Wayne Memorial Pulls Away Late to Defeat Detroit Renaissance, 55–33 (Girls Basketball)
DETROIT, MI — December 14, 2025
By: Caleb Bushell | DVS Reporter
Wayne Memorial turned a tightly contested first half into a dominant second-half performance, using relentless defense, rim pressure, and a game-changing run to defeat Detroit Renaissance, 55–33, on Day 2 of the Chris Webber Best of Michigan Tournament.
First Half — Defensive Battle Early
The opening quarter featured strong defensive play from both sides, as scoring was difficult to come by and rhythm was hard to establish. Renaissance worked to control the paint early, but Wayne Memorial responded with physical defense and timely stops.
Turnovers slowed Phoenix’s momentum, allowing the Zebras to stay within reach. As the second quarter progressed, Wayne Memorial began asserting itself offensively. Kaylee King (#1) consistently attacked the rim, drawing contact and creating scoring opportunities.
Late in the half, Mariah Cross (#5) delivered a momentum-shifting three-pointer, helping Wayne Memorial take a 21–19 lead into halftime.
Halftime leaders:
Mariah Cross (#5, Wayne Memorial): 15 points
Jaebri’an Autry (#22, Detroit Renaissance): 7 points
Third Quarter — Zebras Flip the Game
Wayne Memorial came out of halftime with urgency and purpose. Following an early timeout with the score at 24–23, the Zebras flipped the momentum completely.
Kaylee King (#1) ignited the run with a highlight defensive play — a block that led to an and-one finish, converting the free throw to push the lead to 30–23 with 4:08 left in the quarter. Shortly after, a big steal from Aaliyah Frost (#22) fueled the Zebras’ transition attack.
Wayne Memorial continued to pressure the rim and get to the free-throw line, closing the third quarter with a commanding 35–25 lead.
Fourth Quarter — Defense Takes Over
The Zebras carried their momentum into the final frame, extending a 12–0 run spanning the end of the third and start of the fourth quarter.
Defensively, Wayne Memorial was locked in — holding Renaissance to just two field goals in the entire fourth quarter. The Zebras played freely on both ends, sharing the ball offensively and closing possessions with strong defensive rebounding.
Their discipline and intensity quickly turned the game into a double-digit margin, sealing the outcome.
Final Score
Wayne Memorial (Zebras) 55
Detroit Renaissance (Phoenix) 33
Final Takeaway
Wayne Memorial’s second-half execution and defensive pressure proved to be the difference. After a close first half, the Zebras flipped the game with intensity, discipline, and rim pressure, turning a competitive matchup into a convincing 55–33 victory.
