HAZEL PARK – Macomb L’Anse Creuse North secured a significant victory over Orchard Lake St. Mary’s with a final score of 47-40 during the D Zone Showcase held at Hazel Park High School on December 22, 2025. Senior guard Julius Wilson played a pivotal role in the win, contributing 12 points, nine rebounds, three steals, and three assists.
The win improved L’Anse Creuse North’s record to 5-1 for the month of December, a strong performance considering the team lost several key players to graduation and transfers. Wilson underscored the challenges the team faced, stating, “We lost three starters to graduation and another transferred. Plus, we had some key guys off our bench that graduated, too. So, I need to step up and lead this team.”
Wilson showcased his skill set throughout the game, especially in the second quarter. After falling behind 14-10 at the end of the first quarter, he led a defensive resurgence, helping the Crusaders turn the deficit into a 25-20 advantage by halftime. His contributions included a crucial assist that set up teammate Preston Ellul for a three-pointer, capping a 12-2 run for the team.
L’Anse Creuse North’s coach, Kurt Wilson, who is also Julius’s grandfather, praised the team’s energy in the second quarter. “I do like the way we fought back as a team after not playing so well in the first quarter,” he remarked.
Despite St. Mary’s efforts to close the gap in the third quarter, including a run that brought the score to 29-28, they were unable to reclaim the lead. L’Anse Creuse North responded with a 7-2 run to finish the quarter. Sophomore forward James Zipay was instrumental during this period, scoring six points.
As the game progressed into the fourth quarter, St. Mary’s narrowed the score to 36-32 after two free throws from Kareem Pruitt. However, L’Anse Creuse North quickly extended their lead to 47-35, thanks to a driving layup from Wilson with 1:45 remaining.
In addition to Wilson’s performance, junior forward Arber Ljajcaj contributed significantly with eight points, six rebounds, three blocks, and two assists. Zipay finished the game with 11 points and Ellul added eight points for the Crusaders.
L’Anse Creuse North shot 40.5 percent from the field, converting 17 of 42 attempts, but they excelled from the free-throw line, finishing 12-for-14 (approximately 85.8 percent). They also outperformed St. Mary’s in rebounding, securing 30 boards compared to 23.
Coach Wilson expressed satisfaction with the team’s early performance, noting, “We brought back Julius – he’s our only returning starter. We have mostly a new team. We do have some things to work on and things to clean up, but I do like the fact that we are winning and learning as we win.”
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, the 2024 Division 1 state champions, are currently grappling with the loss of their top seven players due to graduation and transfers. Coach Todd Covert acknowledged the team’s ongoing adjustments, stating, “It’s a work in progress losing a lot of kids. I think one thing we are lacking is toughness, and I think that was one thing we struggled with today.”
As both teams navigate their respective challenges, L’Anse Creuse North’s victory serves as a promising start to the season for a squad in transition.
