History unfolded in Michigan boys high school basketball last year as Orchard Lake St. Mary’s clinched their first Division 1 state championship in 2024. The Eaglets dominated with an impressive 27-1 record and claimed their fifth overall title, their first since 2000. This championship game marked a special milestone – the first Division 1 final between Oakland County’s schools, St. Mary’s and North Farmington. Trey McKenney led the charge with a remarkable 32 points and 10 rebounds. The team displayed nerves of steel and sank 17 of 18 free throws in the fourth quarter. St. Mary’s championship run could extend into 2025, as they aim to achieve something extraordinary – consecutive state titles.
St. Mary’s Dominates 2024 MHSAA Basketball Championship
The Eaglets’ championship trip ended with a fierce battle against North Farmington at Michigan State University’s Breslin Center. Junior standout Trey McKenney showed his exceptional skills throughout the game. He matched North Farmington’s entire team score early in the fourth quarter.
McKenney Guides Historic Title Run
McKenney’s remarkable performance became the deciding factor in the championship game. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound junior guard’s versatility shone through as he shot an impressive 8-for-11 from the floor with two vital three-pointers. His perfect 14-for-14 performance from the free-throw line showed his composure under pressure.
“We knew North Farmington would play us hard because we beat them last year in the playoffs, so we managed to keep our humility and focused on winning,” McKenney said after his outstanding 32-point, 10-rebound performance.
Team Sets New School Records
The Eaglets’ collective excellence became evident in their exceptional free-throw shooting. The team converted an astounding 28 of 30 attempts from the charity stripe and achieved a remarkable 93.3% success rate. Sharrod Barnes added 11 points while shooting perfectly at the free-throw line during key moments.
Coach Todd Covert’s focus on fundamentals became a vital part of the team’s success. “Those free throws represent countless early morning practice sessions. These players accept pressure rather than avoiding it,” Covert said.
This championship victory held special meaning as St. Mary’s reached several historic milestones:
- First Division 1 state title in school history
- Fifth overall championship, spanning multiple Divisions
- First state championship since their Class B victory in 2000
The Eaglets dominated throughout the season in 2024 with a stellar 27-1 record. Their success reached beyond the state tournament when they secured the Catholic League Bishop Division championship by defeating Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice.
St. Mary’s managed to keep their composure despite intense defensive pressure and physical play. Barnes reflected on the challenges: “As the top-ranked team, we knew everyone would target us. Notwithstanding that, we stayed focused on the details and competed at the highest level”.
The championship game’s intensity reached its peak in the fourth quarter. Coach Covert described it as “the longest quarter of my life,” yet praised his team’s resilience through the storm. The victory verified their season-long number-one ranking and set a new standard of excellence for the program’s future.
How Does 2025 Roster Reshape Title Defense?
St. Mary’s championship roster looks slightly different from last year’s team as the team gets ready to defend their title in 2025. The team keeps its strength with returning players and brings in new talent to improve its competitive edge.
Key Players Return for Another Run
Trey McKenney (Michigan), a 6’4″ powerhouse guard, leads the returning lineup. His strong court presence and exceptional scoring make him the lifeblood of the Eaglets’ title defense strategy. Sharod Barnes (Western Michigan) brings his 6’2″ frame and proven leadership back to the team.
New Talents Join Championship Core
The team welcomes promising additions like Luke Crighton, a versatile 6’4″ forward who adds more height to the roster. Mateen Cleaves Jr., at 6’3″, joins the team with his family’s rich basketball legacy. Quincy Wright, a towering 6’8″ forward, makes the team’s frontcourt stronger by a lot.
Coach Covert Builds Deeper Bench
Coach Todd Covert has strengthened the bench through focused player development. The roster now features talent across all positions:
- Bruce Haynes (6’3″) and Kareem Pruitt (6’4″) boost the wing positions
- Garrit Govier (6’6″) and Jayden Savory (6’6″) add vital frontcourt depth
- Isaiah Hines (6’0″) provides extra backcourt support
The new roster focuses on versatility, and players can handle multiple positions effectively. Dillan Arafat stands 6’4″ tall and shows this adaptability well. Christian Leighton’s 6’3″ frame gives the team more defensive options.
Coach Covert blends experienced leaders with emerging talent to keep the team’s championship DNA intact. The roster now has a height advantage in all positions, especially in the frontcourt where players stand taller than 6’4″.
This mix of returning champions and fresh talent puts St. Mary’s in a great position to defend their title. The team’s depth chart shows better versatility that allows tactical adjustments throughout the season.
What Challenges Lay Ahead?
No team has won back-to-back championships in Michigan high school basketball since 2007. St. Mary’s faces several tough obstacles to repeat their historic championship victory. OLSM has played, maybe the toughest schedule of all MHSAA schools which is why they are firmly in the Top 5 in Division I while sporting a 14-6 record. This team’s playoff experience along with the talented play of Trey McKenney and Sharrod Barnes, sets them up as the team to beat in the 2025 run for the title. With teams such as U of D Jesuit, Warren Fitzgerald, Detroit King, and East Lansing, along with an up-and-coming Detroit Cass team, the road ahead will not be a given.
St. Mary’s exceptional trip through Michigan basketball history proves their excellence, determination, and smart planning.
The team secured their first Division 1 state championship with outstanding performances and crucial free-throw shooting. This victory marks the start of their bold goals ahead.
The leadership of Trey McKenney and Sharrod Barnes keeps the team’s foundation rock-solid. The improved roster now includes talented players like Mateen Cleaves Jr. and Quincy Wright. Michigan high school basketball rarely sees back-to-back championships. Yet St. Mary’s detailed preparation and stronger depth chart give them a good shot at repeating as State Champions.
The team faces its biggest hurdles with tougher schedules and higher expectations. Coach Covert focuses on fundamentals and player development that prepare the team for these challenges. St. Mary’s mix of seasoned leaders and rising talent creates a winning formula for long-term success.
The Eaglets want more than just another title – they aim to build a lasting legacy in Michigan basketball. Their success story shows other programs how to achieve lasting excellence through disciplined preparation, smart roster building, and steadfast dedication to team fundamentals. We will be watching this St. Mary’s team closely as they make their run for the first ever Division 1 Championship repeat.
