Prep basketball

Class A

District Semifinal

District 28

Macomb Dakota 83, Romeo 56

Macomb L’Anse Creuse North 53, Fair Haven-Anchor Bay 37

District Final

District 1

Kalamazoo Central 83, St. Joseph 30: Jeremiah Vincent scored 18 points for Central (19-3). Rog Stein added 18 points, 11 rebounds, eight steals and five assists. Isaiah Livers also added 11 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. Bass Ollie also chipped in six points, eight rebounds and nine assists.

District 2

Battle Creek Central 88, Battle Creek Lakeview 53: Demetrius Craig and Denzel Banks each scored 14 points for Central (19-3). Orlando Lee added 11 points and 13 rebounds, and Juan Warren also chipped in 11 points and 12 rebounds. Jaylen Johnson paced Lakeview with 14 points.

District 3

Holt 74, Mason 44

District 4

East Lansing 61, Lansing Everett 56

District 5

Grand Rapids Christian 73, East Kentwood 54

District 6

Holland West Ottawa 63, Wyoming 37

District 7

Muskegon 70, Grand Haven 43

District 8

Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern 47, Grand Rapids Northview 36

District 9

Flushing 66, St. Johns 56

District 10

Mount Pleasant 44, Midland Dow 35

District 11

Saginaw 75, Saginaw Arthur Hill 47

District 12

Traverse City West 40, Traverse City Central 34

District 13

Belleville 68, Ypsilanti Lincoln 27

District 14

Brownstown Woodhaven 64, Trenton 43: Weshaun Warren led Woodhaven (18-5) with 21 points and 10 rebounds. DeAndre Walker scored 18 points, and Joshua Warren also added 13 points. Ryan Barker paced Trenton with 17 points.

District 15

Romulus 75, Wayne Memorial 68: Kaevon Merriweather scored 26 points for Romulus (19-4). Jaren English added 14 points and 18 rebounds. Keon Epps paced Wayne Memorial (18-5) with 15 points.

District 16

Dearborn Fordson 68, Detroit Cody 54: Hamze Elzayat scored 24 points for Fordson (11-12). Yousuf Farhat added 21 points. William Palmer paced Cody (15-7) with 15 points.

District 17

Ann Arbor Pioneer 61, Ann Arbor Huron 51

District 18

Novi 56, Northville 48

District 19

Westland Glenn 72, Livonia Franklin 37: Christian Agnew led John Glenn (20-3) to a Class A district championship with 25 points. Daijon Parker scored 17 points, and Joe Moon IV also added 16 points. Keyon Brown paced Franklin (11-12) with 12 points.

District 20

Detroit Cass Tech 45, Detroit King 43

District 21

West Bloomfield 57, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 43

District 22

St. Clair Shores Lake Shore 57, Grosse Pointe North 49: Jaylen Dixon scored 21 points, and Caleb Bates added 12 points to lead Lake Shore (20-3). Steven Levick paced North (14-8) with 15 points, and Dillon Webb also added 12 points.

District 23

Warren De La Salle 66, Sterling Heights 46

District 24

Detroit U-D Jesuit 77, Oak Park 47

District 25

Troy 54, Birmingham Seaholm 43: Jason Dietz scored 24 points for Troy (19-4). Leon Ayers added 12 points, and Danny Sully also chipped in 10 points. Brady Flynn paced Seaholm (9-13) with 22 points.

District 26

Walled Lake Western 51, Walled Lake Central 45

District 27

Howell 71, South Lyon 55

District 29

Clinton Township Chippewa Valley 41, Utica Ford 36

District 30

Rochester Hills Stoney Creek 42, Rochester 28

District 31

Clarkston 65, Waterford Kettering 7

District 32

Linden 55, Grand Blanc 52, OT

Class B

District Semifinal

District 34

Paw Paw 76, Vicksburg 73

Three Rivers 61, Edwardsburg 57

District 45

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood 61, Madison Heights Lamphere 24

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep 63, Macomb Lutheran North 57

District Final

Alma 67, Ithaca 53

District 33

Benton Harbor 59, South Haven 30

District 35

Battle Creek Harper Creek 70, Battle Creek Pennfield 39

District 36

Olivet 59, Leslie 50

District 37

Chelsea 57, Onsted 45

District 38

Milan 61, Dundee 53

District 39

River Rouge 77, Grosse Ile 31: De’Lantae Peterson led River Rouge (21-1) with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Darian Owens-White added 18 points and 10 assists.

District 40

Dearborn Divine Child 49, Dearborn Heights Robichaud 35

District 41

DCP-Northwestern 81, Detroit Douglass 54

District 42

Detroit Osborn 50, Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy 44

District 43

Hazel Park 80, Detroit Mumford 59

District 46

Williamston 76, Haslett 54

District 47

Portland 45, Ionia 41

District 48

Wayland Union 66, Fennville 46

District 49

Hudsonville Unity Christian 49, Allendale 44

District 50

Wyoming Godwin Heights 75, Wyoming Kelloggsville 54

District 51

Grand Rapids Catholic Central 55, Comstock Park 44

District 52

Spring Lake 56, Whitehall 42

District 53

Grant 65, Newaygo 40

District 55

Lake Fenton 57, Corunna 52

District 54

Alma 67, Ithaca 53

District 56

New Haven 71, Marysville 42

District 57

Almont 42, Imlay City 38

District 58

Flint Northwestern 76, Goodrich 70

District 59

Frankenmuth 58, Bridgeport 49

District 60

Freeland 53, Bay City Glenn 46

District 61

Clare 41, Tawas 36

District 62

Ludington 51, Cadillac 21

District 63

Grayling 63, Kingsley 47

District 64

Gladstone 57, Menominee 43

Class C

District Semifinal

District 86

Lakeview 56, Morley-Stanwood 54

Leroy Pine River 42, Evart 35

District Final

District 65

Cassopolis 60, Bridgman 57, 2OT

District 66

Schoolcraft 82, Lawton 27

District 67

Quincy 59, Union City 49

District 68

Michigan Center 68, Hanover-Horton 53

District 69

Adrian Madison 45, Addison 40

District 70

Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 35, Erie-Mason 25

District 71

Ann Arbor Greenhills 79, Whitmore Lake 65

District 73

Detroit Edison (DEPSA) 72, Detroit Pershing 63

District 74

Detroit Cornerstone 74, Detroit Loyola 68: Jamal Cain scored 30 points, grabbed 20 rebounds and blocked four shots for Cornerstone (17-5). DaMon Gilmore added 13 points, and Davion Bradford also chipped in 11 points. Myron Gardner paced Loyola (12-9) with 20 points.

District 75

Warren Michigan Collegiate 71, Madison Heights Bishop Foley 59: Antonio Simley led Michigan Collegiate (19-3) with 16 points. Reggie Lawrence scored 12 points. Jordan Davis added 11 points, and Jaylen Branch also chipped in 10 points. Matt Wilcox paced Bishop Foley (12-11) with 21 points.

District 76

Brown City 58, Capac 42: Caleb Muxlow led Brown City with 16 points and seven rebounds. Andrew Geiger added 12 points and nine rebounds. Calvin Cook scored 13 points, and Anthony Ford chipped in nine points, six assists and 11 rebounds. Trevor Boers paced Capac with 16 points.

District 77

Pewamo-Westphalia 55, Bath 33

District 78

Galesburg-Augusta 43, Potterville 39

District 79

Kalamazoo Christian 39, Gobles 34

District 80

Grand Rapids Covenant Christian 62, Grandville Calvin Christian 54

District 81

Muskegon Heights 64, North Muskegon 47

District 82

Flint Beecher 77, Burton Bendle 38

District 83

Millington 38, Marlette 33

District 84

Unionville-Sebewaing 70, Elkton-Pigeon Bay Port Laker 40

District 85

Saginaw Nouvel 63, Hemlock 59

District 87

Holton 74, Mason County Central 44

District 88

Beaverton 70, Blanchard Montabella 28

District 89

Manton 54, McBain 48

District 90

Whittemore-Prescott 53, Lincoln-Alcona 50

District 91

Maple City Glen Lake 75, Traverse City St. Francis 60

District 92

Boyne City 52, Harbor Springs 38

District 94

Negaunee 67, Ishpeming 37

District 95

Iron Mountain 53, Ishpeming Westwood 36

Class D

District Final

District 97

Benton Harbor DREAM 59, St. Joseph Lake Michigan Catholic 58, OT

District 98

Marcellus 48, Mendon 38

District 99

Hillsdale Academy 69, North Adams-Jerome 58

District 100

Morenci 36, Camden-Frontier 35

District 101

Plymouth Christian 70, Ann Arbor Rudolf Steiner 38

District 102

Detroit Public Safety 58, Westland Lutheran 49, OT

District 103

Southfield Christian 68, Bloomfield Hills Roeper 19: Caleb Hunter led Christian (18-5) with 23 points. Bryce Washington also added 14 points.

District 105

Auburn Hills Oakland Christian 55, Waterford Our Lady 37

District 106

Flint International 59, Burton Genesee Christian 55

District 107

Lansing Christian 68, Brighton Charyl Stockwell 28

District 108

Marshall Academy 62, Climax-Scotts 52

District 109

Bellevue 39, Martin 36

District 110

Wyoming Tri-unity Christian 53, Holland Calvary 46

District 111

Muskegon Catholic Central 73, Ellington Academy 63

District 112

Fowler 67, Ashley 41

District 113

Peck 45, Deckerville 35

District 114

Bay City All Saints 63, Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary 41

District 115

Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart 62, McBain Northern Michigan Christian 52

District 116

Baldwin 62, Mason County Eastern 44

District 117

Buckley 70, Fife Lake Forest Area 27

District 118

Suttons Bay 59, Frankfort 57

District 119

Hale 60, Au Gres-Sims 36

District 120

Hillman 54, Rogers City 37

District 121

Bellaire 58, Ellsworth 33

District 122

Pellston 76, Mackinaw City 54

District 123

Cedarville 61, Pickford 39

District 124

Engadine 78, Brimley 61

District 126

Powers North Central 79, Bark River-Harris 60

District 127

Ewen-Trout Creek 62, Bessemer 60

District 128

Dollar Bay 57, Chassell 45

POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS

Class D

District Final

District 104

Sterling Heights Parkway Christian vs. Marine City Cardinal Mooney, ppd. to Saturday.

Girls basketball

Class C

Regional Final

Detroit Edison (DEPSA) 70, Allen Park Cabrini 48

Birmingham Detroit Country Day girls basketball coach Frank Orlando poses for a picture with senior Tylar Bennett, left, and senior Miss Basketball finalist Destiny Pitts on Wednesday.

Frank Orlando’s journey began in simple fashion.

Birmingham Detroit Country Day needed a girls high school basketball coach in 1981, and he needed a job.

“Girls basketball and football were at the same time, so I had to make a decision,” Orlando, a former college football player at Drake, said on Wednesday.

Even though he expressed interest in prep football, he had prior experience coaching boys basketball at Redford St. Mary (six years) and Warren Tower (eight years).

He decided to take the girls position at Country Day. And 36 years later, it’s still a proverbial match made in heaven.

“It’s nice to mentor young ladies,” said Orlando, whose 50th overall coaching season nears an end. “I just keep going, keep coaching.”

Orlando, who turned 74 on March 2, leads the Yellowjackets (23-1) into the Class B quarterfinals against Detroit Mumford (18-7) at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Marysville. He owns the Michigan High School Athletic Association record with 11 girls basketball state titles.

Country Day, which can earn a berth in the semifinals with a win over Mumford, would face either Marshall or Grand Rapids Catholic on Friday at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

Ypsilanti Arbor Prep (25-0), ranked No. 1 in Class B, would be a potential opponent for No. 2 Country Day at Saturday’s finals.

“I don’t think anybody can beat us,” said Yellowjackets senior guard Destiny Pitts, a Miss Basketball finalist and Minnesota recruit. “We would have to beat ourselves. This team is so special and so strong.”

It all starts with Orlando, who holds the MHSAA career wins record for girls basketball at 759. He’s only suffered 113 losses.

“It’s remarkable,” said the 5-foot-11 Pitts, averaging 25 points, five rebounds and three assists. “I could see him coaching another three to five years. He told some of his former players, ‘I’ll just give it a couple more years.’ He’s been saying that, but he’s still here.

“He would be bored if he stopped coaching,” Pitts added. “He lives for basketball and seeing the girls every day. He loves it so much. If he does leave, he’ll come right back.”

Orlando said he has no plans to retire.

“The beauty of high school basketball is every four years is a new set of girls,” he said. “One team goes and another comes. It has a life of its own.”

His players still see a vibrant and energetic coach who understands the game and how to effectively communicate his messages.

“Man, it’s a great feeling to play for someone like him,” senior center Tylar Bennett, a Clemson recruit, said. “He’s still got fire and expects us to come out hard every game. He gets in our heads and makes sure we perform our best.”

Orlando has helped countless players reach the collegiate basketball level. Four girls on this year’s team are signed or committed: Pitts, Bennett, junior point guard Kaela Webb (Marquette) and junior forward Max Moore (Western Michigan).

“He’s successful because he understands us,” Pitts said. “The relationships he builds, it’s more than just basketball. He’s like our grandfather. Players want to play for him and leave everything on the court.”

Although he already holds the state record for girls basketball titles, Orlando is eager to add another. Also a former baseball coach at Country Day, he led the Yellowjackets to a state crown in 1995, giving him 12 overall.

“The titles all have their own merits. They’re all special,” Orlando said. “The first one (1989) was remarkable because I didn’t think we’d ever win one. It was special to win that game.”

The Yellowjackets, winners of the 2015 Class B title, lost to Grand Rapids South Christian in last year’s semifinals.

“There’s pride to keep up the Country Day name,” Bennett said. “We’re playing for the name on the front of the jersey, not the back.”

Pitts could become only the second girls player from Country Day to earn Miss Basketball, joining Peggy Evans (1989). The winner will be announced Monday.

Prep basketball

Tuesday’s quarterfinals scores

Class A

Warren Cousino 47, Farmington Hills Mercy 41

Flushing 59, Macomb Dakota 28

East Kentwood 78, Kalamazoo Central 51

Southfield A&T 52, Ann Arbor Huron 38

Class B

Birmingham Detroit Country Day 58, Detroit Mumford 49

Marshall 49, Grand Rapids Catholic 27

Ypsilanti Arbor Prep 41, Williamson 39

Freeland 53, Cadillac 38

Related:

Jordan Walker named Michigan Miss Basketball 2017

Class C

Detroit Edison 58, Blissfield 42

Flint Hamady 37, Hemlock 28

Pewamo-Westphalia 43, Schoolcraft 19

Maple City Glen Lake 63, St. Ignace 52

Class D

Saginaw Lutheran Seminary 56, Waterford Our Lady 48

Engadine 44, Crystal Falls Forest Park 41

Pittsford 62, St. Joseph Lutheran 19

Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart 48, Frankfort 37.

At Breslin Center in East Lansing

Thursday’s Semifinals

Class C

Detroit Edison vs. Hamady, 1 p.m.

Pewamo-Westphalia vs. Glen Lake, 2:50 p.m.

Class D

Saginaw Lutheran Seminary vs. Engadine, 6 p.m.

Pittsford vs. Sacred Heart, 7:50 p.m.

Friday’s semifinals

Class A

Warren Cousino vs. Flushing, 1 p.m.

Southfield A&T vs. East Kentwood, 2:50 p.m.

Class B

Country Day vs. Marshall, 6 p.m.

Arbor Prep vs. Freeland, 7:50 p.m.

Saturday’s Finals

Class A, noon

Class B, 6 p.m.

Class C, 4 p.m.

Class D, 10 a.m.

Prep basketball

The defending Class A girls basketball champions are still standing.

Leading from start to finish, Warren Cousino withstood a late Farmington Hills Mercy push to reach its second straight semifinal with a 47-41 win over the Marlins Tuesday night at Southfield A&T High School.

The Patriots (24-2), who are just two wins away from repeating, captured their 19th straight game and will face Flushing (22-3) in the Final Four beginning at 1 p.m. Friday at Michigan State’s Breslin Center.

Related:

Girls basketball state tournament quarterfinals scores

Jordan Walker named Michigan Miss Basketball 2017

Georgia Tech signee Kierra Fletcher, the Miss Basketball runner-up to Jordan Walker of Muskegon Mona Shores, was once again the catalyst, scoring a game-high 19 points, while sophomore guard Kate McArthur added 13.

“We knew they were a very good team and wanted to control the tempo, so we knew we wanted to push the ball to our speed,” Fletcher said of Mercy, which finished 22-4 overall. “I didn’t worry about Miss Basketball too much. The individual awards really aren’t my thing. I’ll take losing Miss Basketball to winning a state championship any day.”

A steal and a lay-up by Fletcher with 3:25 left gave Cousino an early 12-4 lead forcing an early Mercy timeout.

The Patriots, making 8 of 11 shots from the floor, led 18-7 after one quarter with Kate McArthur and Fletcher each scoring six.

Mercy, meanwhile, committed five first-quarter turnovers and went 3-for-9 from the floor.

Cousino went up by as many as 13 in the second quarter and led 28-20 at halftime thanks to 10 points apiece by Fletcher and McArthur as the Patriots shot 57% from the floor (12 of 21).

In the third quarter, Mercy got within five, 30-25, on a basket by Jackie Bauer with 5:45 to go, but the Patriots upped their advantage to 39-28 as Erin McArthur, Kate’s older sister, converted a put-back just before the horn.

With 6:35 to play in the fourth, Mercy freshman Jess Mruzik scored five straight points to pull the Marlins to within six, 39-33. Mercy then cut it to four, 45-41, on Jenna Schluter’s basket and free throw with only 3:01 remaining.

But the Patriots held on, getting a key block with 1:19 to go by Fletcher on drive to the basket by Chloe Godbold and the Miss Basketball runner-up made two free throws just six seconds later to make it 47-41 to help seal the win.

“It was a miscommunication, we were supposed to switch, but we didn’t switch,” Fletcher said of the pivotal defensive stop. “And instead of getting off and letting her Godbold get in for the lay-up and have this game potentially get a little closer, or potentially overtime, I decided to go for the block. I’m pretty long for my size and I just try and use that to my advantage.”

Godbold scored 13 for the Marlins, while Schluter, who got into second-half foul trouble, added 10 along with Bauer.

“We were pressing and a couple of times they hurt us over the top on our press, but that’s obviously something you’re going to risk when you press,” Mercy coach Gary Morris said. “I thought we really battled. They’re a tough team because they have that ability when things kind of break down or for them being pushed a little bit, Fletcher can make a play. That’s what that type of player can do, which is make a play when a lot of other people can’t.”

Detroit Country Day is headed to the Final Four of the Class B girls basketball state tournament for the third consecutive year.

Veteran head coach Frank Orlando has guided Detroit Country Day to the Class B girls basketball semifinal game for the third straight season.

The Yellowjackets earned that distinction by topping Mumford, 58-49, in the state quarterfinal played Tuesday evening at Marysville High School. Country Day (24-1) now moves on to play defending Class B state champion Marhsall (23-2) in a semifinal game set for 6 p.m. Friday at the Breslin Center on the Michigan State University campus.

“I enjoy the fact that we battled tonight and worked our way back to Breslin,” said veteran DCD head coach Frank Orlando. “We’re going to have our hands full with Marshall. But, it’s a great opportunity for our program and a great thing for our kids to be playing in the semifinals.”

Country Day was tested by a pesky Mumford squad which refused to go away.

The Yellowjackets held a seemingly comfortable 36-20 halftime lead. However, the Mustangs showed up strong in the second half.

DCD was outscored in the third quarter and led by just 12 heading into the final eight minutes. Mumford got to within seven points on a couple of occasions against the Yellowjackets whose star player and Miss Basketball candidate Destiny Pitts fouled out.

Country Day managed to control the game and remained alive in the tournament with the hard-earned nine-point victory. It was the first time in five tournament games that DCD was held to less than a double-digit victory.

“It was a tough game for us,” said Orlando, whose team advanced to the quarterfinal round of the state tournament for the 20th straight season. “We were cruising through the first half and then the game kind of evened out. Destiny fouled out and I got a technical. Mumford played hard against us today.”

Kaela Webb led Country Day’s offense with a game-high 20 points. Pitts, a senior guard, finished with 14.

Mumford’s leading scorers were Donette Colbert (15) and Shardaye Yarborough (10).

Country Day lost in the tournament’s semifinal round last year to Grand Rapids South Christian. Two years ago, DCD captured the Class B state title with a tough 49-41 triumph over Haslett.

In Friday’s other Class B semifinal featuring a pair of undefeated teams, Ypsilanti Arbor Prep (26-0), last year’s Class C state champion, will play Freeland (26-0).

The semifinal winners will play for the state championship 6 p.m. Saturday.

Warren Cousino holds up the trophy after defeating Detroit Martin Luther King 67-65, during the MHSAA girls basketball Class A finals at the Breslin Center in East Lansing on Saturday, March 19, 2016.

The best girls basketball teams in Michigan are at the Breslin Center in East Lansing this weekend.

Check out the schedule below, and click on the link for a live radio broadcast of each game.

Thursday

Class C: Detroit Edison vs. Flint Hamady, 1 p.m.

Class C: Pewamo-Westphalia vs. Maple City Glen Lake, 2:50 p.m.

Class D: Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary vs. Engadine, 6 p.m.

Class D: Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart vs. Pittsford, 7:50 p.m.

Friday

Class A: Warren Cousino vs. Flushing, 1 p.m.

Class A: Southfield A&T vs. East Kentwood, 2:50 p.m.

Class B: Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs. Marshall, 6 p.m.

Class B: Ypsilanti Arbor Prep vs. Freeland, 7:50 p.m.

Saturday

Class D: TBD, 10 a.m.

Class A: TBD, Noon

Class C: TBD, 4 p.m.

Class B: TBD, 6 p.m.

Detroit Edison freshman Gabrielle Elliott brings the ball up court against Flint Hamaday in the Pioneers’ 54-31 victory Thursday, March 16, 2017 in a Class C girls basketball semifinal in East Lansing. Elliott, who scored 24 points, leads Edison (20-5) into Saturday’s state final against Pewamo-Westphalia (24-2).

EAST LANSING – Detroit Edison just wants respect.

The blossoming Pioneers, who dismantled Flint Hamady, 54-31, in Thursday’s Class C girls basketball semifinal, moved a step closer to the ultimate respect: a state championship.

Edison (20-5), which began a girls basketball program five years ago and never had won a district title before this season, faces Pewamo-Westphalia (24-2) in Saturday’s final at 4 p.m. at the Breslin Center.

“People have been doubting us the whole year,” said Pioneers freshman Gabrielle Elliott, who finished with 24 points and five rebounds. “We came here on a mission.”

The Pioneers raced to a 9-0 lead. Hamady (19-6) was 0-for-12 shooting in the first quarter and didn’t score until the second. Edison led 28-8 at halftime.

“Our identity is defense, pressure defense,” Pioneers coach Monique Brown said. “That was amazing. I’m glad it happened on a day like this.”

The Hawks, who played Edison close in the second half, couldn’t overcome the early shooting woes.

“We had a lot of unforced turnovers,” said Hamady coach Keith Smith. “They’re an exceptionally good team, especially being so young, but we shot ourselves in the foot more than anything. We dug a hole, and it was difficult to come back out.”

Michigan girls basketball semifinals results, schedule

The Pioneers began preparing in August with early morning workouts and strength training. Edison’s roster consists of two juniors, one sophomore and nine freshmen.

“We had 5:30 a.m. practices before school, and everyone showed up,” said sophomore Rickea Jackson, who finished the semifinal with 16 points, eight rebounds and three steals. “I was like, ‘We’re going to win this.’

“Every time we saw an article, we’d always see, ‘They’re talented, but they’re young.’ What does young got to do with anything? We proved everybody wrong, one game at a time.”

Brown always could depend on her girls to show up for summer and fall workouts.

“That’s been key to their success,” Brown said. “Whenever I called them, Saturday morning, Sunday afternoon, Friday night, they’re always there. I want to commend them and their parents for making sure that happened.”

The semifinal victory was especially gratifying for Jackson, who celebrated her 16th birthday on Thursday.

“I told my team, ‘I don’t want anything but to win this game,'” she said. “That’s my ultimate birthday gift. I love them for that.”

Aryana Naylor had 10 points and 10 rebounds for Hamady, and Deajah Cofield added 10 points and five steals.

Pewamo-Westphalia ‘s Kylen Pohl hugs teammate Kiera Thelen, right, after the Pirates beat Maple City Glen Lake Thursday, March 16, 2017, during the Class B Semifinal at the Breslin in East Lansing. P-W won 64-51.

EAST LANSING ― Brenna Wirth now has the upper hand at the dinner table.

The Pewamo-Westphalia girls basketball senior has heard stories about her mother’s trip to the state quarterfinals as a member of the Pirates’ team in the late 1980s. Wirth heard similar stories from her dad, whose Pewamo-Westphalia team made it to the state semifinals in the early 1990s. Her stepsister made it to the state semifinals in the early 2000s.

Wirth now has an opportunity to do what no one in her family ― or anyone in school history ― has done on the basketball court, as she and the Class C No. 6-ranked Pirates are one win away from raising the first basketball state championship trophy in school history.

Wirth, who averages 4.4 points per game, scored a season-high 13 points Thursday afternoon to help Pewamo-Westphalia top Maple City Glen Lake, 64-51, at Michigan State’s Breslin Center in the program’s first state semifinal appearance in 15 seasons.

“Both of my parents will be really happy,” the senior said. “It’s a special opportunity for my family.

“Looking back, when I was a little kid, you always dreamed of it. And now, we’re finally here. It’s such a blessing.”

Let the celebration begin for the Pirates https://t.co/cGvV1NtIdI

—
James Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) March 16, 2017

The Pirates (24-2) will take on No. 5-ranked Detroit Edison PSA in Saturday’s Class C state championship showdown. The program will play in a state title game for the first time since 1984.

Out of its six postseason games, Pewamo-Westphalia has won five by a double-digit margin. Coach Steve Eklund said his team’s only single-digit victory, which was against Grand Rapids Covenant Christian in a regional semifinal matchup, was an eye-opening moment for his club.

“We got some confidence,” he added. “The regular season, I don’t know if we really got the big win in the regular season. Bath was the favorite in our conference. (They) had a lot of experience, and we were a younger team.

“I look at that Covenant Christian game last Tuesday when they really brought the whip to us a little bit. I think we realized tournament-style basketball ― it’s a physical game. We’re not the most physical, biggest team around. …We fought through and grinded out a 34-31 win. I think, since then, we’ve been playing the same way.”

The Pirates’ toughness on Thursday was embodied in all-state junior guard Emily Spitzley and junior forward Kate Hengesbach. Spitzley scored a game-high 24 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Hengesbach, off the bench, scored nine points and also hauled in 12 rebounds.

After a back-and-forth first quarter, the contest proved to be a game of runs. With the score tied at 16-16 midway through the second quarter, the Lakers (23-4) broke off a 9-0 run to take a 25-16 lead. Pewamo-Westphalia retaliated with an 8-0 run to end the first half.

The Pirates picked up where they left off at the beginning of the third quarter when they began with a 7-0 spurt to take a six-point lead. Wirth and Spitzley combined to score all of the team’s points during that stretch.

Maple City Glen Lake came right back with a 7-0 run of its own, but Pewamo-Westphalia closed out the quarter by outscoring the Lakers, 14-6. The Pirates seized control of the game when a bucket by Spitzley early in the fourth quarter, with her team leading by only one point, led to eight straight Pewamo-Westphalia points ― six of which came from the free-throw line.

MORE HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS:

Tough ending: No. 2 East Lansing upended in regional final

Lansing Christian tops Plymouth Christian for regional title

Williamston boys grab second straight regional title

“We had it in our mind that we were going to keep fighting, end their run, and come back with our own,” Spitzley said. “We did that.

“It’s just about confidence, and we didn’t give up on ourselves.”

Ellie Droste scored eight points for Pewamo-Westphalia.

Maple City Glen Lake was led in scoring by Allie Bozelet’s 14 points. Jennifer LaCross added 13 points, and Kelly Bunek scored 11 points.

Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.

P-W’s Emily Spitzley connects from the paint against Maple City Glen Lake Thursday, March 16, 2017, during the Class B Semifinal at the Breslin in East Lansing. P-W won 64-51.[MATTHEW DAE SMITH | Lansing State Journal]

P-W’s Brenna Wirth connects from the paint against Maple City Glen Lake Thursday, March 16, 2017, during the Class B Semifinal at the Breslin in East Lansing. P-W won 64-51.

P-W’s Emily Spitzley tries to take the ball away from Allie Bonzelet of Maple City Glen Lake Thursday, March 16, 2017, during the Class B Semifinal at the Breslin in East Lansing. P-W won 64-51.

P-W’s Brenna Wirth draws a foul against Maple City Glen Lake’s Kaitlyn Schaub Thursday, March 16, 2017, during the Class B Semifinal at the Breslin in East Lansing. P-W won 64-51.

P-W’s Emily Spitzley connects on a three-pointer against Maple City Glen Lake Thursday, March 16, 2017, during the Class B Semifinal at the Breslin in East Lansing. P-W won 64-51.

Pewamo-Westphalia’s Brenna Wirth drops in two from the paint against Maple City Glen Lake Thursday, March 16, 2017, during the Class C semi-final at The Breslin during the Class C semi-final. [MATTHEW DAE SMITH | Lansing State Journal]

Warren Cousino sophomore Mackenzie Cook goes up for a shot against Flushing’s Shelby Morrow in Friday’s Class A semifinal in East Lansing. Flushing won, 52-36, to earn a spot in Saturday’s state final.

EAST LANSING – With tears in his players’ eyes, Mike Lee tried to remain upbeat.

Following Warren Cousino’s 52-36 loss to Flushing in Friday’s Class A girls basketball semifinal, the Patriots’ coach focused on his team’s incredible achievements the past two years.

Cousino (24-3), the defending Class A state champion, had its 14-game postseason win streak snapped against Flushing (23-3) at Michigan State’s Breslin Center.

“It’s not going to be a pity party,” said Lee, who finished his eighth season at Cousino. “The stress these girls were under every single night; we were going to get everybody’s best effort. There was never really a chance to be a kid sometimes.

“We’re sad it’s over, (but) heck of a run this year. Tonight’s going to be a celebration, and we can exhale and enjoy each other.”

Patriots senior guard Kierra Fletcher, a Miss Basketball finalist and Georgia Tech signee, scored 30 points and had seven rebounds, but it wasn’t enough against the surging Raiders, who played in their first state semifinal game since 1976.

“I don’t think we overlooked Flushing,” Fletcher said. “At some point, nerves (became) a factor. Some of us weren’t ready, and we didn’t help each other. We put each other in bad situations, and then one thing led to another.”

Flushing advances to play East Kentwood (26-1) in Saturday’s noon championship at Breslin Center. The Raiders jumped out to a 19-10 lead and extended it to 33-20 at halftime.

Cousino struggled to find an offensive rhythm, shooting 12-for-55 (21.8%). Fletcher battled through double and triple teams to finish 11-for-26 shooting. .

“They were in our grill the whole game,” said Fletcher, who suffered a minor leg injury in the third quarter but returned. “Kate (McArthur) couldn’t really get open, and that led to us forcing shots and our poor shooting performance.”

Warren Cousino senior and Georgia Tech commit Kierra Fletcher holds the ball against Flushing in the Patriots’ 52-36 loss in Friday’s Class A semifinal in East Lansing. Fletcher had 30 points and had seven rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to help Cousino defend its state title.

McArthur, a three-point specialist, finished 0-for-16 in a rare off-shooting performance. The sophomore was 0-for-11 from three.

The Patriots tried to chip away at the deficit in the second half, but Flushing had an answer each time.

“It all starts with defense for us,” Raiders coach Larry Ford said. “Our defense was very, very good the whole game. We took Cousino out of the stuff they like to do.”

Ford noticed a potential semifinal matchup against the Patriots when the postseason began.

“I saw Cousino down there in the brackets, so I knew they were looming,” he said. “But the thing about (our players) … they’re just playing to win and don’t get wrapped up in a particular game. That speaks volumes for these guys, the senior leadership.”

Despite graduating six seniors, including Fletcher, Cousino hopes to rebound next season and make another championship run.

“It was definitely a pretty good career,” Fletcher said. “Last year, we did something special and knew it was going to be harder this year. Just getting here twice, when most teams can’t get here once, that’s an amazing feeling.”

Southfield A&T senior and Michigan signee Deja Church goes up for a shot against East Kentwood in Friday’s Class A semifinal at the Breslin Center. Church, a Miss Basketball finalist, had 26 points and 12 rebounds in her team’s 55-51 loss.

EAST LANSING – Southfield A&T set a high benchmark for its girls basketball program.

In their first year as a combined high school, the Warriors made a deep run in the Class A state tournament before losing to East Kentwood, 55-51, in Friday’s semifinal at the Breslin Center.

A&T, the product of the consolidation of Southfield High and Southfield-Lathrup, graduates five seniors after claiming the program’s first district and regional titles this season. The departures include Miss Basketball finalist and Michigan signee Deja Church.

“It’s difficult when you merge two schools because you’re merging kids who have played against each other,” said Warriors coach Michele Marshall. “The kids all came together on one court. We agreed to play with each other, to become sisters. We made history and that’s not something that can ever be repeated.”

Mauriya Barnes had 16 points and six rebounds to lead East Kentwood, which has reeled off 24 straight wins after losing its second game of the regular season.

The Falcons (26-1), who led 30-15 at halftime, advanced to Saturday’s noon state championship against Flushing (23-3).

“Basically, I thought we pulled through because we were better than them,” said Falcons coach Jimmy Carter. “That’s not confidence, that’s just a bit of a fact. May sound a little conceited, but we were underrated all year. We weren’t even ranked in our area, so we had a little bit to prove.”

Southfield A&T junior D’Layna Holliman, right, battles for a loose ball against East Kentwood’s Amari Brown in Friday’s Class A semifinal at the Breslin Center. East Kentwood won, 55-51, and plays Flushing in Saturday’s noon final.

Behind a strong defensive effort, East Kentwood held the Warriors to 1-for-15 shooting in the first quarter. A&T (22-5) shot better in the next period, making 5 of 17 attempts.

The Warriors battled in the second half, getting within 53-49 with less than a minute left. A&T then missed a shot that would have cut the deficit to two points, and East Kentwood answered with Barnes’ two free throws to regain command.

“It wasn’t too much to overcome,” Church said of the Falcons’ early advantage. “We knew we could come back. We came back from 15-plus before, 20-plus before. But we couldn’t hold onto it.”

Church, who finished with 26 points, 12 rebounds, five steals and four assists, remained positive after the loss.

Warriors sophomore forward Alexis Johnson finished with 13 points and 17 rebounds.

“It was a really good season, especially with the circumstances we had to go through,” Church said. “At first, things were shaky, but we ended up getting to the Breslin. I’m proud of my teammates. I’m proud of my coaches. I’m not trying to be too down about it, even though it hurts. We still made history.”

The Warriors hope to build on this year’s experience.

“I feel like it’s going to be a really bright future,” said Church. “Most of the kids are very young, and after we made a run to the Breslin, I’m sure we’re going to attract new girls to come to Southfield A&T.”

Marshall’s Carlee Long (3) goes for the as Detroit Country Day’s Tylar Bennett defends during the Class B state semifinal on Friday at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

EAST LANSING – There will be a new girls basketball state champion in Class B after Birmingham Detroit Country Day ended Marshall’s quest to repeat on Friday.

The defending champion Redhawks held a two-point lead with 1:23 left in regulation, but the No. 2-ranked Yellowjackets scored six straight to finish off the state semifinal at the Michigan State University Breslin Center, winning 46-42.

“Our kids came through and it was very close,” said Country Day head coach Frank Orlando. “They never quit, they kept their head up and kept playing hard. That’s all I can say – they never gave up.”

Country Day (25-1) advances to Saturday’s state championship, where it will play Ypsilanti Arbor Prep (27-0).

Sixth-ranked Marshall ended its season with a 23-3 record while making back-to-back trips to the Breslin Center.

“We’re disappointed we lost the game, but we’re not crying because we lost the game,” said Marshall coach Sal Konkle. “I told the girls in the locker room, ‘There is no reason to cry because we lost the game, we played a great game and a couple shots didn’t fall that we needed them too.’ I think the tears are more because… I’m going to miss them. The five seniors have all done a tremendous job for our program and I have nothing but the utmost respect.”

Marshall’s Jill Konkle (22) drives to the hoop during first half action against Dertroit Country Day at the Class B state semifinal Friday evening.

After Marshall senior guard Carlee Long knocked down a game-tying 3-pointer from the corner, fellow senior guard Jill Konkle followed by hitting a running floater high off the glass with 1:46 left in regulation to give Marshall a 42-40 advantage.

Country Day junior guard and Marquette commit Kaela Webb would answer on the ensuing possession with a layup, and would give the Yellowjackets the lead for good on a pair of free throws with :47.1 left to play.

Marshall got the ball in the post for what would have been a game-tying shot, but Country Day’s 6-foot-4 center Tylar Bennett and 6-foot junior forward Maxine Moore teamed up for a clutch block.

Country Day senior guard Destiny Pitts hit a pair of free throws with :13.3 left to essentially seal the victory. The Minnesota commit finished with a team-high 13 points to go with five assists and two steals.

“I feel like all throughout the year, people haven’t been giving Marshall enough credit,” said Pitts, the AP Class B Player of the Year. “Marshall is a really good team, and nobody really talked about them. They didn’t win, but they showed up for their city and showed everybody who they are. Everybody knows Marshall now.”

Marshall’s Natalie Tucker goes for the 3-pointer during first half action against Dertroit Country Day at the Class B state semifinal Friday evening.

Bennett would finish with 10 points and three blocks for the Yellowjackets, while Webb added nine points and eight rebounds.

Marshall 5-foot-10 junior forward Natalie Tucker nearly posted a double-double despite a big size disadvantage, finishing with nine points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Senior forward Nikki Tucker and Jill Konkle each had 13 points as the duo concluded their impressive four-year varsity careers.

“I think last year we proved to a lot of people that you don’t need a bunch of D1 players to be a good team,” Tucker said. “We don’t have D1 players. We’re not a team that’s extra tall. We’re not a team that’s super quick. We’re not a team that is crazy athletic. But we work together and move the ball and we make shots. That’s all you need to do to play basketball. I don’t need a million D1 commits to have a great team.”

Marshall’s Nikki Tucker (23) goes for the hoop during first half action against Dertroit Country Day at the Class B state semifinal Friday evening.

According to Sal Konkle, her five seniors – Carlee Long, Taryn Long, Nikki Tucker, Jill Konkle and Georgianna Pratley – will leave behind a lasting legacy for the program.

“They’ve left a legacy for our team in the future here, so the freshmen and sophomores and juniors on our team this year, they know how hard you have to work to get results and reach your goals,” she said. “And we will still have lofty goals next year, and they are going to have to work hard, just like these kids did.”

Nick Buckley can be reached at nbuckley@battlecreekenquirer.com or 269-966-0652. Follow him on Twitter:@NickJBuckley

Detroit Country Day’s Destiny Lewis (33) shoots over Marshall’s Georgianna Partley (14).

Pittsford coach Chris Hodos up the winning trophy after winning against Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary for the Class D state title on March 18, 2017, in East Lansing.

EAST LANSING – Chris Hodos is softening his stance on Michigan State athletics.

The Pittsford girls basketball coach, a longtime Ohio State fan, is becoming a regular at MSU’s basketball arena.

“I’m a Buckeye fan, but I love the Breslin Center,” Hodos said. “We’re getting used to coming here. I’d love to do it every year.”

Senior forward Maddie Clark finished with 29 points and 10 rebounds, helping Pittsford roll over Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary, 71-31, in the Class D final Saturday in East Lansing.

The Wildcats (28-0), who also won last year’s Class D title by finishing 27-0, last suffered a defeat in the 2015 state final, a 64-60 overtime loss to St. Ignace.

“The first one is not sweeter. I love them both,” Hodos said of his repeat titles. “We have great competitors, up and down the lineup. They want to win; it doesn’t matter who we’re playing.”

The Pittsford Wildcats are 2017 #MHSAA Class D Girls Basketball State Champions! Congrats! https://t.co/anNfvrCweo

—
FOX Sports Detroit (@FOXSportsDet) March 18, 2017

Clark, the Class D Player of the Year, shot 11-for-15 from the field and made all seven of her free-throw attempts. The Wildcats, who have compiled a 103-2 record the past four seasons, played in Class C in 2013-14 before moving to Class D.

The Wildcats won most games this year by lopsided margins, leading to a running clock. When a team goes ahead by 40 points in the second half, which happened in Saturday’s final, the game clock continuously runs.

“We want to score and we don’t care,” said Clark. “We play our hardest at all times. It doesn’t matter, in the back of our minds, how much we win by. We always push hard.”

Senior guard Jaycie Burger added 27 points, three assists and three steals for the Wildcats, who outscored Michigan Lutheran Seminary, 26-6, in the third quarter to blow open a 30-17 halftime lead.

Maddie Clark, Pittsford.

“We always adjust real well,” Hodos said. “It takes us a while to get going, but once we find what works, we exploit it.”

Junior forward Reese VanLue had 13 points and nine rebounds for the Cardinals (18-10), who brought an 11-game winning streak into the final.

“It was an amazing run,” coach Brian Blaine said. “I love these girls. It was a good season, although it hurts right now. I’m still proud of them.”

Pittsford’s dominance in Class D is over. Hodos said his team will go back to Class C next season.

“It looks like we dominated everybody in Class D, but there’s some great teams,” he said. “We’ll play great teams in Class C. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

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Flushing players hold up their Class A state champion trophy after winning, 49-38, over East Kentwood in East Lansing on March 18, 2017.

EAST LANSING — No ranking. No problem.

The Flushing girls basketball team, which spent the entire season unranked, bulldozed through the Class A state tournament, capping its run with a 49-38 win over East Kentwood in today’s final at the Breslin Center.

The Raiders (24-3), who last advanced to the state semifinals in 1976, had never played in a girls basketball final before this season.

“These girls put their stamp on the program,” Flushing coach Larry Ford said. “That stamp can never be removed.”

The Raiders used the rankings — or lack thereof — as motivation. East Kentwood (26-2) was No. 9 in the Associated Press’ final Class A poll before the state tournament.

“We were like, ‘Let’s go out there and show them. We’re always the underdog,'” said Raiders senior forward Breanna Perry, who finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds and four steals. “We wanted to get some respect. That made us play even harder.”

Ford wasn’t sure if teams overlooked his squad. Flushing lost to St. John, 37-31, in last year’s district final.

“The girls didn’t dwell on it, but it did come up a few times,” Ford said of not cracking the rankings. “It’s always nice to tell people that you’re one of the top teams in the state. But we just try to go with the flow.”

Flushing, which held a 19-17 halftime lead, outscored the Falcons ,17-9, in the third quarter to take command. Senior guard Lauren Newman scored 19 points in the win.

“We could feel it in the second half,” said Perry, a Temple signee. “We were like, ‘We’re almost there.’ That lit a fire under us.”

East Kentwood, which also said it felt disrespected at times, couldn’t get closer in the fourth quarter, snapping its 25-game winning streak.

“I’m really proud of our team,” said East Kentwood senior Andraya Johnson, who had four points and six rebounds. “We went from being an unranked team to being second in the state. That’s a pretty big deal, even though we didn’t win.”

Flushing’s defense limited the Falcons to 16 of 57 shooting for the game. East Kentwood junior center Corinne Jemison finished with 12 points and six rebounds.

“We talk about never underestimate the power of being underestimated,” Ford said. “Maybe that was part of it.”

The Raiders never got overwhelmed playing at the Breslin Center. Flushing beat defending Class A champion Warren Cousino, 52-36, in Friday’s semifinal.

“We got out here, I looked at the crowd and was like, ‘This is a big deal,'” Perry said. “We had tons of people here supporting us, and it really opened my eyes. Not only did our team really want this, but our school did, too.”

Detroit Edison freshman Gabrielle Elliott, joined by teammates, holds the Class C girls basketball state trophy after her team’s 46-44 win over Pewamo-Westphalia at the Breslin Center on Saturday, March 18.

EAST LANSING — Rickea Jackson had a special few days at the Breslin Center.

The Detroit Edison sophomore guard, who celebrated a Class C semifinal victory Thursday on her 16th birthday, played an important role in today’s state final, helping the Pioneers beat Pewamo-Westphalia, 46-44, to win the program’s first state crown.

“This is really unbelievable,” said Jackson, who finished with 21 points and nine rebounds. “It was the most beautiful moment of my life. Nothing can take this feeling away from me.”

Saturday’s final capped an incredible journey for the Pioneers (21-5), who began a girls basketball program six years ago and had never won a district title before this season. Edison’s roster includes two juniors, one sophomore and nine freshmen.

“Our school is known for the academic portion, not necessarily athletics,” said Edison coach/athletic director Monique Brown. “For our team to crack the seal is overwhelming. It’s mind-boggling.”

Edison nearly let a nine-point fourth-quarter lead slip away to the Pirates (24-3), who last played in a girls basketball state final in 1984.

Holding a one-point lead with 1.6 seconds left, Edison freshman Gabrielle Elliott hit a free throw, but missed the second. Jackson collected the rebound as the clock expired.

Pewamo-Westphalia used a 7-0 run late in the fourth, capped by Emily Spitzley’s layup, to get within 45-44 with 1:20 remaining. The Pirates had several chances to take the lead down the stretch, but Edison’s defense held strong.

Edison freshman Shaulana Wagner blocked a three-point attempt by Hannah Spitzley with 3.4 seconds left. Emily Spitzley then lost the ball out of bounds with 2 seconds left, giving it back to Edison.

“Man, I don’t know where (Wagner) came from,” Brown said of the blocked shot. “I saw (Hannah Spitzley) shooting in the corner, and I was like, ‘No, no, no.’ That was awesome, and our defense was even better.”

With no graduating seniors, the Pioneers expect to make another championship run next season.

“We’re only going to get better; we’re not going to get worse,” Jackson said. “Everyone comes to practice, works hard, works their butt off. We have so much determination and so many big hearts. We don’t like when people say we can’t do something. That pushes us to do more.”

Wagner finished with 12 points and five rebounds for Edison, which built a 26-19 halftime lead.

“The crowd started cheering, and that’s when our youth kicked in,” Brown said of the closing minutes. “We were able to hold that lead. As long as they didn’t take the lead, we were fine. That’s what I preached to my young girls.”

It was a tough ending for Pewamo-Westphalia. Hannah Spitzley had 17 points and Emily Spitzley scored 15.

“It’s amazing how your whole season comes down to, I don’t know, just under 4 seconds,” Pewamo-Westphalia coach Steve Eklund said. “I tell the girls, no regrets. You’ll have people come up and tell you how awesome of a game that was.”

Birmingham Detroit Country Day celebrates its Class B state title after beating Ypsilanti Arbor Prep Saturday in East Lansing.

EAST LANSING — Frank Orlando added another achievement to his record-setting resume.

The longtime Birmingham Detroit Country Day girls basketball coach celebrated with his players, shedding a few tears in the process, after their 59-48 win over Ypsilanti Arbor Prep in Saturday’s Class B final at the Breslin Center.

Orlando, completing his 36th season at Country Day and 50th overall as a high school coach, won his 12th girls basketball title, an MHSAA record.

“It was emotional, because it was like my daughters playing basketball in the backyard,” said Orlando, who picked up his 762nd career girls basketball win, also a state record. “I just love that. I love it.”

Senior guard Destiny Pitts, a Miss Basketball finalist and Minnesota recruit, had 17 points, 10 rebounds and four assists for Country Day (26-1), which claimed its second state title in three years.

Birmingham Detroit Country Day’s Kaela Webb shoots over an Ypsilanti Arbor Prep defender during the Class B state title game March 18, 2017, in East Lansing.

Senior Tylar Bennett, a Clemson recruit, finished with 15 points and six rebounds, and junior Kaela Webb added 13 points and nine assists.

“We always want to leave it all on the floor for Coach O,” Pitts said. “He doesn’t care about the wins; he’s more about the girls. He wanted us to win this for us, but we wanted to win it for him.”

Junior Lasha Petree had 15 points and senior Ro’zhane Wells scored 14 for Arbor Prep (27-1), which entered the state tournament ranked No. 1 in Class B and won last year’s Class C title.

Country Day built a 27-15 halftime lead. Arbor Prep struggled from the floor, shooting 3 of 14 in the first quarter and 2 of 10 in the second.

“It was real satisfying,” Orlando said. “The feeling we had walking out last year (after a state semifinal loss) was that we didn’t play the type of basketball we were capable of. It just fed all through the practices, ‘Remember this. Remember.’”

The Yellowjackets, who graduate four seniors, including Pitts and Bennett, hope to defend their state title next season. Webb, a Marquette commit, and junior Max Moore (Western Michigan) should lead the charge.

Orlando, also a former baseball coach at Country Day, led the Yellowjackets to a state baseball crown in 1995, giving him 13 overall.