Detroit Leadership Academy Responds with 46–17 Win Over Bradford Academy
SOUTHFIELD, MI — January 13, 2025
By: Caleb Bushell | DVS Reporter
Detroit Leadership Academy entered the night with something to prove — and they showed it from the opening tip.
Coming off their toughest loss of the season, Detroit Leadership Academy (4–5) played with urgency and intensity, rolling past Bradford Academy (0–2) for a 46–17 victory in girls basketball action.
For Bradford, the game marked their first contest of the season, following a forfeit against Melvindale Academy for Business & Tech and a postponed matchup with Dearborn Henry Ford Academy.
First Quarter — DLA Sets the Tone (12–0)
Detroit Leadership Academy opened the game playing its brand of basketball: high-pressure defense, trapping, and forcing turnovers. The defensive intensity immediately disrupted Bradford’s rhythm, leading to rushed shots and mistakes.
DLA capitalized on those opportunities to jump out to a 12–0 lead, setting the tone early.
Second Quarter — Bradford Shows Life, DLA Responds (17–8)
Bradford Academy began to find some offensive rhythm in the second quarter, knocking down two three-pointers and jumping a passing lane for a steal to generate momentum.
Despite the push, Detroit Leadership Academy continued to force Bradford into tough possessions, maintaining control of the pace and taking a 17–8 lead into halftime.
Halftime — Defense Dictates the Game
Both teams showed defensive discipline heading into the break. Transition defense limited fast-break chances, and Bradford hustled back, forcing jump balls and contested possessions.
Still, DLA’s pressure remained the difference, keeping Bradford uncomfortable and unable to string together consistent offense.
Third Quarter — Lila Pinkston Takes Over (35–12)
The game broke open in the third quarter.
Lila Pinkston (#22) caught fire, attacking the rim and finishing through contact. Detroit Leadership Academy found their shots, got to the free-throw line, and extended the lead as Bradford struggled with turnovers and forced attempts.
Pinkston’s scoring surge powered DLA to a 35–12 advantage, and she carried that momentum into the final frame.
Fourth Quarter — DLA Closes It Out (46–17 Final)
Detroit Leadership Academy came out composed in the fourth quarter and closed the game out professionally. Pinkston continued to control the action offensively, while DLA’s defense stayed locked in.
Bradford’s Jayla Watson (#1) knocked down a late three-pointer, but DLA’s execution and defensive pressure were too much to overcome as the game wound down.
Final Score
Detroit Leadership Academy 46
Bradford Academy 17
Key Players
Detroit Leadership Academy
#22 Lila Pinkston — Player of the Game
#2 Latia Wilson
Bradford Academy
#1 Jayla Watson
#4 Makyla West
Player of the Game
Lila Pinkston (#22) — Detroit Leadership Academy
Pinkston was unstoppable in the second half, taking over the third quarter and finishing strong in the fourth to lead DLA to a dominant win.
What’s Next
Detroit Leadership Academy will face Detroit Old Redford (0–4) on Thursday, January 15, as Old Redford continues its search for a first win.
Bradford Academy looks to bounce back on Friday, January 16, against Detroit Community High School (4–4), a team capable of putting points on the board.
While the loss was lopsided, Bradford’s early-season test could serve as valuable experience moving forward.
