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BASKETBALL: Fourth Annual Horatio Williams Foundation Freedom Classic games a success
Warren, MICH. – You’d be hard pressed to find a basketball tournament better than the ones Horatio Williams puts on. His events always showcase the top teams and players in the state, and most importantly, putting the kids first. He would be the first one to tell you that, he doesn’t do it for profit, but for the kids. The 4th annual Horatio Williams Foundation Freedom Classic games were held at Warren Fitzgerald again, giving everyone in attendance a show from start to finish.
Detroit Renaissance 44-Warren Fitzgerald 28 Final: In the first game of the day, the Phoenix defeated the host school, in what was the lowest scoring game of the day. The game was never in doubt for Renaissance, as they led through all four quarters and limited Fitzgerald’s scoring. Sophomore point guard Justin Turner led Renaissance with 14 points and Corey Wheeler added 12 points. Jeremiah Becker shot it well for Fitzgerald, leading them with 12 points.
Detroit Southeastern 54-Southfield 51 Final: Arguably the most exciting game of the day, sophomore Ean Blackwell hit a game winning 3-pointer at the buzzer to win the game for the Jungaleers. He and senior Darryl Bingham led Southeastern with 14 points. D’Cari Charlston had 11. Trailing lost of the game, Southeastern fought their way back in it, like they always do,to get their third win in a row. Howard McInnis was unstoppable for the Bluejays with 26 points and six 3-pointers.
Detroit Western 66-Detroit Country Day 63: If one buzzer-beater wasn’t enough, try two of them in a row. Neither the Cowboys or Yellowjackets looked like they wanted to win the game, exchanging leads throughout. Brailen Neely is one of the top sophomores in the state and hit the game winner for Western with two seconds remaining. He finished with 27 pts, Aaron Austin 11. Country Day has lost three in a row and Xavier commit Edmond Sumner led them with 19 points, seven rebounds.
Detroit Cass Tech 75-Flint Beecher 47: The Technicians led by four after one, but that would be the closet this game would be. Cass Tech enforced their will on the Buccaneers in the third, doing it with a team effort. They increased their lead to 21 after three and let the bench finish it out, to win by 28. Rob Edwards came off the bench with 14 points, Mike Laster 13. Amariontez Ivory started off hot, but finished with 13 for Beecher.
Warren De La Salle 49-Detroit Frederick Douglass 44: These two battled last year in the same event, with the Hurricanes winning by six. The Pilots got their revenge this year, with sophomores Chris Rollins and Kevin McKay leading the way. Rollins finished with a game-high 18 points and McKay had 13. De La Salle’s defense was able to contain Darrell Davis to just 14 points and held off Douglass’ at the end. Alex Cappocia added eight points and seven rebounds.
Detroit Pershing 84-Ann Arbor Huron 75 Final: The final and marquee game of the day didn’t disappoint at all. We all know of Pershing’s ability as the No.1 team in the state, but Huron showed that they could compete too. Points were of no shortage in this game, as both teams combined for 117 points. Justin Tillman might have sealed his Mr.Basketball award, with an amazing 40 point, 24 rebounds and seven blocks performance. Buffalo commit Mory Diane scored 22. Jalen Thompson quietly scored 27 for the River Rats and junior Xavier Cochran added 19.
