Niles Brandywine boys basketball defeats Detroit Old Redford in MHSAA Division 3 championship

Brandywine wins its first state title in school history

EAST LANSING, Michigan — A battle inside the Breslin Center in March means everything was at stake as Niles Brandywine defeated Detroit Old Redford 56-48 in the MHSAA boys basketball Division 3 championship game. 

Both teams entered the matchup in search for its first-ever state championship title.

“Everybody on this team that’s been the motto all season is the five guys on the floor and one heartbeat,” Brandywine head coach Nate Knapp said. “It’s just the way we preach it, we’re all one.” 

Old Redford started the game in front as it took a 7-4 lead with three minutes, 45 seconds left in the first quarter behind five early points from Arkell Boyd. The rest of the quarter saw a 6-2 run from Brandywine as it cut the deficit, 10-9, heading into the second quarter.

Brandywine continued its run to start the second quarter as it took its first lead of the game, 15-14, with 5:35 left in the first half. Old Redford would battle back as they took a 22-20 lead with 1:19 left in the second quarter.

The Ravens entered halftime with the lead, 24-23. Old Redford forced Brandywine to struggle from the field as they shot just 35 percent (7-for-20) from the field in the first half.

The Bobcats were able to successfully draw fouls in the first half which allowed them to go 8-for-11 from the charity stripe.

Brandywine would come out of the halftime break with all the momentum as Jaremiah Palmer threw down a one-handed slam that ignited a 9-2 run to take the lead, 32-26, with 5:37 left in the third quarter.

“I was ready to catch them off guard and I was able to catch them off guard,” Palmer said on his mindset before the play. “I jumped the lane and got a dunk, and it turned everybody up.” 

The run continued for Brandywine as they finished the third quarter outscoring Old Redford, 20-5, to enter the fourth quarter with a 43-29 advantage.

Brandywine held onto the lead throughout the fourth quarter as they secured the Division 3 state championship in a 56-48 defeat.

The Bobcats would outscore the Ravens in the second half, 33-24.

“They never panic or force the issue, their tested and built and have a good head on their shoulders.” Knapp said. “They always perform and find a way to win. They will not go away.” 

Jaremiah Palmer led the offensive efforts for Brandywine as he finished with 19 points and six rebounds. 

“Last year they lost on Thursday and were in the gym that Monday,” Knapp said. “They wanted to get here and they had a target on their backs. These kids love it and want to work.” 

Niles Brandywine vs. Detroit Old Redford in MHSAA Division 3 title game

Photos by Scott Hasse

Michigan (MHSAA) boys high school basketball state tournament live updates: Day 3 scores, results, recaps (3/16/2024)

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