Class A: Ram Nation Books Return
March 23, 2012
EAST LANSING – The final buzzer sounded before Romulus’ last-gasp 3-point shot reached the rim Friday at the Breslin Center.
As Rockford’s Mark Pearson watched the ball complete its arc, he figured good or not, it wouldn’t take away from the incredible run his unranked Rams made this postseason.
“We’ve worked so hard this year, and to just see that shot go up … all our practices, all our summer stuff we’ve done, and all through the year, it’s all been worth it,” Pearson said. “If it would’ve gone in, we wouldn’t have been satisfied. But by the same token, it (would’ve been) a good year.
“But we’ve got one more now.”
When that final shot caromed off the rim, the Rams celebrated a 62-61 victory and their first championship game berth since winning the Class A title in 2003.
Rockford will face top-ranked Saginaw in the Final at 4 p.m. Saturday. The Eagles, ranked No. 2 at the start of the tournament, finished 22-4.
The Rams (22-5) split the O-K Red title with both Hudsonville and East Kentwood this season, and needed to make some key plays to get to Breslin – especially after trailing Okemos by 10 in Tuesday’s Quarterfinal.
Rockford gave up its most points Friday since opening night – but also scored its second-most this season.
“Maybe people were underestimating them. We were being a little bit too laid back on defense,” Romulus senior Ray Lee said.
And the Rams showed plenty of guts again when it counted in the Semifinal.
After the teams come out of halftime tied, Romulus began breaking away in the third quarter and went up 49-44 with a period to play. The Eagles’ lead stood at six with 5:50 to play. It seemed their time to secure a Finals bid had come.
Not so.
Rockford went on an 11-0 run that included all four of standout junior guard Chad Carlson’s points, plus five of junior Chase Fairfield’s game-high 17. With 1:43 to play, Romulus suddenly found itself down five, 59-54.
“You hope and you wish and you pray, but making those expectations is tough,” Rockford coach Nick Allen said. “We hoped and wished, and maybe prayed a little bit too.”
Seniors Mitch Caywood and Ivy Johnson would provide a few more answers.
Johnson hit two free throws to give the Rams a 61-57 lead with 1:16 to play, but Romulus knotted the score again with 31 seconds left. Johnson, a 6-foot-6 sub, was fouled again with 7.6 seconds to play.
His first free throws went off the back of the rim. He second fell to give Rockford a 62-61 lead. But Romulus still had hope – until Caywood dashed it a bit by stealing the inbounds pass.
Rockford did miss two more free throws after that. But with only 3.4 seconds left, the Eagles couldn’t set up much more than the final 3-point try.
Johnson and Caywood both finished with 11 points, while senior guard Scott Nikodemski had 12. Junioe Elbert Matthews and senior Aveon Simmons led Romulus with 15 apiece, and Lee added 13.
The Eagles have now made at least the Semifinals in four of the last eight seasons – but Friday’s loss was the latest in a frustrating run. Romulus lost by one point in its 2009 Semifinal and by two in overtime in 2008. The Eagles made the Class A Final in 2005, but lost by three.
“It’s hard to do. I can say that, because we were ranked No. 1 in the state the last two years and didn’t make it here,” Romulus coach Nate Oats said. “So I’m happy we got here this year, but it’s not real satisfying anymore to get here. … I’m a little bit tired of getting here and not getting it done.”
Click for box score or to watch the game and press conferences at MHSAA.tv.
PHOTO: Rockford center Ivy Johnson (44) blocks the path of Romulus senior Aveon Simmons (5) during Friday's Semifinal. (Photo courtesy of Terry McNamara Photography.)
Breslin Bound: 2025-26 Boys Quarterfinal Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
March 10, 2026
One. More. Win.
That’s all that’s needed as 32 boys basketball teams take the floor tonight for Quarterfinals across the state and with a trip to East Lansing and Breslin Center on the line.
Below are quick glances at all 16 matchups. Games tip off at 7 p.m. unless noted. Details on tickets, brackets and more can be found on the Boys Basketball page. To watch all 16 games online, visit the NFHS Network.
“Breslin Bound” is powered by MI Student Aid and based on results and schedules posted for each school at MHSAA.com. (Abbreviations below denote ppg - points per game, rpg - rebounds per game and apg - assists per game.)
Week in Review
The countdown of last week’s five most intriguing results:
1. Grand Rapids Northview 52, East Kentwood 50 Cam Ryans drilled a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to send Grand Rapids Northview (22-4) past East Kentwood (22-3) in a Division 1 Regional Final.
2. Harbor Beach 64, International Academy of Flint 62 (2 OT) Harbor Beach (23-3) won its first Regional title, edging IAF (19-5) in Division 4.
3. Colon 49, Battle Creek St. Philip 40 The Magi (22-4) also clinched their first Regional title, in Division 4, by adding to two regular-season wins over St. Philip (16-9).
4. Onsted 42, Ecorse 40 Onsted (24-2) clinched its first Regional title since 1983, advancing in Division 3 with a close win over Ecorse (19-6).
5. Onekama 46, Traverse City Christian 40 Onekama (17-10) handed Traverse City Christian (25-1) its only loss in a Division 4 Regional Final.
Quarterfinals at a Glance
DIVISION 1
Rockford (22-3) vs. Grand Rapids Northview (22-4) at Hudsonville
These two met Jan. 31 at the 2K26 Showcase, with Rockford winning 48-45. Senior 6-foot-6 forward Jake Bascom is a tough matchup averaging 17.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. But so is Northview senior guard Cam Ryans, a Mr. Basketball Award finalist averaging 24.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists per contest.
Auburn Hills Avondale (25-1) vs. Roseville (19-6) at Detroit Mercy
Avondale is coming off its first Regional title since 2002 with senior forward Jakobe Liford (15.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg) leading three players averaging double-digit scoring. Roseville last won a Regional in 2019 and returns to the season’s final week with junior guard Terrell Owens (17.3 ppg, 3.5 apg, 3.9 spg) setting the pace.
East Lansing (25-1) vs. Ann Arbor Pioneer (21-4) at Lansing Eastern’s Don Johnson Fieldhouse
Reigning Division 1 champion East Lansing celebrated senior guard KJ Torbert winning the Mr. Basketball Award on Monday, and he’s an especially impressive shooter making 52 percent of his shots from the floor – including 39 percent of his 3-point tries – on the way to averaging 25 points per game. Pioneer is back at the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2007, with senior guard Jordan Harrison a potent scorer (18.1 ppg) and distributor (3.9 apg).
Wayne Memorial (23-3) vs. Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice (21-5) at Detroit Mercy, 5:30 p.m.
The Zebras are also playing for a return trip to Breslin after finishing Division 1 runner-up a year ago, and they’re also led by a Mr. Basketball Award finalist in senior guard Jaylohn Allen (23.3 ppg, 6.0 apg). Brother Rice won its second Regional title over the last three seasons, keyed by a high-powered backcourt of senior Greg Grays (14.9 ppg) and freshman Jordan McDaniel (19.3 ppg).
DIVISION 2
Ludington (24-2) vs. Freeland (23-3) at Mount Pleasant
Junior guard Taj Williams (18.8 ppg) and senior forward Cameron Gunsell (18.2 ppg) have led Ludington to the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2017, as the Orioles advanced with a Regional Final win over 2025 semifinalist Kingsford. Freeland has won nine straight games to reach the Quarterfinals for the second consecutive year. Senior guard Wilson Huckeby is making almost 39 percent of his 3-pointers, drilling 81 this season while averaging 18.9 points per game.
Chelsea (20-5) vs. Romulus Summit Academy North (25-1) at Ypsilanti Lincoln, 5:30 p.m.
Summit is one win away from returning to Breslin after finishing Division 2 runner-up a year ago, its only loss to an Ohio opponent and with three players averaging double-digit points per game led by senior guard Jordan Fuller at 15.4. Chelsea has won nine of its last 10 games, with a big one over Lansing Sexton (23-3) in a Regional Final. Freshman Drew Cabana is averaging 21.8 points per game and senior Buck Allen adds 17.4 – and both have made at least 50 3-pointers.
Detroit University Prep (16-9) vs. Detroit Country Day (19-7) at Detroit Renaissance
University Prep has won nine of its last 10 games and edged reigning champion Warren Lincoln by two points in their Regional Final to reach this week. Senior guards Chris Byrd and Maurice Jackson are a 6-5 tandem averaging 19.6 and 14.6 ppg, respectively. Country Day has made a jump from 11-12 a year ago, winning nine of its last 10 games with junior guard Christian Cast (20.9 ppg) and 6-6 junior forward Isaiah Moreno (16.5) setting the pace.
Grand Rapids Catholic Central (20-6) vs. Hudsonville Unity Christian (23-3) at Hamilton
Grand Rapids Catholic Central is playing in its third-straight Quarterfinal and reached the Semifinals a year ago, and can turn to senior guards BB Watkins (14.4 ppg) and Jordan McCoy (15.5 ppg) for scoring punch. Unity Christian has won 19 of its last 20 games, its only defeat during that time against Freeland, and has five players averaging between 7-12 ppg topped by senior guard Brogan Sherd (12.2), who also has made 61 3-pointers.
DIVISION 3
Arts & Technology Academy of Pontiac (17-3) vs. Harbor Beach (23-3) at St. Clair County Community College
ATAP is a game away from a Breslin return as well after finishing Division 3 runner-up last season, and the Lions will take on a first-time Regional champ in Harbor Beach. Sophomore point guard Lewis Lovejoy paced last year’s ATAP run and leads again at 26.5 points and 7.6 assists per game. Senior guard Benson Harper leads three Harbor Beach players scoring in double digits at 17.3 ppg, and he and senior forward Skiler Krus (13.2 ppg) were also among stars on the Pirates’ Division 8 football championship team.
Menominee (22-4) vs. Beal City (24-2) at Boyne City
After a year away, Menominee is playing in its second Quarterfinal in three seasons and third over the last five – in part thanks to avenging a regular-season loss to 2025 semifinalist Ishpeming Westwood in their Regional Semifinal. Senior forward Tanner Theuerkauf quarterbacked the Division 7 football championship team and leads at 17.8 ppg, with senior guard Darren Butler at 15.2. Beal City is playing in its first Quarterfinal since 2013 and has reached 20 wins three straight seasons. Junior guard Cuyler Smith (15 ppg) leads three players averaging at least 11 points per game.
Flint New Standard Academy (20-4) vs. Onsted (24-2) at Ypsilanti Lincoln
New Standard is playing in its second-straight Quarterfinal and with its only losses this season to teams that all reached Regional Finals. Sophomore guard AJ Smith (12.4 ppg) and senior guard Jeffery Turner (12.0) lead four players averaging at least 10 ppg. As noted above, Onsted is back in the season’s final week for the first time in more than four decades, and after just missing with some very strong teams over the last 10 years. Mason Chesser (13.9 ppg) leads four averaging at least nine points per game who have helped the Wildcats push through.
Pewamo-Westphalia (24-2) vs. Schoolcraft (16-10) at Kalamazoo Loy Norrix
These two have met two other times in Quarterfinals this decade, with P-W advancing last season with a 50-45 victory. The Pirates have been regulars at this stage with this their fourth Quarterfinal over the last five seasons. Grady Eklund sets the pace for P-W at 20.7 points and 3.5 assists per game. Senior 6-10 forward Jimmy Miller leads three Schoolcraft players scoring at least 15 ppg with 19.3, plus nine rebounds per contest, and junior guard Kodee Bienz (15.1 ppg) has drilled 68 3-pointers.
DIVISION 4
Dollar Bay (23-2) vs. Pickford (25-0) at Gladstone
These two guarantee at least one Upper Peninsula team will be heading downstate, with Pickford making the attempt after losing a Quarterfinal last year by two points and Dollar Bay seeking its first Breslin trip since 2018. Gunner Bennin averages 19.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.7 steals and 3.5 assists per game for the Panthers. Senior forward Liam Tourtillott (20.2 ppg, 73 3-pointers) and junior guard Baron Colbert (16.9 ppg) are strong perimeter options for Dollar Bay.
Detroit Douglass (19-7) vs. Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes (19-6) at West Bloomfield, 6 p.m.
Douglass has made its run after tying for second in a Detroit Public School League Blue filled at the top with Division 1 teams, and defeated 2025 semifinalist Allen Park Inter-City Baptist in a Regional Semifinal last week. Freshman guard Damani Oliver averages 22.5 ppg and senior guard Jeremiah Thurman adds 16.1. Our Lady started this season 2-4 but has surged since the start of January, with senior center Jack Miller (12.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg) and senior forward Latane Ware (11.3 ppg) pacing a balanced attack.
Colon (22-4) vs. Concord (22-4) at Portage Northern
As noted above, Colon is coming off its first Regional title, and the Magi also defeated league rival Mendon (22-2) in a District Final. Seniors forwards Dalton Williams (22.1 ppg) and Quincy Blair (17.7) lead four players averaging double-digit scoring. Concord is coming off its first Regional title since 1990 and has celebrated senior guard Jett Smith and senior forward Connor Stevens both reaching 1,000 career points this winter.
Onekama (17-10) vs. Wyoming Tri-unity Christian (24-1) at Big Rapids
Onekama stunned previously-undefeated Traverse City Christian with a 46-40 Regional Final win to advance to the season’s final week for the first time since 1997, and the Portagers now get to take on the reigning Division 4 champion Defenders. Center Luke Bradford sets the pace at 15 ppg and is one of three senior starters. Tri-unity has replaced four starters from last season’s title winner, with the lone returner junior center Cody Osbun leading at 12.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.
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PHOTOS (Top) Roseville’s Terrell Owens (4) blocks a shot during his team’s 71-68 overtime win over Clinton Township Chippewa Valley in last week’s Regional Semifinal. (Middle) Freeland’s Tristan Comer (13) scoops a shot during the Falcons’ Regional Final win over Flint Hamady. (Roseville/Chippewa Valley photo by Adam Sheehan. Freeland/Hamady photo by Terry Lyons.)