Brother Rice boys basketball claims league title

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — There was a lot to be excited about for Birmingham Brother Rice boys basketball last season behind a trio of all-State talent.

A district semifinal loss left a question as to what could’ve been with the team’s potential, and with the loss being to Catholic High School League rival Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, it was a tough pill to swallow.

Holding an 18-1 record, a 2-0 record over St. Mary’s, and an 11-game win streak currently this season, it’s safe to say that the Warriors have returned with vengeance on their minds.

“We know we got one of the more talented teams in the state, and we know what’s expected from us,” Brother Rice coach Rick Palmer said. “That’s something we don’t hide from.”

Brother Rice, which is currently ranked No. 2 in Division 1, according to the Michigan High School Athletic Association, features a trio of all-State talent with seniors Johnathan Blackwell (G), Xavier Thomas (G), and Curtis Williams (F) leading the charge.

Averaging just under 67 points per game offensively, including 76 points in its last five games, Brother Rice’s offense has been stout this season.

Blackwell, a University of Wisconsin commit, has helped lead one of the strongest offenses in the state alongside Williams, who is committed to the University of Louisville, and senior guard Henry Garrity.

While both are dynamic scorers in their own right, Thomas, a University of Toledo commit, has been dominant in every aspect of his game.

“He’s like a jack of all trades the way he fills up the stat sheet,” Palmer said.

Allowing just under 47 points per game this season, Brother Rice’s defense has been a significant part of its success.

Brother Rice’s defense has come a long way from the 54 points-per-game it allowed in 2022, as the Warriors have held teams to under 54 in 15 of their 19 games this season.

Palmer said his team’s emphasis on the defensive end has paid off this season

“They play really hard on that end, and sometimes that sacrifices them on the offense,” Palmer said. “Our guys take a lot of pride on that end, and that’s what has them excited going forward.”

Brother Rice secured the school’s first regular season league title since 1996 in a 72-63 win over Detroit U-D Jesuit Feb. 10, but the job isn’t finished yet.

Playing in one of the toughest districts in the state, Palmer knows his guys will have an early test in the state tournament.

“We know (what teams) we’re going to have to beat, and even our first game of district with West Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills, they’re no sloaches,” Palmer said. “We’d have to beat seven good teams in a row to reach the Breslin (Center). I think our league is a good tune-up for that.”