The Toledo War: Michigan vs. Ohio
SUWANEE, GA — Ohio and Michigan are not the kind of neighbors that enjoy sharing, or even communicating. For almost 200 years the Midwest states have been feuding over everything from land to football. Known as an imperative linkage to Lake Erie and therefore European trade, Toledo marked the epicenter of the contention.
Sunday, the battle for Great Lakes prominence took the form of a 16u AAU basketball semifinal tussle between The Family (MI) and King James Shooting Stars (OH).
Both programs have strong influence within their states. King James routinely attracts most of the top players in the Buckeye State and The Family, until recently collected almost all of the top Michiganders. With 1Nation and the Michigan Mustangs surging their stranglehold is less significant now, but they are still massively influential.
Interestingly, Davion Williams (MI) runs with King James after a significant Coach Q scoop.
For Starters
The Family 16u team arrived in the Silver Bracket semifinals by finishing pool play second place (2-1). Along the way the Michigan squad defeated Nike Team Florida (FL) and Howard Pulley (MN), losing to pool champion Meanstreets (IL) by 13 Sunday morning.
King James has a nice, balanced team with just one potential superstar in Darius Bazley. They advanced to the Silver Bracket with wins over Texas Pro Skills and D1 Premier (TX). The lone loss of the weekend came against Nike South Beach, 66-60.
Just after lunch Sunday Justin Ahrens clamped onto Kyree Walker as the Shooting Stars embarrassed the Oakland Soldiers, 68-36. The lanky wing demonstrated a remarkable new agility laterally.
“I really have been working my lateral quickness,” said Ahrens.
Defense clearly became a focus of his in the last few months.
“Coach Q and my brother (Kyle Ahrens) put defense into my mindset,” said Ahrens. Working hard on defense leads to transition offense and helps the team much more. No coach is going to recruit someone that can’t play defense.”
The Family also won big in the quarters trouncing Wisconsin Playground Elite, 64-38.
From the Jump
Offensively, the game started slow.
When Michael Bothwell converted an and1 late first half, King James Shooting Stars lead 22-16. Bazley appeared reserved, hovering around the perimeter.
For The Family Thomas Kithier (PrepHoopsMichigan #3) danced around his defenders and finished the opening half with 13 points. The 6-foot-8 forward converted six field goals early and even hit a three-pointer. He was a handful. The skilled forward has some Tyler “Psycho T” Hansbrough in him.
Kithier’s footwork is tremendous for such a young player. Only halfway through his high school career with Macomb Dakota High School the forward already moves like a college veteran. He should land in the Big 10/ACC eventually.
Deante Johnson (Edison High) played especially committed defense on the blocks. After a recent growth spurt, the wing could project as a power forward. Johnson’s (#41 PrepHoopsMichigan) feet and energy are exceptional. His arms are always active and the springs never need oiling.
King James maintained a small lead all the way into the half, but PHM #7 David DeJulius buried a few late three’s. He can really play.
Other first half standouts included: Bazley (10), Ahrens (10), Davion Williams (4), and Bryce Washington (pictured below).
Second Half Tightening
From the moment the ball was inbounded The Family worked to eliminate the halftime deficit. Ratcheted-up ball pressure from DeJulius helped. The 32-30 game evolved into 41-39, The Family still trailed.
Darius Quisenberry (King James PG) nailed a three-pointer and immediately picked a pocket, feeding Ahrens for a scoop up-and-under to open up another lead.
DeJulius answered with his own three-pointer, his third of the game. Seconds later DeJulius nailed another outside shot and The Family finally had a lead, 56-55.
Then the team traded layups.
Closing time.
The top-ranked 2018 in Ohio, Bazley skipped into the lane and absorbed contact. He converted his two free throws to give KJ Shooting Stars a 59-58 lead in the final minute. The Family tried to break a press, but failed. King James ripped them and made two more free throws.
For a final play, The Family ran an up screen for DeJulius. DD ran up to the wing, caught and drifted toward the corner. He shot as he leaned left. The ball missed and King James advanced with a 61-58 win.
61-58 FINAL
After wining the Toledo War, the King James Shooting Stars (5-1) captured the Silver Championship Monday by defeating Southern Stampede, 79-67.