The community is invited to cheer on DPSCD’s student-athletes at the Detroit Public School League Basketball Championships on Sunday, Feb. 16 at the Wayne State University Fieldhouse.

The Unified Championship is scheduled for 1 p.m.; the girls’ at 3 p.m. and the boys’ at 5 p.m. Tickets are $10. Paid parking is available in several lots around the fieldhouse.

Student Spotlight: Ceniyah Williams

DPSCD’s athletics program exists as part of the District’s Whole Child Commitment to unlocking students’ full potential. And Mumford senior Ceniyah Williams is a testament to student-athletes’ dedication and talent to their sport and their studies.

Ceniyah has served as varsity team captain since her sophomore year. She started on varsity her freshman year and has led her team to the city championship.

Williams was voted All-City her junior year and has scored multiple 20-plus-point-games. She has also competed at an elite level outside of school by playing on the Under Armour Shoe Circuit with The Storm.

Kareem Hogan, Ceniyah’s coach, said she is a versatile player who is able to play a variety of positions.

“She is a do-it-all kind of person. She can rebound. She can make the opening jump shot. She defends”, Hogan said. “She’s a glue player.”

Hogan also described Ceniyah as tenacious and a natural leader. She returned to the court in January after an ACL injury last April.

“She’s a good player and a good person,” Hogan said. “She is player that a coach dreams of.”

Life Lessons Learned from Basketball

Ceniyah was inspired to play basketball in seventh grade by her mother and grandmother.

“When I first decided to play, my mother, Cynthia Jordan, shared her state championship story from Benedictine High School, and my grandmother, Pamela Jordan, also had their own experiences with the game,” Ceniyah said. “Hearing their stories gave me a sense of purpose and a drive to continue the legacy – and I fully intend to do that.”

Ceniyah plans to continue playing basketball in college. She currently has 12 college scholarship offers, including from Division One schools such as South Carolina State, and several junior colleges.

Off the court, Ceniyah has served as treasurer of Mumford’s student council, a member of the National Honor Society, a YMCA achiever, and a Commander Sargent in Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) color guard.

“Being a student-athlete has taught me so much,” Ceniyah said. “Time management, teamwork, and learning to adapt under pressure are skills that have helped me on and off the court. They’ve been essential in balancing my responsibilities, and I’ve made sure to excel in the classroom just as much as I do in sports. I’ve never played about my grades — I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA since my freshman year, and I’m proud to say I’m the valedictorian of my class.”

“As I move forward, I carry with me the lessons, memories, and the determination to make the most of every opportunity,” she added. “Mumford has been a huge part of my story and I’m excited for what comes next.”

Watch the Live Streams

Join us for the Unified Championship at 1 p.m.

Join us for the Girls Championship at 3 p.m.

Join us for the Boys Championship at 5 p.m.