HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL
Whiteford ousted in regional final
Lake finishes with 47 points
3/13/2014CLINTON, Mich. — Whiteford not only ran into one of the best teams in the state Wednesday, it also ran into one of the best players in the country.
The result was a 91-61 season-ending loss to Detroit Consortium in a Class C boys basketball regional final with Colin Lake finishing his career at Whiteford with 47 points.
Josh Jackson, a 6-foot-8 guard-forward, scored 29 points to lead the Cougars into next week’s state quarterfinals. He impressed everyone in the crowd with his easy dunks, rebounding and shooting touch.
“They were such a good basketball team,” Whiteford coach Jim Ross said. “We knew we would have to play a great game to stay with them. I was happy with our second half and how we battled. We never quit.”
Whiteford fell behind by scores of 4-0, 18-2 and 24-8 in the first quarter. Jackson and teammate Kenneth Turner had thunderous dunks to get Consortium rolling despite its starting point guard Ronald Booth picking up three first quarter fouls.
Lake’s career came to a close in tremendous fashion.
The 5-7 point guard scored 47 points for the Bobcats, including a stretch in which he scored 42 straight for his team. He finished three points shy of the school single-game scoring record. But, with a 21-point second quarter, Lake managed to pass former Bedford cager Jackson Lamb for the all-time career scoring lead in Monroe County. Lake scored 1,925 career points.
“I used to play football with Jackson Lamb,” Lake said. “I’ve known him a long time and he was a great athlete. To even be mentioned with him is pretty cool.”
Lake’s stellar career came to a finish holding numerous Bobcat scoring records. Whiteford coach Jim Ross said it will virtually impossible to replace him.
“You’re talking about really rebuilding the team,” Ross said. “He’s been our scorer and our ball handler for four years. I’ve never had a player as dedicated as he is and may never again. He gives 100 percent all of the time and he always did.”
Lake also earned praise from Consortium (21-2) coach Tobias Tuomi.
“He’s a player,” Tuomi said. “He can play anywhere and play for anybody. He hit a lot of tough shots tonight.”
Seniors Zack Perry, Troy Diller and Chris Sims also completed their careers for Whiteford (19-5).
“I haven’t seen some of the other teams play, but I’d say they could [win it all],” Ross said. “I don’t think they’ve even played their best basketball yet.”