Class C Final: Recap and Top Performers
Like Class D, the championship game for Class C featured one of the best teams from the Detroit area versus one of the best teams from Northern Michigan. Detroit Edison, or DEPSA, was favored to defeat Maple City Glen Lake and take home the Class C crown, just as their girls had done a week earlier. If you put your money on the smart bet, you were a winner, as the Pioneers won 53-38.
It’s rare to see a high school team with 3 D1 players, especially a smaller, Class C school. DEPSA has 3 seniors signed to division 1 programs in Pierre Mitchell, Gary Solomon and Deante Johnson. They also have a junior in Brian Taylor who holds a D2 offer from Ferris State, who just won the national championship. It’s clear to see why Edison was favored, however, don’t mix up the Pioneers plethora of talent with Glen Lake’s lack of talent. Junior guard Xander Okerlund is one of the smoothest scorers in the state and has been receiving D1 interest. Sophomore guard Reece Hazelton is one of the most promising young prospects in Michigan’s 2020 class. Also, senior Cade Peterson is signed to play football at GVSU – his size and athleticism kept Glen Lake in the game for the entire first half.
The game started out slow and remained that way through the entire first quarter – DEPSA led just 8-7 entering the second. The second quarter was only slightly more eventful, as Cade Peterson threw down a powerful two-handed dunk and Gary Solomon flexed his muscle with his and-one. The score, however, remained low as the Pioneers clung to their one point lead at half, 19-18. Gary Solomon had a game-high 8 points at the horn.
The third quarter was the game changer, as DEPSA caught fire behind senior PG Pierre Mitchell. At one point, he went on an 11-0 run entirely by himself – this opened the lead for good. He had 17 points after three. Glen Lake, however, battled with big shots from Xander Okerlund and Reece Hazelton, who attempted to make up for the loss of Cade Peterson who missed most of the third period after an injury to his ankle. DEPSA led 39-31 heading into the final 8 minutes.
The fourth quarter was a dunk show for DEPSA, as Gary Solomon and Deante Johnson started to take advantage of their size advantage and punish the rim. The highlight was a huge tomahawk poster by Solomon about midway through the quarter. DEPSA would cruise to a victory, 53-38. Pierre Mitchell led with 17 points and Gary Solomon had 16 points. For Glen Lake, Xander Okerlund impressed with 19 points. Despite missing almost the entire third quarter, Cade Peterson still finished with a 12-point, 10-rebound double double.