The fifth annual Detroit Public Schools League Holiday Hoops Classic was held at Detroit Cass Tech. The two event features some of the top Public School League teams, including some of the top suburban teams as well. Day one had several lopsided affairs, however, plenty of talent was on display for entertainment.
Detroit Douglass 68 Harper Woods 39
Another day another dollar for Douglass’ senior Daavi Bradley, expect it’s not a dollar, instead it’s another high quality performance for the 6’5″ wing forced to play center for the Hurricanes. Bradley was a force all game long, rebounding, playing defense down low in the paint, and catching a few alley hoops from fellow senior Darrell Davis. So far, Bradley has received interest mostly from D2 schools.
King 72 Ferndale 42
The more I see King senior Tyrone Acuff, the more he makes a case for deserving a division 2 offer at the least. The 6’6″ Acuff does it all for the Crusaders. He is big enough to play down low and rebound, but uniquely skilled to handle to ball and get to the basket against smaller defenders. He contributed 23 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks in the win. His fellow bash brother in crime was senior football star Dayvon Austin. Although he has said that he will play football at the next level, Austin is simply a bully for opponents. He brings linebacker toughness to the hardwood, can score inside and outside, plays fearless, rebounds, and can stretch the floor to the three point line.
Clarkston 47 Detroit Western 33
What Clarkston doesn’t have in terms of a central superstar, they make up for with hard, old-school team play. One thing you know your going to see when you watch Coach Fife’s Wolves are solid fundamental players. Senior shooting Nick Owens is the prime example of that. He isn’t the most athletic, or skilled ball handling on the floor, but he can flat out shoot. Owens’ jump shot wasn’t consistent throughout the game, but stepped up his performance in the second half when it mattered most and scored 20 points in the winning effort. He was able to connect on both corner and wing threes off the pass that allowed Clarkston to score just enough to beat the Cowboys.
Detroit Pershing 55 Southfield 42
Southfield made three pointers from the perimeter throughout most of the game, but that was only available because it is hard to drive the lane and get to the basket against Pershing 6’7″ and VCU commit Justin Tillman. If there is anyone that plays harder than Justin Tillman on both ends of the floor please let me know. Justin has been nothing short of spectacular the first few weeks into the season. He is showing why he is the state’s top shot blocker and rebounder. Tillman is so athletic to go along with his long arms that he even blocked shots were he seemed to be out of the play and come out of no where to pin the ball on the glass. He gave Southfield 20 points, 18 rebounds, and 7 blocks.
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