Toughness Equals Titles

<p>There are a lot of traits and qualities that coaches look for in their players. There are skills that coaches want and need in order to reach a championship, the pinnacle of success. But let’s not be fooled, every team HAS TO HAVE TOUGHNESS. Every title team has to have at least that 1 guy that can can buckle down and influence the game just because they are tough. This essential toughness can come in different forms, both mentally and physically. The 4 teams that advanced to the championship game yesterday in the Division 3 and Division 4 semifinals all have that player that is tough as nails and leads their team with that trait. Let’s look at these tough athletes.</p> <p><strong>Cooper Conway (2022, PF, Menominee)</strong></p> <p>Menominee advanced with a 74-56 win against a very talented Ecorse team. Conway was a huge part of the win and of Menominee’s entire playoff run. He’s that tough guy in the lane that defends the rim and is willing to battle for position under the rim. Conway showed a fearlessness in the game yesterday that his teammates were able to feed off of. He finished with 18 points and 9 rebounds.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="863986" first="Tyler" last="DeGroote"] (2022, F, Schoolcraft)</strong></p> <p>DeGroote is a completely selfless player that cares more about the success of his team than he does individual accolades. He’s willing to put his head down and bulldog his way through whatever role his team needs him to play on a given night. Not just that, but he’s a physically strong athlete as well. DeGroote can use his superior leg strength to battle in the paint as well as create a strength mismatch on the perimeter. He had 13 points and 9 rebounds in Schoolcraft’s semifinal victory.</p> <p><strong>Kelsey Jilek (2022, F, Ewen-Trout Creek)</strong></p> <p>Jilek’s toughness is a big reason that Ewen-Trout Creek will be playing in the Division 4 state championship game. He always seemed to be around the ball and involved in big plays last night. Jilek brought energy to the floor and battled for position so that he could snag some really big rebounds. Jilek finished the fast paced 62-56 win against Lake Leelanau St. Mary with a 19 point and 11 rebound double-double.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="863922" first="Brady" last="Titus"] (2022, PG, Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian)</strong></p> <p>There isn’t a mentally tough player in the state of Michigan. Titus has spent 4 years battling against the doubters and has continuously come out on top. No situation is too much for him, as he has played his best on the biggest of stages. When the going gets tough for Tri-Unity, the ball always needs to, and has, find it’s way into Titus’ hands. Titus had 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in the semis, leading his team to back to back state final appearances.</p>