Mission accomplished: Niles Brandywine captures MHSAA Division 3 state championship

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The Niles Brandywine boys basketball team entered the season on a mission to finish what it started last season when it exceeded its goals by getting to the state semifinals.

Mission accomplished.

The Bobcats completed what they set out to do Saturday, capturing the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 3 state championship with a 56-48 victory over Detroit Old Redford at Michigan State's Breslin Center.

The state title was the first in program history for Brandywine.

"It's kind of like revenge from last year," Brandywine's Byron Linley said. "We wanted it even more. Last year (a state title) wasn't even a goal. We just wanted to win (a) district and conference (title). This year after losing last year, we really wanted it. That means a lot to all of us and the community.."

Brandywine, whose only other team state titles in school history were captured by its baseball program in 1987 and 2001, was led by Jaremiah Palmer's game-high 18 points as it completed its season with a 26-3 record. Jamier Palmer had eight points and Ja'Torian Smith had seven points and 10 rebounds for the Bobcats.

A big third quarter helped Brandywine, which was ranked No. 3 in the final Associated Press poll, gain control on its way to making history with twins Jaremiah and Jamier Palmer setting the tone. Jaremiah Palmer opened the third quarter with a steal and a dunk. Jamier Palmer followed with a steal and a layup. Those baskets were part of a 9-0 run to open the quarter and gave Brandywine a lead it wouldn't relinquish.

"The way that the game went and when it was in the balance in the third quarter, we came out and imposed our will," Brandywine coach Nate Knapp said. "Defensively we kind of got that cushion. I think that was the difference in the game."

Brandywine led by as much as 13 in the second half while completing the mission it started days after its season ended last winter in the state semifinals with a loss to Traverse City St. Francis. Knapp said players were back in the gym working the Monday following that semifinal loss.

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Seeing things come together like they did this season was rewarding for the Bobcats.

"Our goal was to come here and win it and finish it off and go out in a good way and win state like how we did," Jaremiah Palmer said.

Brock Dye agreed.

"It's every kids' dream, especially in your senior year," Dye said. "(When) you're shooting in your driveway, every kids' dream is to go out with a win. One team does that. Luckily we're the team to do that. It's been one crazy ride and there's no better way to end it than with a state title."

Contact Brian Calloway at bcalloway@lsj.com. Follow him on X @brian_calloway..

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: MHSAA boys basketball: Brandywine claims Division 3 state title