Southfield A&T 67 Dearborn Heights Robichaud 57

Last night was a competitive matchup between Southfield A&T and Dearborn Heights Robichaud. There was major talent on both teams. Robichaud featured the highly-recruited Penn State commit Kamaria McDaniel and the University of Detroit-Mercy commit Kayla Brown along with the skilled unsigned Senior Monae Palmer. Kamaria McDaniel did all she could for the Lady Bulldogs. Despite knocking down 25 points, Kamaria and her Bulldogs fell short of victory. With the help of her capable teammates Monae Palmer and Kayla Brown, Robichaud was leading the entire game until the beginning of the 4th quarter when Kayla Brown went down with an ankle injury. After the loss of Brown, Robichaud couldn’t seem to pull it out and lost the lead. Without their floor general controlling the offensive flow, Robichaud would only post eight points in the 4th quarter.

The Lady Warriors talent featured University of Michigan commit Deja Church, and super sophomore Alexis Johnson. Alexis Johnson was truly on a roll last night. Johnson started off the first quarter scoring nine quick points that forced Robichaud to call a timeout. Johnson continued her streak as she knocked down a few more jump shots and attacked the rim at will. By game’s end, she finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds. The U of M commit, Deja Church started off the first half sluggishly only scoring six points. Understanding her role as team leader and integral part of any victorious effort, she awakened in the second half to put her team on her back scoring 21 points through the third and fourth quarter ultimately leading her team to victory. Southfield A&T went onto defeat Robichaud 67-57.

Top Players

Kamaria McDaniel 5’10" WG Dearborn Heights Robichaud HS 2017
The Penn State Commit put on a show in her final home game as a senior inside of the “Dog Pound.” She put up 25 Points, ripped down 10 rebounds and dished out 3 assist. McDaniel was too much for the Warriors in the first half scoring 13 points. McDaniel showed off her excellent ball handling skills, and ability to get to the rim and create contact. She has been averaging 29.9 points per game, 8.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. McDaniel’s numbers are proving why she’s a Miss Basketball Finalist and why she’s one of the best players in the state.

Monae Palmer 5’9" WG Dearborn Heights Robichaud HS 2017
The unsigned senior stepped up last night against the Warriors knowing that it was her final game as a senior on the Bulldog’s home floor. She played as though she had a chip on her shoulder. The senior poured in 12 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Palmer was finishing through contact and knocking down 15 feet jumpers. Palmer gave it her all while she was on the floor, attacking the basket and getting fouled and then knocking free throws. Palmer can be an important contributor to many CIAA programs.

Deja Church 5’9" WG Southfield A&T HS 2017
The Michigan commit played very well in the win over Robichaud. Church led all players with 27 points and 7 rebounds, and shot it well from the free throw line down the stretch. She was the total package defending, scoring, and getting her teammates involved while dishing out a few key assists. Also, she ran the floor easily in transition and scored at will.  Church was most impressive as she penetrated and attacked the gaps of the Robichaud defense getting to the rim most of the game. Church has had a numerous of 20 point performances this year against Rochester Adams, North Farmington, Clarkston, and Detroit Edison.

Alexis Johnson 5’11" WF Southfield A&T HS 2019
The super sophomore played very well in the win against Robichaud. Johnson scored 25 points and had 13 rebounds. Johnson has always been wildly athletic and an impressive rim runner. She has now improved her jump shot and her rebounding ability, making her a true force to be reckoned with. Last night, Alexis showed that she is one of the best in the class of 2019. She will be exciting to watch over the next two years as she continues to get stronger and perfect her craft!  The way she gets to the basket and finish through contact is unreal. She’s most definitely a Division I prospect that can help many Mid Major Plus programs.