Southeastern at Denby

Detroit- The PSL East got shook up yesterday as Denby used a 79-73 win over Southeastern to pass the Jungaleers in the league standings.  Actually the shook up probably took place over the summer when the core of Finney’s team decided to go separate ways, most notably 6-6 Isaiah Sykes and 6-7 Brandon Williams landing at Denby.

Due to the transfer rules, Denby struggled early this season with Sykes and Williams forced to sit out.  But now the Tars are in full swing and it showed yesterday.

The Tars jumped out to a 7-2 lead thanks to 5 quick points from Sykes.  Southeastern started the game playing man defense and Denby took advantage by attacking the basket.  The Jungaleers got a lift from the play of Brandan Kearney, who moved over to the point guard position due to Carlos Carter being suspended for the game after being ejected in Tuesday’s game against Pershing.  Kearney’s 15 footer made the score 9-6 with 4:40 left in the first.   

Derrick Barden then made a huge impact on the game.  The 6-3 wing threw down a pair of dunks, and then hit a 3-pointer from the wing to lead Denby to a 26-17 lead after one quarter of play.

Another Barden 3-pointer gave Denby a 34-21 lead early in the second quarter.  Coming out of a timeout S.E. switched to a 1-2-2 zone that finally took away Denby’s ability to drive at will.  The switch to zone, along with the play from reserve Ed Davis allowed Southeastern to cut the halftime deficit to 39-31.  Davis, a football standout, used his strength and pure hustle to bring some much needed energy to the Jungaleers.

Denby had a very impressive first half but the Tars some how raised their level of play in the second half.  A Williams open court dunk made the score 46-33. 

SE answered with their own run and a “BK” steal and assist to Percy Gibson cut the lead to single digits with 4:42 remaining in the third.

However Denby finished the quarter flawlessly.  A handful of careless turnovers led to open dunks for the Tars and the lead quickly was built to 57-37.  Denby built their biggest lead to 61-38 on a two hand tip dunk from Williams that sent the crowd in an uproar. 

Credit goes to SE for “manning up” and refusing to be blown out.  “BK” started the run with a stretch of 9 straight points and 3 steals to cut the lead to 63-49 with 5:07 to play.  Devontae Carter also got the hot hand and the lead was suddenly down to 10 points. 

Denby was able to hold on late though and a one hand dunk from Sykes sealed the win with 30 seconds to play. 

Denby now controls their own destiny for the PSL playoffs and can secure a spot Tuesday against Pershing.  Southeastern can only hope for Pershing to win, forcing a tie for second place between SE and Denby.  The top two teams in each division get in. 

But this newly formed Denby team is tough and I believe are now the favorites to win the PSL.  The have just too much size, athleticism, and strength for most teams to counter with.   

Barden led Denby with 28 points, Sykes added 24 points, and Williams chipped in with 18. 

Southeastern was led by Carters’ 23 points and Kearney’s 15.