Winning back-to-back state championships in high school basketball is a rare achievement. The numbers tell the story – only 15% of champions manage to defend their title. The Orchard Lake St. Mary’s basketball program has this golden opportunity, and they need to handle the pressure of chasing consecutive Division I championships. This MHSAA basketball program keeps breaking new ground. The talented players on this year’s roster want to write their names alongside Michigan’s greatest high school basketball state champions. This OLSM Team has outstanding athletes and a winning system that brought them their first Division I Championship giving them everything they need to chase another championship celebration.

Championship Legacy and Program Evolution

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s basketball legacy represents decades of excellence with five state championships highlighting the program’s strength. Their journey from early victories to the recent 2024 Division 1 crown proves the winning tradition continues to grow stronger.

Historical significance of past championships

OLSM is no stranger to winning, the program’s history includes the Class B Championship in 2000, the Division I Championship in 2024, and a 27-1 record that led to their first Division I/Class A Title in the school’s history.

Program transformation under Coach Covert

Coach Todd Covert’s nine-year leadership has reshaped the scene of the program. “We’ve been dreaming about this a long time,” reflected Covert, whose vision has given this team a new identity. The OLSM Boys Basketball program stands as a powerhouse because it focuses on core principles – aggressive defense and board domination.

Building a sustainable winning culture

It’s not hard to see, this team practices what they preach. They’ve built a winning culture that comes from excellence both on and off the court. Three things are evident with this team, they focus on defensive fundamentals, emphasis on rebounding, and player accountability and development and the offense usually takes care of itself. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s basketball program shows a steadfast dedication towards winning while continuing the high standard they demand of these kids during the challenges of today’s high school athletics. Coach Covert’s guidance has created an environment where success isn’t just expected – they pursue it systematically through hard work, dedication, and intense focus on core principles.

Key Players and Leadership

This team is led by two Seniors who, going into this season, have a history. Without a doubt, Senior phenom Trey McKenney’s exceptional talent stands at the heart of this team’s championship aspirations. His presence has reshaped the Orchard Lake St. Mary’s basketball program into a powerhouse. With McKenney, entering his Senior year, he has become a player who can instantly take control of a game. He has continued to get better statistically since his Sophomore year when he averaged 25.4 PPG and 11.1 RPG. This team has fostered a roster of emerging talents that support McKenney’s leadership. But Sharod Barnes is the motor that runs this bus. Now a three-year veteran, he plays like a quiet assassin and contributes 14 points, 4 assists, and 5 rebounds per game. It’s apparent when these two are on the court together, OLSM’s offense clicks like a well-oiled machine. Another Senior to watch is 6’6″ forward Jayden Savoury, who adds versatility to the forward position and is showing signs of being a solid rebounder and contributor.

Senior leadership effect

The team’s senior leadership has promoted an exceptional level of chemistry. This unity creates an environment where the younger players thrive and learn from experienced teammates while contributing to the winning culture. McKenney’s dominance and Barnes’ floor control, combined with the emerging players’ development and strong senior leadership, has built a roster that perfectly balances experience and potential. The Orchard Lake St. Mary’s basketball program stands ready for another championship run.

Schedule strength and competition analysis

Their 27-1 record last year showcases the competitive schedule’s strength. With wins over the likes of tough top-ranked programs like Detroit U of D Jesuit, Warren De La Salle Collegiate, and Brother Rice. These types of challenging games prepare them for tournament play’s intensity. They’ve shown the ability to perform under pressure with decisive victories in both Catholic League and Non-League play. 

Challenges of Repeating as Champions

Each victory this year by Orchard Lake St. Mary’s basketball program makes them an even bigger target. The No. 1 ranking in Michigan creates unique challenges that will test the resilience of this team each and every game.

Maintaining team chemistry

The team’s success depends on staying composed during intense moments this season. Defending this title brings physical challenges in every game. Opponents on this level make it a practice to study opponents’ patterns and force them to adapt constantly. This team has the core and character which enables them to take pressure from other teams’ adjustments and turn them into points. This type of pressure shapes this team and pushes them to keep the winning tradition at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s strong.

OLSM wants back-to-back Division I championships. This means more than just defending the title. It shows the program’s steadfast dedication to excellence. McKenney leads by example with plus 24.0 points per game and will carry this type of play on to the University of Michigan. Barnes as a floor general has a lot he would like to add to his resume before moving on to Western Michigan next year, so this could definitely prove to be an exciting Senior year for both these young men. The roster’s depth and chemistry have built a strong foundation. They can handle the pressure of being Michigan’s top-ranked team and they have a winning culture that runs on pressure. Last year’s 27-1 record proves they can compete against any team they face. Teams target Top Ranked Teams more aggressively now, but if this OLSM team can stay composed and united when it matters most, then every challenge they face will make them stronger and bring them closer to winning consecutive state titles.

The mission at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s carries huge responsibility. The championship history pushes them forward and they know that greatness needs constant progress and deep commitment. With their talent, preparation, and drive, I think they are ready to add another chapter to the program’s rich history. “One thing is for sure, if these boys go out and have fun this season, it’s going to be a long season for the rest of the league!”