By Brandon Bean
Sports Writer
The Miami Heat has LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh – a trio known as the Big Three. But as for the Southfield High Blue Jay basketball team, it’s all about the number four.
The Blue Jay basketball team has three consecutive district championships. This year they will be competing for their fourth.
And looking at this year’s roster, they are poised to do it.
Consider this : “During an everyday scrimmage during the first official practice, senior guard Marquis Calhoun eradicated a defender’s ankles,drove,the tossed a no-look-alley-oop pass to 6’7” sophmore center Isaiah Green. Before 10 seconds expired on the game clock,he then stole the ball right back off a poor inbounds pass,bounce passed it to senior guard Quintin Arnold for an esay wide open two-hand jam, then stole the ball back again during transition defense and hit senior sharp-shooting guard Earl Swift for a quick three.
Senior Paris McCurdy claims it’s not luck, it’s just dominance. “When you put in the hours we put in, you’re going to be the best. No other team in the state is putting in the work and effort we do every day to prepare for this season. That’s a fact,” says McCurdy. “After this season, look for our team picture in the dictionary next to amazing,” he jokes.
But for Swfit, the time for joking and playing is over. One of the more notable recruits in Michigan, he has been a part of this varsity squad since his freshman year and he knows what it takes to become a champion. “This team is so great because we push each other and do whatever we can to make this team progress each and every day,” says Swift, “Every time I step on the court, I’ll fight, grind, and give 120 percent to my team.”
Swift, with his exceptional scoring abilities, has been one of the best weapons for the Blue Jays for years, and gladly accepts his role of putting the team on his back, and leading his team to victory. “In the end (our team) is a family, and family comes first,” says Swift.
The ultimate goal in the Blue Jay locker room is to be in the Final Four at Michigan State’s Breslin Center, competing for a state title, but the Blue Jays understand that winning districts must come first. And the significance of competing for a fourth district championship in a row has instilled a sense in the Blue Jay squad that settling for anything less than a trophy is not an option.
Senior Guard Marquis Calhoun has high expectations for the team this season. “This is the year to do it,” he says, “We have the heart, the talent, the dedication, the will, and the same unselfish goals to get the job done,” Calhoun says. “Every day I see my teammates hungry to be better than they were the day before.”
Calhoun notes that the drive of his team mates is a motivating factor for himself to be better. “I wouldn’t trade any of my teammates for any other players in the world,” says Calhoun.
With this star-studded team, who would want to?
Equipped with only three seniors the previous season – Ron Thompson, Brandon Watkins and Donald Brown – seeking out the right senior leadership had been a persistent issue. This year, however, Southfield High has tripled the senior leadership with nine seniors leading the way. While senior leadership and talent is a key for any team looking for triumph, no team can achieve success without a great coach. Head coach Gary Teasley has quite an impressive history of winning. He had led Southfield to multiple district and regional championships, as well as making it to the Class A quarterfinals for two straight years, four times total. “My passion has not changed at all. I still get really excited about basketball and am honored to be a part of such a program,” says Teasley, “I’m even more proud of the work and the contributions of these individuals working with these young student athletes, I’m extremely confident going into this season.”
The Blue Jays have the seasoned coaching, athletes, and program for success. These ingredients could make the perfect recipe for a four-peat district championship team.
The Blue Jays are scheduled to play three home games in December. They plays Pontiac High School Dec. 13, at 4 p.m., Avondale on Dec. 18, at 4 p,.m. and Southfield-Lathrup on Dec. 20, also at 4 p.m.