Detroit Renaissance Holds Off DeWitt 32-28, Advances to State Championship

EAST LANSING, MI — March 20, 2026

By Caleb Bushell | DVS Reporter

Detroit Renaissance survived a physical, defensive battle to defeat DeWitt 32–28 at the Breslin Center, punching their ticket to the MHSAA Division 1 Girls Basketball State Championship.

In a game where offense was hard to come by, the Phoenix relied on defense, toughness, and clutch free throws late to secure the win.

1st Quarter – Defensive Battle Early

Both teams struggled to find rhythm offensively in the opening quarter, as defense set the tone on both ends.

DeWitt controlled the glass early, pulling down 13 rebounds, but Detroit Renaissance countered with strong rim protection, recording 4 blocks to stay within reach.

DeWitt held a narrow 7–6 lead after one.

2nd Quarter – Physical Play Continues

The physicality increased in the second quarter, with both teams attacking the paint and making every possession a battle.

Easy scoring opportunities were limited, as interior defense dominated. DeWitt managed to maintain control heading into halftime, leading 17–14 in a low-scoring contest.

3rd Quarter – Renaissance Takes Control

Detroit Renaissance came out of halftime with a noticeable shift in energy.

Their defense created turnovers, which turned into fast-break opportunities on the other end. Improved ball movement helped the Phoenix find better looks offensively, allowing them to take control of the game.

By the end of the third quarter, Renaissance had flipped the game and built a 26–19 lead.

4th Quarter – Clutch Finish

Detroit Renaissance looked to slow the pace and control the clock early in the fourth quarter, but DeWitt refused to go away.

The Panthers knocked down two big shots and forced a steal to cut the deficit to just two points with 32 seconds remaining, putting pressure on the Phoenix down the stretch.

After missed free throws, Detroit Renaissance regained possession with 23.5 seconds left and returned to the line, where they knocked down two clutch free throws to seal the 32–28 victory.

Final Thoughts

This was a game defined by defense, toughness, and execution in key moments.

Detroit Renaissance made the necessary adjustments in the second half and delivered when it mattered most, showing composure under pressure.

With the win, the Phoenix advance to the Division 1 State Championship, where they will face Muskegon.