Kalamazoo-area hoops: 50-point game highlights historic nights for Phoenix, Mendon

Dequarius Frierson's record-breaking performance and Mendon's best season ever cap big nights in the Kalamazoo area.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Dequarius Frierson, a senior at Kalamazoo Phoenix, had an unforgettable 50-point, 20-rebound game, shattering the single-game scoring record for the program and becoming the all-time leading scorer. Meanwhile, the Mendon boys basketball team earned their school record 21st win of the season, rewriting the program's record books.

Why it matters

Frierson's historic performance and Mendon's record-breaking season showcase the talent and dedication of high school basketball players in the Kalamazoo area, highlighting the region's strong basketball culture. These achievements also bring positive attention to the local programs and inspire the next generation of players.

The details

Frierson's 50-point, 20-rebound game included 32 points in the first half and 19 more in the third quarter, with a 3-pointer and six points in the fourth quarter to reach the milestone. Mendon, led by all-time leading scorer Ryder Gorham, earned their 21st win of the season, the most in program history, and won the SCAA-West title outright.

  • Frierson's record-breaking performance occurred on Thursday, February 20, 2026.
  • Mendon earned their 21st win of the season on Thursday, February 20, 2026, capping their regular season.

The players

Dequarius Frierson

A senior at Kalamazoo Phoenix who set the program's single-game scoring record with 50 points and became the all-time leading scorer with 735 career points.

Quay Wilson

The head coach of the Kalamazoo Phoenix boys basketball team, who praised Frierson's work ethic, discipline, and commitment.

Ryder Gorham

The all-time leading scorer for the Mendon boys basketball program, who led the team to a record-breaking 21-1 season.

Owen Gorham

A player for the Mendon boys basketball team, who contributed 17 points, six rebounds, six assists, and five steals in the record-breaking win.

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What they’re saying

“To accomplish all of this in just two years just speaks volumes about his work ethic, discipline and commitment. We couldn't be more proud of the work he's put in and the standard he continues to set for Phoenix.”

— Quay Wilson, Kalamazoo Phoenix head coach (mlive.com)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Kalamazoo Phoenix boys basketball team will visit Pewamo-Westphalia on Friday, February 21, 2026, while the Mendon boys basketball team will be the top seed and host in next week's district tournament, as they aim for their first district title since 2015.

The takeaway

The historic performances by Dequarius Frierson and the Mendon boys basketball team showcase the talent and dedication of high school athletes in the Kalamazoo area, highlighting the region's strong basketball culture and inspiring the next generation of players to strive for greatness.