2016 MHSAA Class C Championship Game Summary

Ypsilanti Arbor Prep vs. Traverse City St. Francis

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Breslin Center

IIn this Class C state championship matchup, the athletic and quick Ypsilanti Arbor Prep Gators would face off against the skillful and disciplined Traverse City St. Francis Gladiators. Arbor Prep started the game off with a fast 7-0 run, sparked by their intense man to man defense. The Gladiators would come back fighting towards the end of the first, being led by Annie Lyman. Lyman knocked down a three point bucket and on the next possession drove to the basket for a layup. By the end of the quarter the lead was down to three.

The second quarter looked very similar to the first. The main difference would be the defensive effort from St. Francis. The Gladiators picked up their intensity and was able to get a big block in transition from Juliana Phillips, and force Arbor Prep to turn the ball over. Arbor Prep found a way to score, even though momentum was slowly shifting towards St. Francis. Nasstassja Chambers found her way into the lane for a nice floater, while Sydney Williams crashed the boards for easy put backs. Going into halftime, Arbor Prep attempted to stall for the last shot but was unsuccessful. They would end the half leading by 7.

St. Francis would show to be the only team the Gators have faced this tournament that could compete with them. The third quarter started off with each team trading baskets and making big plays. Back to back buckets for Arbor Prep from Chambers and junior guard Adrienne Anderson pushed their lead to 8 and cause St. Francis to call a time out. Over two minutes would pass without either team scoring. Arbor Prep’s drought was ended with a three point shot from Morgan Keeler. The Gladiators answered shortly after with a layup from Lyman, and a bucket with a foul from Phillips. The quarter would end with Arbor Prep up by 9.

The Gators opened the last quarter of the game on a 6-0 run. Their defense was smothering and St. Francis found it very difficult to get a shot off and was turning the ball over left and right. With four minutes left in the game, Arbor Prep would go on an 8-0 run, extending their lead to 18 and forcing St. Francis to use their final timeout. The Gladiators took advantaged of mix-matches on offense, feeding the ball to the post whenever possible, but it would show to be too little too late. At the 1 minute mark, both teams emptied their benches and Arbor Prep would be crowned the 2016 Class C state champions.

Game Highlights

Arbor Prep:

• The Gators athleticism and quickness proved to be too much for St. Francis. They dominated the game from the opening tip.

• This championship win is truly a team win. Everyone played their role and contributed to them being successful and winning their first state championship.

• Arbor Prep is still young. Most of their key players are juniors and sophomores. Did someone say repeat?

St. Francis:

• St. Francis has a lot of heart! I was very impressed with the way they fought and battled against Arbor Prep. They were the first team this tournament to not lose to the Gators by 30 or more points.

• The Gladiators are a much disciplined squad. They showed great composure and listened to their coach the entire game.

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