Cranbrook defeats Country Day 61-57 to advance to MHSAA District Finals

The Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Cranes defeated the Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day Yellowjackets 61-57 in the semi-final round of the MHSAA Tournament Thursday night. Cranbrook moves to 7-6 on the season, while Country Day moves to 5-6 for the year.

Senior Cam Garner had 25 points to lead the Cranes in the win. Junior Kareem Aburashed had 21 points to lead the scoring for the Yellowjackets.

Senior Bryce Hall added 15 points and senior Miles Pistner contributed 10 points to assist Cranbrook in the victory. Senior AJ Aburashed added 11 points for Country Day.

Country Day set a fast pace, jumping out to a 17-9 lead in the first quarter. A pair of 3-point shots by Kareem Aburashed established the early margin for the Yellowjackets.

The Cranes found points at the free throw line from Hall, while Pistner found the range from beyond the arc to keep Cranbrook in the game.

Cranbrook trailed 27-22 at the half.

The third quarter saw the Cranes pushed forward as Hall roamed in the paint, scoring a three-point play to keep the Cranes pressing forward. Sophomore John Kersh added key baskets as the Cranes took the lead for the first time in the game.

The Cranes led 39-37 at the end of the third quarter.

The Yellowjackets stayed in the game with good free throw shooting down the stretch, but Garner’s five field goals in the fourth quarter proved too much for Country Day. The Cranes pulled away as time ran out.

Cranbrook now prepares to play in the MHSAA District Final on Saturday.

Senior Bryce Hall sinks a free throw in the Cranes 61-57 victory over Country Day. (N. Jenkins- Photo Credit)