Division 1 Final 4 MVP
The 2019 Division 1 Final 4 will go down as 1 of the most memorable in Michigan high school basketball history. Ypsilanti Lincoln won its first ever basketball state championship. They did it in dramatic fashion, with Jalen Fisher hitting a floater…
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Continue ReadingThe 2019 Division 1 Final 4 will go down as 1 of the most memorable in Michigan high school basketball history. Ypsilanti Lincoln won its first ever basketball state championship. They did it in dramatic fashion, with Jalen Fisher hitting a floater off a rebound as time expired. There were some very memorable individual performances as well.
MVP
Emoni Bates (6’8″, G / F, Ypsilanti Lincoln)
Bates was the key in a historic Ypsilanti Lincoln run to a state title. Just a 15 year old freshman, he dominated the competition throughout the playoffs. Bates went off for 31 points in a win over Howell in the semifinals. He then added 17 points in an instant classic championship game against UD Jesuit. His 2 game Final 4 average was 24. Bates had a knack for knowing when his team needed him to take over and when to feed the hot hand. The most impressive thing about his play in the Final 4 was his ability to dominate the game, but at the same time facilitate for his teammates and continue to do the little things that led to wins.
Honorable Mention
Jalen Fisher (2019, 5’10”, G, Ypsilanti Lincoln)
Fisher was quite simply outstanding throughout the playoffs. Ypsilanti Lincoln made it obvious that they trusted him with the ball. Fisher scored when they needed him to (he had 16 points in the championship game) and hardly ever turned the ball over. He was excellent on the defensive end as well. Fisher didn’t get caught out of position and played hard nosed perimeter defense. Not to mention, his game winning shot at the buzzer will go down in history as one of the greatest momemts of all time in Michigan high school basketball.
Daniel Friday (2019, 6’5″, G / F, UD Jesuit)
Friday was a last second bucket away from being the MVP. He had 10 points in the semifinals and led UD Jesuit with 19 points in the title game. Friday was solid on the defensive end, taking the reigns in trying to slow Emoni Bates. He held him to 7-22 shooting.