Lathrup Village, Southfield

Southfield-Lathrup boys basketball downs Southfield High

By Christian Davis
C & G Sports Writer

» Click on image to view full size « Photo by Patricia O'Blenes Southfield-Lathrup's Johnny Slater take the ball upcourt as Southfield High defenders give chase. Photo by Patricia O'Blenes Southfield-Lathrup's Johnny Slater take the ball upcourt as Southfield High defenders give chase.

For the first time since 2006, according to Southfield-Lathrup boys basketball coach Mike Avery, the Chargers have swept the season series against Southfield High.

Lathrup beat the Blue Jays 61-53 Feb. 17 at Southfield.

After trailing by five points at the half, the Chargers found their stride.

“We knew they were going to come out strong. We regained our composure in the second half and settled in,” he said.

Southfield was also able to take advantage early on because of Lathrup's foul trouble. Specifically, Lathrup junior Jonathan Williams was called for two quick fouls to start the first and sat out much of the first half.

“It was just frustrating, but I had to get my head back in the game, go out there and play with two fouls and play smart,” he said.

Williams made a difference with his return midway through the second quarter. After not scoring a point in the first, he finished with seven in the last five minutes of the half to go along with his game-high 20.

“Jonathan Williams is no secret to anybody; he’s our go-to guy,” Avery said. “We were patient the first half and in the second half I knew it was a matter of time before he turned it on. He got a lot of other guys involved, as well.”

Southfield led 29-24 to start the third and even held a one-point advantage early in the fourth, but coach Gary Teasley said his young team has to learn how to finish.

“If the game was two quarters long, my whole demeanor would be different,” he said. "We have to find a way to score consistently for four quarters.”

With the win, Lathrup goes to 12-5 overall and 6-3 in the Oakland Activities Association Red Division; Southfield falls to 7-10 and 3-7 in the Blue.
 

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1062.