ESCANABA — The wisdom of switching to geographical or non-traditional district basketball pairings was proven again this year. All you have to do is look at Escanaba High School, which has hosted Gladstone two years in a row for the Class B boys district championship. Capacity crowds were on hand for the third showdown of the season each year. This year Sault Ste. Marie was the designated host and last year Menominee was the assigned host. Under the former procedure, the Braves and Eskymos would have played the title game on the road, seriously limiting the crowd, excitement, enthusiasm, energy, et al. The new format calls for the team in the top half of the bracket to host each game. It reduces travel and expenses and generates much better revenue, bringing in approximately $10,000 compared to perhaps $2,500. l Garde Kangas of Manistique will be participating in spring football drills at Northern Michigan Universit.