EAST LANSING, Mich. - Cassius Winston entered high school four years ago with four goals: with four Catholic League titles, become an All-American, win Mr. Basketball, and win a state title. The senior guard from University of Detroit Jesuit accomplished all four of his goals, capping off a historical for the Cubs, by winning the program's first Class A state title, over North Farmington, 69-49.

Winston led the way for UofD, like he has all season, with 31 points on 14-16 shooting, to go along with nine assists. The 6-0 point guard had one of the best games of his life, and it came at the right moment. Finishing the game victorious was the only option for Winston.

"I believe that in order for you to say that you were one of the best, or have a completely successful high school career, you have to win championships," Winston said. "I came into high school to win a state title, and I did it.

"You don't always get moments like this. I've been in high school four years, and this is my first time in the state championship game. So, you have to enjoy it."

This past Monday, during Winston's Mr. Basketball ceremony, UofD head coach Pat Donnelly called Winston "the best ever" out of the program. And why not? Winston has scored close to 2,000 point in his career, he became the first Catholic League player to win four league titles, and led the Cubs to its best basketball season ever, going 28-0. He will certainly be one of those players people mention at the barbershop 20 years from now.

"These past four years have been a lot of fun, playing with my brothers," said Winston. "We progressed every year, and although the past two years did not go how I wanted on this floor, losing in the semifinals twice, I knew we had a great chance at winning it all this season. It's easy for me to take all the credit, and to talk about what I have accomplished, which is cool, but I couldn't have done any of that without my teammates, coaches, and parents."

Winston came a determined mad against North Farmington, scoring 22 of his 31 points in the first half. He only missed two shots, and offensively, got whatever he wanted on the floor.

Much was made out of Winston's battle with former teammate, Billy Thomas, who scored 21 points for North Farmington. Thomas left UofD after their sophomore year, an rumors spread that he left because he wanted to get out of Winston's shadow. Thomas' departure from UofD did not go smoothly, but Winston insists that there is no issue with him.

"Everyone always thinks that we have some type of beef with Billy," he said. "But, we don't have any beef with Billy. That's my brother. He made a move sophomore year that he thought was the best decision for him. So, we supported him, and he's out there, we want him to have a great game, and get college offers. So, there's no beef there with him."

Now that Winston is done with high school, he will focus his attention on graduating, and continuing his career at Michigan State. Winston ended one career on the very same court he will start another one in just a few months, when he suits up for Tom Izzo and the Spartans. It will be seen if Winston can step-in immediately, and be the starter for MSU next season, but he certainly has the pedigree and skill set to do so.

"It's definitely a good feeling that I was able to play that way in this gym," Winston said on playing at the Breslin Center. "To win a state championship, in a great game, means a lot, and now I'm headed right back here in a couple of months. It's perfect the way it ended.

"I know that my outside shooting will have to get better before I come to State, and I'll have to get stronger. I'm not looking forward to getting into the weight-room, but, I'm going to get after it. Coach Izzo called me earlier in the week, told me good luck, and that this was one of the once in a lifetime moments."

Winston also won off the court, when he asked his girlfriend to prom during the third quarter. Winston was being honored for winning the Mr. Basketball award, and wore a shirt, asking Arin Bell of Mercy High School to prom. It was a bit of a bold move from Winston, but he shoots big-time shots all the time.

"Of course it worked," he laughed. "I knew before beforehand that I wasn't going to get a no."