Vote for 2025‑26 Michigan Boys HS Moment of the Season

Voters have until 3 p.m. Thursday, July 16 to pick their favorite highlight from the 2025‑26 Michigan high‑school boys’ sports season. The Detroit Free Press Buffalo Wild Wings Athlete of the Week contest showcases five standout performances that define the year’s competition. Below is a look at each finalist, with key stats, player names and the dramatic backstories that earned them a spot on the ballot.

Novi Detroit Catholic Central clinches D‑1 football title

The Shamrocks topped the Detroit Cass Tech Technicians 42‑19 in the Division 1 championship, ending both teams’ perfect seasons. Catholic Central’s quarterback Duke Banta completed 9 of 11 passes for 156 yards and three touchdowns, all of which landed with Gideon Gash, whose three receptions produced 126 yards. Defensively, Jack Janda recorded a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss.

Cass Tech’s quarterback Donald Tabron II threw for 258 yards on 25 of 37 attempts, adding two scores but also three interceptions. The rivalry runs deep: DCC lost to Cass Tech 49‑20 in the 2016 state title game and fell in the 2024 semifinals before the Technicians went on to win that year’s championship.

Dearborn Divine Child ends 40‑year football drought

Divine Child captured its first state crown in 40 years, defeating Hudsonville Unity Christian 23‑22 at Ford Field. Two‑way player Marcello Vitti paced the Falcons with 19 carries for 120 yards and a touchdown, while adding 14 tackles on defense. Quarterback Drew Sheridan completed 19 of 25 passes for 241 yards and two scores.

The playoff run featured victories over Tecumseh, Madison Heights Lamphere, Harper Woods and Goodrich before the title game. The win marks a milestone for the program and caps a season of elevated teamwork and perseverance.

KJ Torbert explodes with buzzer‑beater to reach state final

East Lansing’s senior KJ Torbert, a 2026 Hal Schram Mr. Basketball recipient, delivered a game‑winning shot that sent his team to a second straight Division 1 title game. With the score tied 52 and 15.8 seconds left, Torbert drove to the left side, rose over Birmingham Brother Rice’s Greg Grays Jr. and released a shot that swished as the clock hit zero.

East Lansing later fell 54‑50 to Rockford in the state championship, but Torbert’s heroics secured a memorable semifinal run. The buzzer‑beater highlighted his role as a clutch scorer and cemented his candidacy for the season’s top moment.

Lewis Lovejoy pours in 41 points in D‑3 title loss

Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac sophomore Lewis Lovejoy amassed 41 points in a 61‑57 defeat to Pewamo‑Westphalia, placing him seventh on the MHSAA all‑time list for championship game scoring. He hit 14 of 27 shots, accounting for 72 percent of his team’s made baskets. The high‑octane performance showcased his ability to dominate inside and stretch the floor with perimeter accuracy.

Charlevoix golf team claims D4 title a year after tragedy

The Rayders broke a long drought by capturing the Division 4 golf championship with a two‑day total of 645 strokes, besting Muskegon Western Michigan Christian by 17 strokes. Senior Bryce Boss posted a 149‑stroke effort and claimed the individual runner‑up award. Just months earlier, the squad endured a devastating crash on April 27 when a stolen SUV slammed into their transport van, killing the driver and leaving several teammates and coach Doug Drenth injured.

The team’s return to the course and the subsequent state title represent a powerful comeback story that resonates far beyond the golf bag. Their triumph was celebrated during a heartfelt gathering at the coach’s home on July 17, 2025, marking the first in‑person meeting since the tragedy.

Editor’s Note: We reserve the right to disqualify a candidate or declare a vote “no contest” if tampering such as bots or offering to pay for voting is evident. Please respect the integrity of the vote the way these athletes respect the integrity of the game.

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Cast your ballot now and help decide which standout performance deserves the Buffalo Wild Wings Athlete of the Week honor for the 2025‑26 season. Your voice shapes the recognition that celebrates the year’s most inspiring high‑school athletic moments.