If it ain’t rough it ain’t right.
That was a slogan coined by former Pistons guard Chauncey Billips during a successful six-year run of the Going to Work Pistons.
The Pistons seemed to squirm out of horrifying predicaments through toughness, hard work and hustle. Their hustle and grit led to a 2004 NBA title and six straight Eastern conference Finals. We are seeing similar things with the Brighton boys basketball team. I often get screamed at when I make comparisons between a high school team and professional athletes.
But who cares? This is my show. I will do as I please.
Let me throw in a qualifier. I am in no way saying Brighton could compete with the Going to Work Pistons. However, the Bulldogs used similar tactics in securing a district title to advance to Tuesday’s regional semifinal contest against Detroit Catholic Central in Belleville.
You never know who the heroes will be while watching a Brighton basketball game. It could be Cole Rooney penetrating the lane and finishing at the cup. It could be the brute strength and determination of 6-foot-6 junior forwards Dylan Edgeworth or 6-7 Tristan Provancher. Sometimes games are decided by the cold-blooded shooting of Brandon Lovejoy, CJ Sageman or David McLaughlin.
The Going to Work Pistons lacked a superstar also and could attack in many ways.
If it ain’t rough it ain’t right.
Let’s get back to that. The Bulldogs certainly reached a rough stretch when Hartland threw them around like rag dolls while racing to a 23-9 first half lead in the district semifinal. Brighton shot just 20 percent from the field in the first half and scored three second-quarter points.
Nerves were the culprit, but Brighton (16-8) rallied for a 50-49 victory. In the final it led Milford 23-9 but watched the Mavericks rally to tie the game 33-33 in the second half. Brighton took control and won going away 51-42.
I told head coach Taylor Langley that his team reminded me of the 2004 Pistons. He smiled but did not fight me on my observation.
Will you?