LBI: Inside The Game Summary

2016 Detroit Public League Championship

“Detroit King Tops Detroit Renaissance To Capture 5th Straight PSL Title”

Friday, February 19, 2016

University of Detroit-Mercy (Calihan Hall)

IIn a crowded gym at the University Detroit-Mercy, the Lady Crusaders of Detroit King faced off against the Lady Phoenix of Detroit Renaissance for the 2016 Detroit Public League Championship. King would be looking to redeem themselves after losing to Renaissance by one earlier in the season. The game was exciting from the very beginning as both teams would play high energy and fast paced basketball. Tia Tedford would set the nets on fire knocking down 3 triples within the first five minutes of the quarter, helping the Crusaders to go into the second quarter leading 26-17.

Renaissance made a few adjustments and would open up the second quarter firing back, led by their senior wing Siyeh Frazier. Brittany Hill would also get a steal and a layup and put Renaissance up two. King would come marching back and end the first half with a very slim two point lead.

The Crusaders would open up the 3rd quarter with a huge three pointer from Williams and giving her team a 5 point lead. This wouldn’t last long with free throws from Frazier and a three pointer and fast break layup from junior guard Victoria Wright. The two teams would trade baskets and the lead until Alicia Norman would go to the hoop and get the bucket and the foul to give King a two point lead that they would hold onto for the remainder of the quarter.

The fourth quarter would almost mirror the third, with both teams trading steals and baskets, diving for every loose ball and knocking it down from the stripe. Things would change with 3:46 left in the game when 3 of the 5 King starters would gain 4 fouls. Taking advantage of both teams being in the bonus, each team would continuously drive the ball into the paint in hopes of fouling out key players. King would strike first, fouling out Brittany Hill. Junior Nina Reynolds would give the Lady Phoenix their first tie of the quarter with an offensive rebound and put back. King would answer with back to back baskets from Norman and Kelly, putting the lead back up to two. Siyeh Frazier would drive to the basket and get fouled, knocking down 4 straight free throws, in an attempt to get a lead or at least tie the game. With :12 seconds left on the clock Tia Tedford would hit clutch free throws, giving King a four point lead…but the game was not over. With only: 5 seconds left, Frazier would knock down a three and then Renaissance would foul Alicia Norman. Norman would split the pair. Frazier would then go coast to coast to tie the game, but missing the layup. King would hold own to be crowned the 2016 PSL Champions to capture their 5th straight PSL Championship. Frazier would later be named Ms. PSL for 2016.

Leading Scorers: Detroit King: Tia Tedford 18, Alicia Norman 15, Michaela Kelly 12 Detroit Renaissance: Siyeh Frazier 37, Brittany Hill 10, Victoria Wright 6.  

Game and Team Highlights

Detroit King:

• King plays hardcore tough-man basketball. Anyone that faces them in the tournament should be ready to run the floor and go home with a few bumps and bruises.

• The Lady Crusaders are dangerous because of the number of offensive threats they have. At any given time, 1 of 3 players can score at will.

• King has relentless defense that does not go away or lighten up. If they continue to play this type of defense and stay out of foul trouble, don’t be surprised to see them at the Breslin for a second straight year.

Detroit Renaissance:

• Turnovers at times kept the Lady Phoenix from overcoming the small deficit they had the majority of the game. Taking care of the ball is going to be vital for them during the tournament.

• To say Frazier came up big in this game is an understatement. Great things in store for this dynamic player.

• Renaissance is a hustle team. They run the court, play great defense and don’t mind a little contact.

 **Follow R. Simone on Twitter @LBI_RSimone**