara Holinski – Special K did a doozy of a demolition job against arch-nemesis Farmington Hills Mercy in Friday's semis, dropping a 20-point, 5-dime, 5-board effort in the 67-55 win. Can go 'Inside-Out' with the best the county has to offer, just so complete; i.e. sweet-stroke from deep, tenacious in the paint, very good passer, handler & finisher

3 Brittany Gray – Could be the most improved player in the area this winter….has been devastating in so many ways, the latest example being in the Mercy game Friday, where she posted a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds. Despite the last name, there's no gray in BG's arsenal....it's as black&white as can be, plain and simple meaning she's DARN GOOD!!

4 Laura Bruton – Per usual, The Captain was all heart all weekend long……was there really any question? What a way to end it for this Marian MAULER that was the definition of THE ROCK OF GIBRALTER her entire career in the Blue & Yellow.

5 Bailey Thomas – TEAM CICERONE's tremendously potent pace-setter at the point of attack, this BEETLE BAILEY was zooming, zigging and zagging steering the Mustangs hardwood assault…Can U Say a Female Version of CHRIS PAUL?....YEAH, THAT GOOD!!