Nearly 25 Years After Leading Unexpected Run, Morton Directing Life-Changing Mission
By
Keith Dunlap
Special for MHSAA.com
August 11, 2026
Nearly a quarter century after presiding over arguably one of the most improbable boys basketball state championships in Michigan history, the same fight and underdog mentality still exists for Tim Morton.
Back in 2002, Morton was the head boys basketball head coach at Auburn Hills Avondale, which produced a Hollywood-type run during that season’s Class B tournament.
Unranked and without a future Division I college player in the lineup, a Yellow Jackets team headlined by seven seniors went on a quest that stunned many statewide observers.
Avondale avenged the disappointment of not getting out of the District round the previous year and then recorded a stunning upset of a highly-ranked Flint Southwestern team in their Regional Final, winning in double overtime. But after squeaking out a six-point win over a solid Williamston team in a Quarterfinal and earning an 11-point win over Comstock Park in the Semifinals, surely midnight was going to strike for Cinderella in the championship game. After all, Avondale was up against a powerful Grand Rapids South Christian team which had multiple future Division I college players on its roster.
It didn’t matter as Avondale, led by tough-as-nails captains Mike Lewis and Wes Whiteside, senior Dionte Miller and sophomore Dave Holston, completed its stunning run with a 70-65 win to capture what still stands as the program’s only Finals basketball championship.
Morton said he thought his team the previous year that couldn’t make it out of Districts was more talented, but there were intangibles the 2001-02 team possessed that couldn’t be matched.
“I think that nobody really thought that they’d have a shot,” Morton said of his team. “I think that is why we were unranked, because of what had left. But you’ve got to have something to fight for, and I think the reason was the year before. We were motivated. I think playing that underdog role, we just loved it. We won games in so many different ways and got on that roll.”
This past March, Morton and other alumni of the Avondale team certainly were thrilled to see this year’s squad advance to the Semifinals for the first time since their 2001-02 team did so. This time, the Yellow Jackets suffered a three-point Semifinal loss to eventual Class A champion Rockford.
Today, Morton is also heading another team that has an underdog mentality but is motivated to fight for each other and surrounding communities.
Morton is the multi-area director for the Southeast Michigan chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which aims to serve kids, coaches and communities by promoting through activities faith, self-esteem, serving others and being the best version of yourself.
The organization has roughly 50 student-led “huddles” that meet at high schools or middle schools, where students can have a safe haven to talk about problems, promote successes, go over scripture and bond during a challenging time of life.
Through volunteers and other staff members, the organization also conducts camps throughout the state for coaches, athletes and others to learn from each other and grow as leaders.
The chapter will have its annual golf outing Sept. 28 at Oakland University’s Sharf Golf Course.
“We just want to be really good at cultivating those relationships, making sure that we’re following up with people, and sharing what the Lord is doing so people feel like they can be connected to something bigger than themselves.”
Playing for something bigger than themselves certainly worked for the 2002 team, and Morton said there is a 25th anniversary reunion in the works for next spring.
But while he nor anyone else in the Avondale community will forget that run in 2002, these days Morton is spearheading a team he said is playing for an even greater purpose, one he tried to describe to a group of youth football coaches in Flint during a recent gathering.
“I had only about 15 to 20 minutes to share with these guys,” Morton said. “I shared that we won a state title in 2002 and I was driven to be the best coach I could possibly be. A lot of great things happened, and the state championship happened. I’m on my way home from the state championship and we’re watching the video, and it’s crazy because this fear came over me. How are we going to do this again?
“Every coach that puts his or her full identity in the performance of the team, that’s scary and that’s not good. I got out six years later because of that fear. The most important relationships of my life were not good because I had to be validated by the performance of my team. That conversation kind of led into, “Why are you coaching? Why are you doing what you are doing? I wanted them to be motivated to be the best versions of themselves, for those kids, their wives and children. That’s why I’m in FCA. That’s my cause to fight for.”
2026 Made In Michigan
Aug. 7: Significance of Historic Run, Relationships Formed Live On for 1973 Unity Champs - Report
Aug. 4: Work Ethic Continues to Drive Van Dyk's Endeavors as Co-Owner of Family Farm - Report
July 24: Hackett Mentor's Care Sparked Lifetime in Hoops for BCAM President White - Report
July 24: Mackey Leaving Court with 500+ College Hoops Wins, Many More Lessons Shared - Report
July 16: Country Day Two-Time Champ Moore Building Perennial Winner at Harvard - Report
July 9: Multi-Sport Career at TC West Helps Gillis Thrive as Pro in Game She Once Left Behind - Report
July 2: Inspired by Home, Eager to Give Back, Spencer Hosts Hoop City Alumni Games - Report
PHOTOS At left, Tim Morton raises the Class B championship trophy in 2002. At right, Morton now a director for Fellowship of Christian Athletes. (Middle) Morton, kneeling, speaks to his team during the championship win at Breslin Center. (MHSAA archives)
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.
MHSAA.com's weekly “Breslin Bound” reports are powered by MI Student Aid, a division within the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). MI Student Aid encourages students to pursue postsecondary education by providing access to student financial resources and information. MI Student Aid administers the state’s scholarship and grant programs that help make college Accessible, Affordable and Attainable for you. Click to connect with MI Student Aid and find more information on Facebook and X @mistudentaid.
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.)