Humble Superstar Delaney Blaylock Leads Godwin Heights

By: Kyle Mills

Delaney Blaylock is the definition of a true superstar. He plays suffocating defense by using his length and quickness, can attack the basket or hit the 3-ball, rebounds the basketball at a high rate, and still manages to get his teammates involved regularly. The 6 foot 3 inch 165 pound small forward has stepped up this year for the Godwin Heights Wolverines. Blaylock is averaging around 18 points per game to go along with 8 rebounds per game as well. He has filled up the stat sheet and been one of the go-to scorers all season long for the Wolverines.

Godwin Heights made it the Breslin Center last year before losing to Detroit Community in the Class B

semifinal by double digits. Although it was exciting to make it that far Blaylock said that it was extremely disappointing to lose in that fashion, “We all were crying because we made it that far just to lose.” That has been his motivation for the entire season as he looks to help lead Godwin back again this season. “Losing last year is what strives my team and I to get back to the Breslin,” said the inspired baller. Godwin Heights is well on its way to perfection currently sitting at 24-0 and ranked as the #1 Class B team in the state of Michigan. “We’ve earned our spot,” said Blaylock, “and no one can take it from us if we work harder than our opponents.”

Last year Godwin Heights lost one of the best players in Grand Rapids, Braima Hai to graduation. Even though he was only a sophomore during last seasons run, Blaylock knew he had to step up as a junior this season. “We have a lot of sophomores and freshmen on our team this year. That’s what really made me step up. I told them to be comfortable on this team and not be self-centered,” he said about his newfound leadership.

Although sometimes very talented teams can start becoming full of themselves, Blaylock knows that egos will not get in the way for Godwin Heights. “We’re just a big family! We have a lot of chemistry and trust in each other,” said Godwin’s leader. This should scare the Wolverine’s opponents since the friendships off of the court usually lead to better play on the court. Blaylock said, “We don’t degrade each other for anything whether it be on the court of off of the court. We constantly encourage each other to do better than our best.”

Most big-time athletes usually have a narrow focus on their abilities. In today’s culture it’s all about me, myself, and I. Professional athletes seem to embody this as well, by constantly self-promoting and being flamboyant. Delaney’s Twitter name is “Athlete for God,” and his bio talks about playing for Jesus. “I’m just extremely grateful for the opportunities, the skill, and just the strength God gives me to come out everyday and play a sport that I love.” It is refreshing to see someone openly playing for a higher purpose and being able to actively communicate that.

Blaylock’s play this season has not gone unnoticed this season and rightly so. He has been in contact with Western Michigan, Central Michigan, Grand Valley State University, Ferris State University and the University of Detroit. Not only has he been talking to these schools, but Blaylock’s play has also translated to being offered a full-ride scholarship to go to Ferris State. Not many players can score 45 points in a single game, as Blaylock did earlier this season against rival Wyoming Kelloggsville. "Delaney was unbelievable that night," Godwin Heights coach Chad Conklin said. " He scored all over the court.” As Blaylock continues to get better he will only receive more offers as time goes on.

Godwin Heights squeaked out a nail-biter against Grand Rapids South Christian in the District semifinal by 2 points. They know they need to prepare for every game as if it was their last. “We know everyone wants to beat us so they are going to try their hardest to do so. It would make any teams season to beat an undefeated team,” said Blaylock about Godwin’s opponents. “We just come out every night and give it 110%.” Godwin takes on a tough Spring Lake team in the Regional Final on Wednesday at 7pm. If the Wolverines want to keep their Breslin hopes alive along with their undefeated season, Blaylock will have to keep up his impressive play.

Blaylock concluded, “We are going to just continue to work harder and harder each and everyday.”

You can follow Delaney on Twitter at: @D_delaney

You can follow me on Twitter at: @generalmills101