LANSING, Michigan— The U-16 Mid-Michigan Lakers put together THE best run of any team in program history this weekend. The Lakers went 6-0 before falling by 12 to ACB in the championship final at the CDBA Classic in Lansing.
Led by Zeshawn Parker-Jones and J.D. Tisdale, the 16s finally exorcised their biggest demon by beating Parallel 45. They also beat the GR Storm twice, including an 87-point outburst at Lansing Sexton High School Sunday afternoon. Parker-Jones had 27 points in the game to lead all scorers.
ZPJ: On Beast Mode in Lansing
It’s clear that the 16s are a different team when they have the full-time services of guard Cullen Turcyzn. The shifty sharpshooter played hard on both ends of the floor alongside guard Max Cummings all weekend. The pair will be among the top players in the Flint Metro League next season.
This team has in spades what every team needs to win games of significance: Synergy. Don’t go running for the dictionary. Synergy, in essence, is several things functioning together to produce a result not independently obtainable. That’s what this team is all about. Every single player on our roster is a shareholder in our success. You should have pride in ownership.
The U-17 team finished the tournament with a 3-2 record, finally losing to the tournament’s runner-up by 15. The U-17 team beat a pair of teams on Saturday by 20-plus points and appear to be coming into their own.
The U-15 team continues to show improvement despite a poor second half performance in their playoff game. The team was once again led by the Swartz Creek twosome of Marquavian Stephens and Kelvin Weston. The team also had solid performances from big man Trenton Morell and swingman Mark Cox.
A special thanks to all the parents and friends who stayed to cheer on the U-16 team during its run to the championship final. I know the coaching staff and all the players really appreciate it. Also, a special thanks to our “cookie queen.” You know who you are.
Weekend MVPs:
U-17: Nic Stoll (Holly)
U-16: Zeshawn Parker-Jones (Lapeer West)
U-15: Marquavian Stephens, Swartz Creek
Five for Fighting (fighting for rebounds, loose balls, stops and playing time)
1.) BJ Walker, IAF (U-17)
2.) Cullen Turcyzn, Lapeer West (U-16)
3.) David Withey, Swartz Creek (U-17)
4.) Shawn Brouwer, Swartz Creek (U-16)
5.) Mark Cox, Lapeer West (U-15)
Let me also give a special thank-you to the parents. It is amazing how much easier a coach’s job is when you have a great group of parental support.
And I also want to say that I have never been more proud of a team than this one playing without a starter all weekend and yet still reaching this pinnacle. These guys genuinely like each other and that makes a world of difference.