2015 DPSL Boys Basketball Championship
PHOTO by MD
"How Bout Dem COWBOYS"
Only after the last second shot by Darryl Smith of Renaissance (12-7) hit the rim and bounced away did the #1 ranked Western International (17-0) team know they had survived this defensive battle 46-45 to remain undefeated. The Phoenix team rising to give the Cowboys a challenge in the game was not the only dialogue. Many background stories made this more compelling than just another DPSL championship at Calihan Hall.
"In it to win it". Renaissance played the only type of game they could win. Run & gun or getting in a shoot out with Western could be deadly.
The Phoenix guards Smith (12pts) and Justin Tillman (12pts) had to defend and protect the ball. The big fella Alaric Jackson was able to use his size to make some plays down low early. They took control early as the Cowboys struggled to score.
Initially Western's shooters were as cold as the temps outside. Karim Murray scored early on plays going to the basket. Brailen Neely (14pts) picked his spots to make and assist buckets to keep his team in the game. Armanti Tinsley came off the bench to make a few hustle plays. He made two crucial offensive rebounds and put back both to take the lead from Renaissance in the 4th qtr. The Cowboy's defense would win the contest tonight.
Two years ago Renaissance head coach Vito Jordan, Jr. and staff took their team at DET Community H.S. to the 2013 State Final game. He resigned after that game, and was hired at Renaissance for the next season. His staff includes his dad Vito Sr., Earl Moore, and Ed Turner. Vito Sr. and Earl Moore have many years of coaching experience in the DPSL. They made it back to play in the big game, but came up short by just one shot.
Western's Josh McFolley and Gerald Blackshear transferred from Mt. Clemens. Blackshear had to play strong against Phoenix big man Alaric Jackson, control the paint, and rebound. McFolley did not shoot well, but he continued to be aggressive especially on defense. The pair have only lost one game from last season to present.
The Cowboys win their first title since 1922, when they won a three game series over Southeastern H.S. Head coach Derrick McDowell wins his fourth DPSL crown after winning three at Redford H.S.
"Congrats to my friends from the Western H.S. family. Lexa Page, Ron Simpkins, Sylvester Wilcox, Leon Gates, and the Benavides Bros."
