By BUTCH HARMON
The Saginaw High School boys basketball team is on a mission.
After winning the Class A state title in 2012, the Trojans fell to Detroit Southeastern in the state semifinals last year. Not only does Saginaw want to get back to the Breslin Center this March, but it also wants to take home the grand prize again.
“Oh yes, we want to get back,” senior point guard Keyon Addison said. “Our goal is always to get to the Breslin, and not just get there, but make it to the second day and win it all. That is always our goal.”
Winning a Class A state basketball title in Michigan is never easy, but the Trojans have the players that can make it happen, starting with Addison.
“Keyon is real focused,” head coach Julian Taylor said. “He is a real vocal leader, and he also leads by example. He understands what the team needs to be successful, and that is to play in attack mode. Both on offense and on defense.”
Utilizing their speed and quickness on both ends of the floor is a key to success for the Trojans. “Our strong point is our tempo,” Addison said. “We want to push the ball and create more opportunity to score.”
Addison is joined in the backcourt by freshman guard Ronquavious Southward.
“We expect big things out of Ronquavious,” Taylor said. “He’s pretty explosive with the ball.”
Saginaw also has outstanding players in the front court. Senior Jerry Smith (6’4″) returns along with sophomore Algevon Eichelberger (6’7″).
“Jerry is real solid for us,” Taylor said. “Algevon is also a lot stronger this year. He has been finishing real strong around the basket, and he continues to block shots on defense. His strength also allows him to keep his balance more. He’s staying on his feet and is able to get the offensive rebounds if he does miss a shot.”
As always, Saginaw will be battling it out with crosstown rival Arthur Hill for the Saginaw Valley Conference championship and then in the district tournament.
“We always have great games with them, but our focus is on one game at a time,” Taylor said. “We have a tough schedule with a lot of tough non-league games that will get us prepared for the tournament. We play Detroit Douglass, Detroit Consortium, Gary Bowan, Romulus, and Detroit Henry Ford. It’s a real tough schedule, and we need to take it one game at a time.”
If the Trojans take care of business, they certainly have the squad capable of reaching their ultimate goal.
“Our potential is sky high,” Addison said. “All we have to do is come to practice and work hard and listen to coach, and that will take us all the way.”
Taylor also believes that is possible. “I feel we have the team to make a successful tournament run,” he said. “Our goal is to get back to the Breslin. We need to play and practice hard and continue to work and stay humble, and things will fall into place.”