District 26- Championship, All-District Team, & MVP
RECAP
Belleville came into the game as the favorite, but Saline showed up and played with fire. It was apparent that Saline came to play as they built an 8-4 lead behind magnificent play from Griffin Yaklich (2020, G). Belleville fought back and tied the game at 13, but then Yaklich buried a last second triple to give Saline a 16-13 lead at the end of the 1st. Davion Williams (2018, G, Belleville) put on a show in the 2nd quarter, scoring 10 points and leading the offense from the high post. Belleville took a 29-25 lead into the 3rd quarter. Back-to-back baskets by Devin Alverson (2018, F, Belleville) extended the lead and forced Saline to play catch up. Belleville controlled the tempo and burned the clock as Saline made one last run behind 2 three pointers by Trevor Arico with 1 minute to play. Belleville hit free throws in the final minute and held on for a 57-49 win and took home a District Championship.
TAKEAWAYS
2ND CHANCE POINTS
Belleville was aggressive on the offensive glass and that was a key to victory. Connor Bush (2020, F, Belleville) was excellent in the paint. Belleville is especially tough when their guards and wings attack the glass from the perimeter. They had a lot of possessions where they got 2nd chances from an offensive rebound. Saline couldn’t overcome this advantage.
Davion Williams (2018, G, Belleville)
This kid is an excellent player. He’s so strong and athletic that he’s difficult to handle on the offensive end. Not many players can bring the same combination of power, speed, and agility. I was most impressed with how intelligent of a player Williams was. He recognized good shots and saw when his teammates were in scoring positions. Williams was great on the defensive end as well.
THE ARRIVAL
Welcome the Saline High School backcourt to big time high school basketball in the state. Griffin Yaklich (2020, G) and Trevor Arico (2020, G) are a young tandem with loads of potential. Yaklich had a huge first quarter and led Saline to an early lead. He drove to the bucket and finished at the rim. Arico is a volume shooter who can get hot. These two sophomores play well together and will be a force over the next two years.
Sophomore Star
Connor Bush (F, Belleville) is so talented. He is one of the most versatile sophomores in the state. While he may naturally be a small forward, he makes a difference in the paint. Bush is a high motor type of player. He has the potential to be a top 10 2020 prospect in Michigan.
ALL-DISTRICT TEAM
1st TEAM:
G: Griffin Yaklich (2020, Saline)
G: Davion Williams (2018, Belleville)
G: Trevor Arico (2020, G, Saline)
G/F: Braedon Morgan (2018, Ypsilanti)
F: Gabe Brown (2018, Belleville)
2nd TEAM:
G: Amari Frye (2019, Lincoln)
G: Kaevon Merriweather (2018, Belleville)
G/F: Spencer Robinson (2018, Ypsilanti)
F: Devin Alverson (2018, Belleville)
C: Josh Perkins (2018, Ypsilanti)
HONORABLE MENTION
Connor Bush (2020, F, Belleville)
Tahj Chatman (2019, G, Ypsilanti-Lincoln)
Jalen Fisher (2019, G, Ypsilanti-Lincoln)
Emmett Turner (2018, F, Saline)
Zach Lewandowski (2018, F, Bedford)
Joshua Laroy (2018, F, Monroe)
DISTRICT 26-A MVP:
Davion Williams (2018, G, Belleville)