Operation Friendship pits the top two teams of the Detroit Public School League and the Catholic High School League. The day’s first game featured the Crusaders of Detroit, Martin Luther King, and the Cubs of U of D Jesuit. While both teams played fast, that was also the downfall for MLK as they would fall short 67-53.
U of D Jesuit
Put on a Show
While he started slow in the first few minutes of the game, Mr. Michigan Finalist Leroy Blyden quickly explained why he was in the conversation about the best player in Michigan. Blyden took over the game after his slow start, which lasted around two minutes into the first quarter. At the end of the first half, he was five of eight from the field for 12 points. He also had two rebounds and a steal. The second half would be more of the same for Blyden as he stayed on his hot streak and would finish with 20 points on eight of fourteen shooting. He would also end the game with five rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and a steal.
Detroit Martin Luther King
Fast Pace
The Crusaders of Martin Luther King played more up-tempo than when we saw them in the PSL Championship game. While it helped them in this game, it was also a negative as they over-exerted themselves at points, which led to turnovers and fast breaks for the Cubs of U of D Jesuit. While they would have spurts where they would look like the better team with their speed with and without the ball, it wasn’t enough for them as they would fall short in the game by a final of 67-53.