Bloomfield Hills girls basketball earns first league title in school history

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Bloomfield Hills girls basketball could only improve after finishing 3-17 and in the abyss of the Oakland Activities Association-White division, but how much, was the question.

In her second year as head coach, Kristen Massey had one goal in mind to get her team on the right track.

“Culture,” Massey said. “So, we have a great group of girls, and they want to work hard. We just established a culture of working hard and taking it one day at a time.”

After winning the school’s first-ever league title in the OAA-Blue and finishing the regular season 18-3, it’s safe to say Bloomfield Hills’ culture is at an all-time high.

Although a loss to Birmingham Groves in the first round of the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 state tournament ended its season, Bloomfield Hills has solid ground to build off of going into next season.

Behind a slew of senior leaders, Bloomfield Hills’ mix of talent and experience made the program a divisional threat this season.

When it came down to a league-deciding game against Farmington High, Bloomfield Hills’ seniors rose to the occasion like they have all season.

“My seniors are leaders,” Massey said. “One of the things I love about my seniors is they do what they’re asked of them from coaches, and their roles are significant. One thing we preach in the program is even if their roles are different, their roles are significant. They push that chemistry, and they always support the team. We wouldn’t be where we are without them the last couple years.”

Seniors Kailey Eckert, Gabrielle Porter, Michaya Paulateer, Thalia Pierre, Karen Callahan and Nicole Katrib headlined the leadership core this season.

Allowing 24 points per game this season defensively, Pierre anchored the defense alongside juniors Ruby Smith (center), Ashley Forner (guard/forward) and Michele Barnett (guard).

“We do pride ourselves on defense,” Massey said. “Defense, to me, is effort. You need the pride, the skill and the effort, and that’s something we push in practice. Everyone buys in on the defense.”

While the upperclassmen forefronted the defensive unit, sophomore standout Brianna Young (guard/forward) made her presence felt on the floor.

As a starter for Bloomfield Hills as a freshman, Young’s extra year of experience solidified her as one of the best defenders in the OAA this season.

Massey said Young’s growth is limitless.

“She’s awesome; she’s a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end,” Massey said. “She’s arguably one of the best defenders in the state.”

While Young represented the youth on the defensive side, freshman forward Brielle Brooks was impressive on the offensive end.

Bloomfield Hills averaged just over 60 points per game this season, including 69 points per game in its last four matchups.

Massey said the offense’s success was courtesy of the team’s solidified chemistry on the court.

“I think, sometimes, in high school, you don’t need a complicated offense,” Massey said. “We have each person, and chemistry. We know what each person wants to do and we play in the confides of ourselves, and that’s our recipe for a good offense.”

While a healthy number of seniors are set to graduate, the team’s history-making season is something to celebrate regardless of the season’s final outcome.

Massey said the team should be proud of their feat.

“As a coach, I don’t think I can put into words how happy I was for them.”