In a close game between two talented teams, Benton Harbor became Class B state champions, defeating Grand Rapids Catholic Central 65-64 in overtime.
Standout player and Benton Harbor sophomore Carlos Johnson scored the game winner for the Tigers with a last minute 3-point shot. He made three of seven three point attempts in tonight's game.
Men's basketball signee Marcus Bingham Jr., forward for Grand Rapids Catholic Central, tied with Darell Belch for a team-high 21 points. Carlos Johnson of Benton Harbor had a game-high 24 points.
In an intense back-and-forth match, Bingham shot 50 percent scoring only eight points out of 16 field-goal attempts. Johnson also shot at a 50 percent making 10 out of 20 field goals.
Throughout the night, Bingham, a 6-foot-10 power forward, played a total of 34 minutes. In the eight minute quarters, Bingham managed to make 2-of-3 3-point attempts and went 3-for-5 at the free-throw line. He also had a game-high 13 rebounds.
Despite playing strong man defense, Bingham was conservative when it came to his jump shots. With a weight of 195 pounds it was Bingham’s 7-foot-4 wingspan which kept Benton Harbor on lock down throughout the night.
Bingham signed with Tom Izzo's program on June 30, 2017. Along with Clarkston’s Foster Loyer he is a top prospect coming into the program.
Bingham said playing at the Breslin before he officially steps on campus has helped him a "little bit."
Catholic Central finished with the season with a 24-3 record, while Benton Harbor finished 27-1.
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