Cass Tech freshman Natasha Shell (#32) goes for a reverse layup around Fordson's Tia Basma during a D1 district semifinal game in Woodhaven on March 11, 2024. . Shell and Technicians defeated the local Tractors in the final with 52 points. 47 points in overtime. (MIMI DORN — for MediaNews Group)
BROWNTOWN – Dearborn Fordson gave it everything it had to win Monday's Division 1 girls basketball regional semifinal against Detroit Cass Tech.
The Tractors led for much of the game and when they were behind, pulled off a thrilling comeback to force the game into overtime.
But in the end, Cass Tech forced some turnovers and hit some key shots in the overtime session to beat the local team 52-47.
Photo Gallery: Girls Basketball Regional Semifinals – Dearborn Fordson vs. Detroit Cass Tech
“We turned the ball over too many times,” Fordson coach Saleh Abajide said. “We talked about it, limited our turnovers and took care of our possessions. That was the important thing for us. When we're just throwing the ball, two, two. There was a loss of about 3 minutes.
“We had a chance. We had a chance to win.”
At times, it looked like Fordson was in control. Expert ball handling from Tia Basma, scoring from Milan Berry and Selina Bazzi, and great defense from Rokaya Ajami kept the Tractors going.
The hometown team led 11-6 in the first quarter and watched Kass narrow the lead in the second quarter, heading into halftime up 23-22.
Cass took the lead early in the third quarter, but Fordson fought back. Back-to-back buckets by Rokaya Ajami and Salina Ajami gave the Tractors a 27-26 lead with 5:24 left in the third quarter.
In the fourth, Kass seemed to turn up the pressure a notch. A turnover gave the Technicians his first six points of the fourth quarter, and suddenly he had a 37-30 lead, the largest lead of the game for either team.
But Fordson wasn't ready to put the ball in the bag just yet.
Two points, including Sarina Ajami's converted “and-one” 3-point play and Berry's 3-point basket, tied the game at 37-37 with 2:15 left in the fourth quarter. The score stayed that way until less than 10 seconds remained, giving Fordson a two-point lead.
Cass' Nyla Terrell hit a short jumper free, tying the game and sending it into overtime.
Perhaps the biggest moment of the game came early in the extra session – Sarinaj Ajami fouled out.
“That was a big moment,” Abajide said. “I wasn't too happy with that call either. There were a lot of calls all night. I wish I'd let them play with it a little bit.”
With Ajami on the bench, Kass turned to their best post player in Kayla Mount, who responded with four field goals and eight points in overtime alone.
Technicians head coach Antjuan Simpkins also said this was an important momentum swing. When that happened, he stressed to the girls to get the ball inside.
“I told them if someone shot a jump shot, they were going to be in trouble,” Simpkins said.
Mount finished the night with Kass (16-9) scoring 18 points and Ali Parker adding 12 points.
“It was a great game,” Simpkins said. “I have a lot of respect for that (Fordson) coaching staff. We knew we had a really good game ahead of us. They're ready. Hats off to them.”
Berry finished the game with three triples and 17 points. Rokaya Ajami had 16 points and Sarina Ajami had 10 points.
Fordson finished the season with a record of 17 wins and 8 losses. He insulted his team, especially his seven seniors.
“I'm so proud of this senior group,” Abazied continued. “The last two years, we've won about 36 or 37 games. We've been to regionals a few times and haven't lost to our rivals the last two years. It's just a great group of girls. really helped improve the program.
“I'm so proud of our girls,” Abajide said. “I hope a few more shots fall.”
