Ann Arbor Skyline outguns rivals Pioneer 87-77 in another instant classic in this rivalry.

No matter what each team's record is, a true rivalry game will almost always be competitive at every level. This proved to be the case once again as unbeaten Ann Arbor Skyline (15-0) made the short trip across town to play arch rivals Ann Arbor Pioneer (8-6).

Skyline is undefeated for a reason. They possess one of the best backcourts in the state, and the core of this team has all played 3-4 years of varsity basketball together.

Pioneer does not have nearly the quality starting 5 as Skyline, but do possess two of the better 2019s in the state in point guard Drew Lowder and Forward Kasean Pryor.

In what was pretty much a full house on a Thursday night, Pioneer nearly pulled off a seeming improbable upset.

Skyline jumped Pioneer early on. They implemented a full court trap and double teamed Lowder on every ball screen to force him to get rid of the ball. At first, Pioneer struggled to make shots, and take care of the ball, and Skyline reaped the rewards early. They jumped out to a 14-4 lead in the first 4 minutes, and were up 23-12 after one quarter it seemed like it was only a matter of time before the floodgates opened.

Pioneer was finally being able to handle Skyline's pressure in the second quarter, and teammates began making shots and taking care of the ball. For much of the 2nd, Skyline maintained a comfortable lead. But the final 3 or so minutes was all Pioneer, and they managed to cut what was around a 15 point lead early in the 2nd quarter all the way down to 3 at the break.

For much of the 3rd it was a back and forth battle, and neither team could get more than a 5 or 6 point lead on the other. Pioneer did manage to take the lead into the fourth though, thanks to a strong quarter from Kasean Pryor.

The final quarter was again a back and forth battle, and both teams were tied at 71 with 4:15 left in the game. From that point on though, Skyline's starting 5 began making plays, and combined with Pioneer already being in the bonus, Skyline was shooting free throws for almost the entire quarter. It ended up being a little too much.

Skyline outgunned Pioneer in a 87-77 classic that was entertaining from the first whistle to the last. This is not the last time these teams will meet either as they will play again in the opening round of districts.

Mr. Basketball candidate Brandon Wade continued his stellar play, posting 30 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds and 3 steals to lead the way. Jack Ammerman made huge shot after huge shot as well, scoring 26 points. DeSean Munson had a quietly impressive game as well, posting 15 points, 5 rebounds and 3 blocks. Ryan Wade also chipped in 12 points for the Eagles.

Drew Lowder had a great game. He scored 28 points on 11-20 shooting and had 6 assists. Kasean Pryor also had a game, scoring 17 points and grabbing 9 rebounds. Aiden Wright had 9 points and played real well coming off the bench, Jack Fitzgerald had 8 and made some big shots and Jacob Williams had 7 as well for Pioneer.

Below are some quick notes on some of the standouts for both teams:

Brandon Wade- 2018 6'2 PG (Duquesne)

Wade was great from start to finish. He dished out numerous dimes that had to be inch perfect passes or they would have been turnovers. He hit 3 threes and was able to get to the rim pretty consistently and either finished or drew fouls. Wade again highlighted why many in Michigan think he could have went high major, and right now it looks like he will have a huge impact once he gets on Duquesne's campus next year.

Jack Ammerman- 2018 5'11 SG

He showed once again why he is one of the best shooters in the state. Ammerman hit numerous contested pull ups and threes that helped Skyline survive Pioneer's hot shooting as a team. He made multiple buckets in the fourth that helped them reclaim the lead as well. Ammerman thrives in the big games, and this was the perfect environment for him. He recently picked up an offer from Ferris State, and said after the game he is getting looks from several other GLIAC programs. D2s and high NAIAs should be all over Ammerman from here on out.

Drew Lowder- 2019 5'11 PG Pioneer

Lowder was putting on a show all game long. Skyline had the perfect game plan to stop him and give Pioneer fits, but Lowder consistently made the right reads when the doubles came and frequently found the open man who would knock down shots or just cause Skyline to scramble and recover. Lowder shot 11-20 from the floor, highlighting his efficiency. His pull up game is ridiculous and he can score it fading in any direction and even if it is well contested. To go with his mid range game, Lowder was a threat from deep too, as he knocked down 3 or 4 threes. His range extends 5 feet comfortable behind the line. Not only is Lowder one of the best scorers in 2019, but he showed he is one of the better point guards as well. He should continue to rack up D1 offers this summer if he plays as expected.

DeSean Munson- 2019 6'6 PF Skyline

Munson won't get the headlines like Wade and Ammerman above, but they don't win this game without him. Most of Brandon Wade's assists were to Munson, who finished everything around the rim. His efficiency on the offensive end, combined with his solid defense was crucial to the Eagle's success. D2s should give Munson a look.

Ryan Wade- 2019 6'2 SG Skyline

The younger Wade struggled to hit shots, but all his points came at crucial times, and he once again had a huge impact on the game without scoring a ton. He took care of the ball, made some good passes and played great defense. The overall game he provided and has consistently provided all season makes him an easy D1 player who should pick up several more offers once AAU starts again.

Kasean Pryor- 2019 6'7 F Pioneer

Pryor was a problem for Skyline because of his size and skill. They defended him well, but he is the type of player who can give Skyline problems because of his unique combination of skill, size and mobility. Pryor hit a pair of threes, and scored several other times when putting the ball on the floor. He also had a few nice post buckets as well, and was 3-4 at the line. His mobility allowed him to rebound outside his area pretty well too, and it helped him to grab a game high 9 rebounds. Pryor should pick up some D1 looks this summer if he plays like he did against Skyline.