John Beilein watched Isaiah Sykes lead Denby to an upset over state power Pershing
It was a busy night of high school basketball across the state of Michigan. Regional finals were underway and the state’s best teams were playing for a chance to play in Tuesday’s quarterfinals. Michigan commitments and targets were in action all over the place and there were plenty of upsets as well. Of course, Michigan head coach John Beilein was on the road to take in the action. Find out how Isaiah Sykes, Trey Zeigler, Carlton Brundidge, Javontae Hawkins, and Amir Williams performed after the jump.
(Click photos to enlarge)
On a busy night of basketball, it was Isaiah Sykes that stole the show. There has always been a lot of mysterious hype surrounding Sykes game but he has never drawn the headlines. On Wednesday night, Sykes lived up to his hype as Denby knocked off nationally ranked, defending state champion, Pershing High School in a 81-64 rout.
As pictured above, John Beilein was in attendance to watch Sykes perform. Coaches from Arkansas were also on hand and Sykes didn’t disappoint.
Sykes appeared to injured his ankle before halftime but returned with 4:19 to play in the third quarter and finished with 24 points and 18 rebounds for Denby. Michigan State commitment Keith Appling had 29 points in the loss.
Denby will face Taylor Kennedy on Tuesday at 5:30 PM at University of Detroit.
2011 commitment Carlton Brundidge was also in action as Southfield took on Clarkston for a regional crown. Clarkston and Southfield split a pair of games during the regular season but Clarkston was widely considered the favorite. Clarkston is the model of consistency, having been to 8 consecutive quarterfinals, but most recently they were in last year’s state semi-finals.
Southfield was not to be denied, as Brundidge led them to a 67-55 win. Brundidge scored a game high 25 points and added 8 rebounds and 4 assists.
It is Southfield’s first regional final since 1982 and they will face De La Salle in the state quarterfinals on Tuesday at 7:30 PM at University of Detroit.
Next up was 2010 target Trey Zeigler, who we scouted and filmed on Monday. Zeigler’s Mt. Pleasant team was overmatched by Arthur Hill’s athleticism and talent and they lost 69-49. Zeigler had 20 points and 12 rebounds but continued to struggle at the free throw line going 0-for-8.
Mt. Pleasant and Powers Video (including Zeigler dunk):
Flint Powers won their third straight regional crown relatively easily. 2012 wing Javontae Hawkins scored seven points in the first quarter and finished the game with 17 points and 10 rebounds in the 69-56 win. Patrick Lucas-Perry added 17 points of his own. Powers will take on Country Day in a huge quarterfinal match-up at Brighton High School on Tuesday at 7PM.
Speaking of Country Day, they handled Detroit Crocket with ease winning 61-45. Amir Williams had 13 points in the win. Saying Tuesday’s battle between Country Day and Flint Powers has significant championship implications would be an understatement, the game very well could determine the Class B winner.
Finally, Grand Haven’s Nate VanArendonk shattered a backboard in a win over Rockford. He’ll play at Central Michigan next year.
