localsportsjournal.com
Getting the first one is toughest.
Riverview Gabriel Richard knew that winning his first state title would not be easy when he entered the Division 3 State Finals on Saturday.
It turns out that losing to Detroit Old Redford in the state semi-final buzzer beater last year was a difficult way.
But 2025 is the New Year, and the pioneers won Pontiac Arts and Tech 79-63 in the first boys' basketball state title at Michigan State's Breslin Center on Saturday.
“I stood here last year and got some bad memories back, and now it's amazing,” Riverview coach Chris Dyke said. “Last year, kids took that loss and used it as a motive over the summer.”
Photo/Clyde Sanders III
Pioneer won the state championship with a balanced offense as five different players posted double-digit nights. The team also secured the victory in the Monster's second quarter run.
“When you first experience it, I think you deserve it,” Daiek said. “Now, when you experience it the second time, you think we deserve it now, we were here.”
Leading 12-11 in the first quarter, Pioneer began the second quarter with a 14-2 run, leading 26-13 in four minutes to halftime.
Riverview quickly scored the mark in the second quarter. Drew Ebelingham slammed the house into the house on a second bucket break from Pioneer, so he placed the stamp in the second. Bryce White sunks the back-to-back bucket, and Pioneer begins the quarter by rising 21-11.
Photo/Clyde Sanders III
That Quickstar lead led to a 34-20 lead on the break.
Pontiac's Louis Lovejoy scored 10 points in the first quarter and 14 points at halftime.
Riverview didn't give up in the second half as it began with another run again in the second half and burned on a 6-0 run to start the third quarter. The team led 49-26 with three minutes remaining in the quarter.
Starting the fourth with a 51-33 lead, the Pioneer settled down Pontiac after sinking eight straight free throws in five minutes into the game. Six of these free shots became one property for a six-point swing as Pontiac was asked for a technical foul after Pants sent Blythe White to the Pioneer line.
Riverview was led by White and Charles Cage with 18 points each, while Luke Westerdale scored 17 points. Drew Everingham scored 16 points and Nick Sobutci chipped with 10 points.
“Through the season, these people are not very selfish. Anyone who has a shot, they knock it down,” Daiek said. “It's perfect for our community. The names of these kids are engraved on stones. The first one is the best.”
Pontiac was led by Lovejoy with 21 points, while Tayshaun Hiccup and Terrance Hiccup were each missing with 10 points.
