 Maxie
Brandon
1994 Greater Flint
Afro-American Hall of Fame Inductee
Category: MULTIPLE SPORTS
Wife: Esther Dezeray
Daughters: Delaine, Jethene, Terry Lynn, Claudette
Son: Maxie Lamont, Jr.
It was in the late 1920's when the Brandon family moved to Flint from
Arkansas. Max attended Clark, Parkland Elementary, Emerson Jr. High
and Flint Northern. Max had the good fortune to live close to Berston
Field House and other playgrounds. He led the Emerson junior high basketball
team to the city junior high championship. At Northern in his sophomore
year, 1941, he played on the varsity and was the only black player
on the team. Coach Barclay said, "seldom has a first year player
exhibited such ability in executing the proper positioning and fundamentals
of the game." The next season, 1942-43, under coach Les Ehrbright,
Max was selected All Saginaw Valley guard first team. He was the third
black basketball player in the history of Northern and the city of
Flint to be first team All Valley. Max was the teams third leading
scorer, with 86 points. It was the first time in valley history that
Flint had only one player on either valley team, a tribute to the playing
ability of Max.
In the 1943 City baseball league, playing for Buick C.I.O., he played
six different positions that season and hit 308. Playing for the PAL-Club
softball district champions in the State tournament he led his team
in hitting, 5 for 7 and a .795 BA.
The City Class A basketball champions Buick C.I.O. teams third leading
scorer in league play, 158 points. City Invitational Tournament Champions
leading scorer, 43 points, and Y.M.C.A. Tournament Champions, second
leading scorer, 41 points. In all season games played, Buick C.I.0.'s
second leading scorer, 242 points.
In 1944-45, while stationed at Fort Devens, Mass. in the United States
Army, Max (in 1944) was awarded Sports G.I. of the Week. Playing basketball
at Fort Devens while leading the team in scoring, 175 points. Awarded
the teams Most Valuable Player in 1945.
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