Downriver League: Friday’s Top Performers
Downriver League basketball is in full swing, and a few teams have risen to the top, while the rest have some catching up to do. Friday provided hoops fans with some great matchups and performances. Here are some of the best from Friday night.
Top Game: Southgate vs. Lincoln Park
These two teams were highly ranked in my power rankings last week, and the matchup didn’t disappoint, as Southgate needed overtime to defeat Lincoln Park, 70-67. Deven Fields and Jace Matkin led the way for the Titans, combining for 49 points and 24 rebounds. Khalid Fleming led the Railsplitters with 35 points, seven steals, four assists and three rebounds. These two teams showed they have what it takes to compete for a Downriver League Title and should remain in the hunt throughout the season.
Top Performers
Deven Fields (Southgate): This was a tough choice, but my top performer of the night is Fields. He had a monster game, leading the Titans to a 70-67 win over Lincoln Park. He finished the game with 34 points, 14 rebounds and three steals. Southgate is now 2-1 overall and will look to continue its winning ways against Kennedy on Tuesday.
Khalid Fleming (Lincoln Park): The Railsplitters may have lost the game, but one thing became clear: Khalid Fleming is one of the best players in the Downriver League. He scored 35 points, dished out four assists and came away with seven steals in Friday nights loss. Fleming and the Railsplitters will head to Wyandotte on Tuesday in what should be another great game.
Tyler Koons (Carlson): After a heartbreaking loss to Taylor Kennedy a few nights ago, Carlson got back on track, defeating Melvindale, 66-55. Koons played a huge role in this dominant win, scoring a team high 31 points. Koons is one of the better scorers in the league and should continue to play at a high level.
Josh Warren (Woodhaven): Warren is one of the best players in the league and he showed why Friday night. Warrren dropped 22 points in the Warriors’ win over Wyandotte, which is no where near his peak level of play, but 22 points is nothing to gripe about. Warren and the Warriors were my preseason favorite to win the league, and they are undefeated in league play thus far.