Posted Saturday, February 20, 2021

   Division 2 powerhouse Detroit Edison Public School Academy continues to dominate the best competition from all divisions.

   Edison, top-ranked regardless of division by every media outlet in the state, raced out to a 17-3 early lead and fought off Division 1 state championship contender and defending Detroit Public School League champion Detroit Renaissance 68-59 on Saturday, Feb. 20, in front of a loud crowd at Renaissance.

   “That’s probably one of the best starts that (I’ve) had here at Edison,” head coach Monique Brown said. “Renaissance is good, and for us to start the game like that with a bunch of freshmen and to hold that lead because they bring pressure and things like that so it was awesome.”

   Renaissance kept the game competitive in the second half, but the lead rarely was under double digits.

   Michigan State University-bound and Miss Basketball contender Damiya Hagemann led all scorers with 23 points for Edison. Junior Ruby Whitehorn, who has offers from Michigan, Michigan State University, Mississippi State, LSU, Florida, Duke, and Oklahoma, scored 20 points.  Senior Madisen Wardell had 15 points.

   Senior guard Kailee Davis scored 22 points and senior Shannon Wheeler

Photos: StudentandAthlete

Detroit Edison Public School Academy junior Ruby Whitehorn (4) drives to the basket against Detroit Renaissance on Saturday.

added 11 for Renaissance (3-2).

    The Pioneers improved to 4-0 on the delayed season.

    Edison beat Bloomfield Hills Marian (65-49) to open the delayed season on Feb. 9, dominated Muskegon (86-48) on Feb. 13, and downed Grass Lake (65-50) on Feb. 16.

   Edison had won three straight Michigan High School Athletic Association championships (Division 2 in 2019 and Class C titles in 2018 and 2017). The Pioneers were undefeated (23-0), ranked No. 1, and had reached the Region 14 championship in 2020 before the season was cancelled due to the pandemic. They have not lost a game since 2018.

 

Additional coverage:

> Edison plays beyond its years in victory over Renaissance

> Huge start for top-ranked Detroit Edison girls basketball leads to 68-59 win over Renaissance

> How Detroit Edison girls, Hamtramck boys aced their early tests against rivals

> Ruby Whitehorn thrives in expanded role with top-ranked Detroit Edison girls basketball

Detroit Edison Public School Academy senior Damiya Hagemann (0) scores against Detroit Renaissance on Saturday.

Detroit Edison Public School Academy senior Madisen Wardell (15) scores against Detroit Renaissance on Saturday.