• The Lady Trojans are regional champs!

MASON - East Lansing point guard Taryn "The Clutch" McCutcheon, as coined by head coach Rob Smith, has put together a string of jaw-dropping moments in the Trojans' playoff run, and in the fourth quarter of Thursday night's matchup with Jackson Northwest, the Michigan State commit showcased her best eight minutes yet.

McCutcheon's 30 points on the night and 16 points in the final quarter of play, landed the Lady Trojans the regional crown, 56-52, over Northwest.

"It's pretty incredible the energy level that this young lady has," East Lansing head coach Rob Smith said. "I am so fortunate to have coached her, even if it is just for half of a year."

"She has changed me as a person and as a coach. I am really starting to love the game again, not that I lost my passion. I just have a newfound love for it."

McCutcheon went 9 of 11 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter to close out Northwest.

"There is no such thing as an easy regional final, and I am just so proud to be a part of this," Smith said.

East Lansing goes to Battle Creek Central High to face Hudsonville in the state quarterfinals Tuesday, March 15, at 7 p.m.