Friday, January 12, 2018
MPS Athletics continued its tradition of quality basketball on the biggest stage with the 4th annual City Review on Jan. 11, which featured several of Milwaukee's top teams battling at the BMO Harris Bradley Center.
“The City Review has become a hallmark event as our boys’ basketball teams kick off their conference season,” MPS Athletics Commissioner William Molbeck said. “MPS continues to increase athletic opportunities for students and this is a great way to highlight the hard work and success of our student athletes.”
The City Review is now a cornerstone MPS event, as it not only recognizes the best basketball teams from the previous season, but also because it displays what athletics and extra-curricular activities can do for the city, the district, the schools, and the students. Participating in City Review was so important for everyone involved - players, coaches, parents, referees, fans, and sponsors - and it is the perfect event to showcase MPS Athletics' latest initiative, "#whyiplay." As "Why I Play" videos rolled across the scoreboard throughout the night, the constant theme was to get involved and stay active.
"Sports and clubs... have a huge impact on our students. Our young people learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and the importance of practice," Dr. Darienne Driver, MPS Superintendent, said.
"I encourage every student to join at least one activity to feel more connected to school and the world around them."
Game 1 (Boys)
Obama SCTE 56, South Division 44
It took awhile for the teams in the event's first game to find their groove, with South's first basket coming over three minutes into the contest, and Obama failing to convert until a minute later. But the pace ramped up from there as both teams looked to create pressure and get out on the break for easy offense. Obama went into the locker room with just a seven-point halftime lead, but the Cougars quickly pushed it to double-digits thanks to 20 combined points from senior guards Jaylin Scott and Daishawn Dillard, and a highlight reel putback slam by Keenan Brooks.
"Defense is first. We don't worry about offense, because we know the offense is going to come," Scott said. "If we talk on defense, that's what [helps] us get easy buckets on offense."
Obama SCTE (8-2, 3-0)
South Division (1-9, 0-2)
Game 2 (Girls)
#4 Vincent 78, #1 King 69 (OT)
What was billed as the featured game of the day entering The City Review certainly lived up to the hype. These two top-five teams stayed within two possessions of each other through almost the entirety of the game, and traded baskets down the stretch. King center Sydnee Roby dropped 22 points, but fouled out with 5:08 remaining in regulation to open the door for the Vikings to send the game into overtime.
Vincent held just a one-point advantage midway through the OT period after a three-pointer by King sophomore Imani Colon, but the Vikings stepped up the defensive pressure to stoke an 8-0 run in the final minute. Four players finished in double-figures for Vincent, including 21 points from junior Ariel Kirkwood. Junior guard Kaye Clark led all Generals with 24 points.
Vincent (13-0, 4-0)
King (11-2, 3-1)
Game 3 (Boys)
Washington 91, Vincent 37
The "V-House" was rocking heading into the boys showdown with first-place Washington after the Vincent girls' thrilling overtime victory. Vikings guard Robert Anderson entered the game averaging over 30 points per contest, but Washington managed to limit the star junior early. Washington jumped out to a 16-0 lead just four minutes into the contest en route to their fourth straight win.
Led by four-star junior Deontay Long and freshman Michael Foster Jr., the Purgolders were able to stay focused despite their sizable lead throughout the contest. "We don't get big-headed with the points. We just keep playing as a team, and don't get selfish," Foster Jr. said.
Washington (8-2, 3-0)
Vincent (5-6, 1-2)
Game 4 (Boys)
Riverside 91, Hamilton 83
The final game of the night was a back-and-forth affair early, and Hamilton grabbed a one-point advantage at the half. Fueled by senior guard (and East Tennessee State signee) Carlos Curtis, Riverside began to seize control in the second half, but the Wildcats refused to go away.
When Riverside extended their lead to nine with seven minutes remaining, Hamilton roared right back, notching seven straight points to cut the deficit to two. But Riverside's final push proved to be too much, and a fast break dunk by Montrell Jacobs put the Tigers up 79-70 with just 2:50 left. Hamilton kept the game close by fouling late, but Riverside eventually ran out the clock.
Riverside (7-4, 3-0)
Hamilton (4-7, 0-2)
Thank you for everyone who participated in the incredible 2018 City Review. Make sure to view all of our #whyiplay videos here.
Check out the below Facebook post with pictures from the night!