Avondale rallies past Mott to reach district finals
BY DAN STICKRADT
SENIOR EDITOR
dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
TROY — It’s not a matter of how you start, but how you finish.
Auburn Hills Avondale proved that Wednesday in its Class A district semifinal win over Waterford Mott.
The Yellowjackets overcame a 19-11 first-quarter deficit to topple Mott 59-53 and advance to the district finals at Troy Athens. Avondale will face Pontiac, which defeated Troy in Wednesday’s other semifinal, at 7 p.m. Friday.
“We were down by eight after the first quarter and still down 23-22 at the half. Mott was playing really hard and I thought was more aggressive than we were in the first half,” said Avondale coach Jeff Borja. “We made some adjustments and had some guys step up in the second half.”
Avondale forged a 38-38 tie at the end of the third quarter, thanks to a 16-15 edge in the frame. The Yellowjackets outscored the Corsairs 21-15 in the fourth stanza to pull away.
Ray Tillman scored 23 points, including 9-of-10 from the foul line in the fourth quarter, to lead Avondale (19-4). Tony Harris, who recently gave a verbal to Lake Superior State, added 16 points and Ryan Brancheau added 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Yellowjackets.
“I thought Ryan came through with one of his best games,” said Borja. “That’s what you need, seniors stepping up in the state tournament. Eric Garrison also did a great job doing the little things. He wasn’t scoring much, but he was playing some solid defense and making it hard on their guards.”
Devonte Daniel was 8-for-10 from the floor and finished with 18 points for Mott (11-10). Khali Malone added 13 points, draining a trio of three-pointers, and Anthony Jones also scored 10 for the Corsairs.
Avondale will get its anticipated district finals matchup with Pontiac, the neighboring town of Auburn Hills.
“I know the guys are looking forward to it,” said Borja. “It’s going to be a war. We’ll prepare for them the best we can.”
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Category: Auburn Hills Avondale, High School, Prep Wraps
