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Ingram’s late baskets sends Pershing past Henry Ford, 79-76
Detroit – This isn’t one of the Detroit Pershing basketball teams of old. But to Pershing, a team still must come into its historic gym and play at a high level if it expects to come out with a win.
The Doughboys overcame a 10-point deficit with just under five minutes left to play to upset Detroit Henry Ford, 79-76, in a Detroit Public School League Division 1 game on Friday at Pershing.
"This win means a lot for our program and the season," Pershing head coach Wydell Henry said. "We believe in defending home court, and we work hard. We expect to win every game we play."
The game went back and forth from the start. Henry Ford (9-1, 3-1), ranked No 1 in Class B, led by as much as 12 points in the third quarter.
But Pershing (5-5, 2-2) is a scrappy team. On their home floor no lead is safe. The Doughboys went on a 14-2 run late in the fourth, capped off by a putback by sophomore Patrick Hatcher, to give them the 69-68 lead with 2:14 to go. Hatcher played well for Pershing as he scored 13 points and a few key offensive rebounds.
"There’s no question that Pat came up big for us, and he is only a sophomore," Henry said. "He has some growing to do because he’s young, but this is what it’s all about.
"I’m a little choked up, but that’s because this was a good win for us. Much respect to Henry Ford, but this is what PSL basketball is all about."
Even in a hostile environment, Henry Ford was able to maintain its composure, and regain the lead. Junior Alston Hunter made two free throws with 26.8 seconds left to put the Trojans up 76-73.
Marquel Ingram is one of Pershing’s six seniors on the team that actually plays significant minutes and he showed up for his team when they needed him. Ingram pulled up from two feet beyond the arch on Pershing’s ensuing possession to tie the game at 76-76.
After Henry Ford missed two free throws on their next trip down the floor, there was Ingram again to save the day. He hit a floater in the lane off the glass giving Pershing the lead at 78-76 that sent the Pershing gym into chaos. Ingram would finish the game with a game-high 22 points.
"Hitting shots like those is something I’m used to doing," said a very confident Ingram. "I told my younger guys to never give up, because we’ve been through too much here at Pershing.
"Now we just have to stay on this high and keep the intensity up. We have another big game tomorrow."
Josh Davis scored 20 points to lead Henry Ford.
The Trojans will try to rebound Saturday against Flint Beecher at the Freedom Games Classic held at Warren Fitzgerald. Gamer time is 7:30. Pershing plays Clarkston in the same tournament at 6 p.m.
