Ann Arbor Pioneer wins first regional basketball title since 2007

The Pioneers defeated Canton 63-48 to claim their first regional championship in nearly 20 years.

Mar. 6, 2026 at 2:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Ann Arbor Pioneer boys basketball team defeated Canton 63-48 in the regional final on Thursday night, winning their first regional title since 2007. The Pioneers were playing in their first regional final since 2017, when they fell to Romulus. As the clock ran down, the Pioneer student section rushed the court, and teammates hoisted each other into the air before a jubilant trophy presentation.

Why it matters

This victory marks a significant milestone for the Ann Arbor Pioneer basketball program, which had not won a regional championship in 20 years. The team's success this season has generated excitement within the local community and sets them up for a deep postseason run.

The details

The Pioneers earned their spot in the regional final by winning a close game against Detroit Catholic Central earlier in the week on a buzzer-beater. In the regional final, they were able to pull away from Canton in the second half to claim the 63-48 victory. Pioneer will now advance to face East Lansing in the state quarterfinal round next Tuesday.

  • The regional final was played on Thursday, March 6, 2026.
  • Pioneer's last regional title came in 2007.
  • The Pioneers last reached the regional final in 2017, when they lost to Romulus.

The players

Ann Arbor Pioneer

The boys basketball team from Ann Arbor, Michigan that won the regional championship.

Canton

The opponent that Ann Arbor Pioneer defeated 63-48 in the regional final.

East Lansing

The team that Ann Arbor Pioneer will face in the state quarterfinal round.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Ann Arbor Pioneer will face East Lansing in the state quarterfinal round on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

The takeaway

Ann Arbor Pioneer's regional championship victory has generated excitement in the local community and sets the team up for a deep postseason run. The Pioneers' success this season demonstrates the resilience and determination of the program, which had not won a regional title in two decades.