David Goricki’s state finals MVPs

David Goricki of The Detroit News picks his most valuable players from the boys basketball state championship games.

Class A

Cassius Winston, senior guard, Detroit Jesuit: Winston was never better than in the championship game, contributing 31 points and nine assists while making 14-of-16 shots from the field in a 69-49 win over North Farmington for the Cubs’ first state championship. He also had a strong performance in the 72-51 semifinal win (27 points, 12 assists) over Macomb Dakota.

Class B

Kavon Bey, senior forward, Detroit Henry Ford: After a 21-point, eight-rebound effort in a 70-48 semifinal rout of Williamston, Bey gave up seven inches and several pounds to 6-foot-11 Braden Burke of Stevensville Lakeshore in the title game, neutralizing him for most of the first half while Henry Ford led 27-13 in an eventual 61-47 victory. It was the first state championship for Henry Ford.

Class C

Malik Ellison, junior guard, Flint Beecher: Ellison’s 25-footer at the buzzer lifted Beecher to a dramatic 60-59 semifinal win over Detroit Loyola, then he made sure his team successfully defended its title, winning four championships in the last five years with a 21-point effort in a 63-61 title game win over Grandville Calvin Christian.

Class D

Dawson Bilski, junior guard, Powers North Central: Bilski made 7-of-12 3-pointers at Breslin, including three in the first half to help North Central battle back from an early deficit against Waterford Lakes in the championship game – while star teammate Jason Whitens struggled in the game’s first 14 minutes – to earn a 59-48 victory to repeat as unbeaten state champs. Bilski scored 15 and had four steals in the final.