Rockford Edges Auburn Hills Avondale 38–35 in Defensive State Semifinal Battle
EAST LANSING, MI — March 13, 2026
By Donovan Fann | Detroit Varsity Sports
Auburn Hills Avondale’s impressive season came to a heartbreaking end Friday afternoon at the Breslin Center, as Rockford defeated the Yellow Jackets 38–35 in a tightly contested Division 1 State Semifinal.
In a game dominated by defense and momentum swings, both teams fought for every possession from start to finish.
First Quarter
Avondale opened the game with the first possession and the first points, but Rockford quickly responded.
Rockford’s #2 Dylan Gross caught fire early, knocking down multiple three-pointers to give the Rams an 8–2 lead. Avondale struggled with early mistakes and turnovers but found a spark when #4 Justin Sykes connected on a three-pointer to close the gap.
Rockford maintained the lead as the quarter ended 11–6.
Rockford 11, Avondale 6
Second Quarter
Avondale came out energized to start the second quarter.
#10 Noah Bonds scored early to bring the Yellow Jackets within one point at 11–10, and their defense began creating turnovers. Avondale briefly took the lead 12–11 after a strong finish from #5 Jakobe Louris.
Rockford regrouped after a timeout and regained offensive rhythm. A long three-pointer from Rockford #5 Eli Wolfe helped swing momentum back to the Rams, who took a 20–17 lead into halftime.
Halftime: Rockford 20, Avondale 17
Third Quarter
The third quarter remained a defensive battle.
Rockford earned several trips to the free-throw line, which helped them maintain a slim advantage. Avondale continued fighting back, and a last-second putback from #5 Jakobe Louris cut the deficit to just two points heading into the final quarter.
Rockford 27, Avondale 25
Fourth Quarter
Avondale’s #1 Jaidon Bourgeois stepped up early in the fourth quarter, tying the game 27–27 as the Yellow Jackets tried to build momentum.
Rockford answered with strong play inside from #24 Jake Bascom, who made key baskets in the paint to keep the Rams in front.
With just over two minutes remaining, Rockford led 34–29, but Avondale refused to quit. Big plays from #1 Jaidon Bourgeois and #5 Jakobe Louris brought the Yellow Jackets within one point at 34–33, igniting the Avondale student section.
Late free throws proved to be the difference. After Avondale cut the lead to 36–35, Rockford’s #12 Josh Bascom calmly knocked down two clutch free throws in the final seconds.
Rockford closed out the game 38–35, advancing to the Division 1 State Championship.
Final: Rockford 38, Avondale 35
Final Takeaway
This semifinal matchup was a defensive battle from start to finish, with both teams trading momentum throughout the game.
Avondale fought until the final seconds, but Rockford’s composure at the free-throw line and timely scoring in the closing moments secured the victory.
The loss ends an impressive season for Auburn Hills Avondale, who finished the year as one of the top teams in Division 1.
