David Goricki’s boys basketball state finals MVPs

David Goricki of The Detroit News selects the top player in each class for the 2018 boys basketball state finals.

CLASS A

Foster Loyer, Sr., G, Clarkston: Loyer showed why he received the title of Mr. Basketball, scoring 42 in a 74-49 semifinal win over Warren De La Salle, followed by a 40-point performance in an 81-38 title game win over Holland West Ottawa to help Clarkston repeat as state champions. For the weekend, the MSU-bound point guard made 26-of-36 shots, including 13-of-22 3-pointers and 17-of-18 free throws.

CLASS B

Carlos “Scooby” Johnson, So., F, Benton Harbor: After putting on a solid performance (nine points, nine rebounds, six blocks) in a semifinal win over River Rouge, Johnson stepped up and had 24 points and 11 rebounds in a 65-64 overtime win over Grand Rapids Catholic Central in the title game, making a 3-pointer with 12 seconds left for the difference.

CLASS C

Pierre Mitchell, 6-1, Sr., G, Detroit Edison: The CMU-bound Mitchell made sure Edison would end the season as both PSL and state champs. He scored 14 of his 17 points during the final 5 1-2 minutes of the third quarter to rally his team back from a 25-21 deficit to a 39-31 lead. Edison went on to defeat Maple City Glen Lake 53-38.

CLASS D

Harlond Beverly, Jr., G, Southfield Christian: Beverly, who has offers from Michigan State, Ohio State and Xavier, made sure Southfield Christian would get off to good starts, scoring six during a game-opening 16-0 run in a semifinal win over previously unbeaten Dollar Bay Thursday, then scoring his team’s first 11 points, contributing 14 points and four steals in the opening quarter to help his team take a 21-7 start in a eventual 64-54 title win over Buckley.