Archive | June, 2013

Romulus Summer League Week Two

30 Jun

romulusD’Angelo Hansbro 5’10” (Romulus 2016 PG)- Young guard who is adjusting to varsity competition well.  Playing confident, knocking down jumpers, and facilitating the ball.  Always being a playmaker whether he is finding a teammate or finishing an assisted bucket.  Also played tough, aggressive on-ball defense.

Bakari Evelyn 6’2″ 170 lbs (Southfield Christian 2015 PG)- Battling injuries all summer, he came back into regular form this week and handled the scoring load for SCS, and really interfered in the passing lanes and finished on the other end.  Range seemed to be unlimited from the three point line.

Marcus Bailey 6’3″ 165 lbs (Walled Lake Western 2015 Wing)- Stepped up against big competition like Romulus.  Played well in the post and on the perimeter.

Leonard Harper-Baker 6’5″ (Detroit Southeastern 2014 Wing)- He was a very complete player this week, meaning he did a little bit of everything, including scoring, rebounding, and passing.  Played four different positions on the court and should be a division one prospect.

Ja’Christian Biles 6’2″ (Oak Park 2014 Combo Guard)- Seems as if the Romulus Summer League was made for this guy.  He has a touch of flash and electricity in his game.  Ja’Chrisitian was knocking down college line three-pointers on any defender that was guarding him.  But opponents also had to respect him getting into the lane and coming up with a few nice finishes at the rim.

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Lindsey Hunter IV Interview

28 Jun

Lindsey IV is the son of former Pistons point guard Lindsey Hunter, and so far in high school, he has won two Class D titles.  Hunter plays for the ALL-Ohio Red AAU team, a very well respected team in the EYBL.

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Early Statewide C/O 2015 Rankings

26 Jun

These guys have two years left of high school basketball, including 1 1/2 years of AAU left, these are for sure to change by the time the season starts. So my friend, Jeff McKinney, and I have composed the top 30 rising juniors in the state.

1. Eric Davis 6’3″ 165 lbs PG (Saginaw Arthur Hill/ The Family)

2. A.J. Turner 6’7″ 155 lbs PG (New Hampton Prep [NH]/ Dorians Pride 17U)

3. Trevor Manuel 6’8″ 190 lbs PF (Lansing Sexton/ The Family)

4. Deyonta Davis 6’8″ 200 lbs F (Muskegon/ ACB Bankhoops)

5. Brad Bretching 6’10” 200 lbs PF (Cedar Springs/ Grand Rapids Storm)

6. Jeron Rogers 6’6″ 190 lbs wing (North Farmington/ Reach Legends)

7. Xavier Cochran 6’3″ 175 lbs wing (Ann Arbor Huron/ Dorians Pride)

8. Marquel Ingram 6’2″ combo guard (Detroit Pershing/ Reach Legends)

9. Bakari Eveylyn 6’2″ 170 lbs PG (Southfield Christian/ The Family)

10. Jaylin Walker 6’2″ 180 lbs SG (Romulus/ Reach)

11. Deleon Brown 6’2″ 170 lbs G (Grand Rapids Christian/ The Family)

12. Corey Redman 6’4″ 190 lbs wing (Boyne City/ Parallel 45) CMU Commit

13. Seth Dugan 6’10” 220 lbs PF (Ostego/ ACB Bankhoops)

14. Neshua Wise 6’3″ 180 lbs G (Flint Southwestern/ Michigan Mustangs

15. Khari Willis 6’0″ 170 lbs PG (Jackson Lumen Christi/ Michigan Mustangs)

16. Michael Edwards 6’9″ 190 lbs PF/C (Westland John Glenn/ Michigan Warriors)

17. Nick Perkins 6’6″ F (Milan/ The Program Elite)

18. LJ James 6’6″ 175 lbs wing (Wayland/ ACB Bankhoops)

19. Josh Davis 6’3″ 175 lbs combo guard (Detroit Henry Ford/ Dorian’s Pride)

20. Joeviar Kennedy 6’4″ 185 lbs wing (Muskegon/ Triple Threat)

21. Josh McFolley 6’0″ 155 lbs PG (Mt. Clemens/ Michigan Hurricanes)

22. Tanner Eubank 6’3″ 170 lbs combo guard (Paw Paw)

23. Latin Davis 5’9″ 165 lbs PG (Milan/ The Program Elite)

24. Andia Marsh 6’0″ 160 lbs PG (Taylor Kennedy/ Michigan Warriors)

25. Devin Edwards 6’0″ 160 lbs combo guard (Jackson Lumen Christi/ Michigan Mustangs)

26. Rio Washington 6’8″ 200 lbs Forward (Romulus/ Michigan Warriors)

27. Justin Greason 6’9″ 190 lbs PF (Utica Eisenhower/ Michigan Mustangs)

28. Rob Edwards 6’2″ combo guard (Cass Tech/ Reach Legends)

29. Armani Lee 6’4″ 180 lbs wing (Detroit King/ Reach Legends)

30. Tim Shayoka 6’2″ 170 lbs combo guard (Troy Athens/ Reach Legends)

Follow me on Twitter: @mdhsathletics

Follow Jeff on Twitter: @McKinneysWorld

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Early C/O 2014 Rankings

23 Jun

imagesThis is way to early to be set in stone yet, but here is a list of players that have left a mark on me so far this Summer in Metro Detroit.

1. Edmond Sumner 6’3″ PG 170 lbs (Detroit Country Day/ The Family) [Verbal to Xavier]

2. Jaylen Johnson 6’8″ F 200 lbs (Ypsilanti/ Dorian’s Pride)

3. Justin Tillman 6’8″F 180 lbs (Detroit Pershing/ Reach Legends)

4. Yante Maten 6’8″ F 210 lbs (Bloomfield/ The Family)

5. Aaron Foster-Smith F (Taylor Truman/ Michigan Warriors)

6. Darrell Davis 6’3″ 150lbs Combo Guard (Detroit Douglass/ Michigan Hurricanes)

7. Kenny Carpenter 6’4″ Combo Guard (Cass Tech/ The Family)

8. Marqywell Jackson 6’4″ 180 wing (East English Village/ Detroit Stars)

9. Jamal Poplar 6’8″ F but can play multiple positions (River Rouge/ Michigan Mustangs)

10. Mory Diane 6’3″ 170 lbs (Detroit Country Day/ Reach Legends)

11.Ray Croon 6’4″ wing (Redford Thurston/ Reach Legends)

12. Juwan Clark 5’11” PG (Romulus/ Reach)

13. Leonard Harper-Baker 6’4″ wing (Detroit Southeastern/ Michigan Hurricanes)

14. Darsean Woodson 5’9″ PG (Detroit Pershing/ Reach Legends)

15. Darryl Bingham 6’4″ wing (Detroit Southeastern/ Michigan Hurricanes)

 

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Interview with Latin Davis and Nick Perkins

20 Jun

Both guys run with The Program Elite during the AAU season, and they are both members of the C/O 2015.

Follow me on Twitter: @mdhsathletics

Follow Latin on Twitter: @I_GetBucketz

Follow Nick on Twitter: @Nick_P34

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Day One in the Romulus Summer League

19 Jun

romulusArguable the most competitive Summer League in Michigan, the Romulus Summer League had a good mixture of teams on the first day.  From defending state champions, to teams that will be contenders this year, even all the way to up-and-coming younger teams.  The atmosphere in the gym did not feel like it was a Summer League.  A few technical fouls were given and a few coaches got into heated arguments.  However, talent was abundant, and some players are beginning to make a name for themselves that college programs should start paying attention to.

Ronald Booth (2014 5’6″ Detroit Consortium PG)- Do not let Booth’s size fool you, Ronald can play.  Booth is a tough, hard-nosed basketball player that can run an offense and is a team first player.  He handles the ball well, controls the pace of the game, can score if needed, and makes life difficult on opposing point guards.  Ronald would be a nice high D2 or low-major player.

Ja’Christian Briles (2014 6’2″ Oak Park Combo Guard)- Transfer from Southfield-Lathrup, Ja’Christian can simply score the ball.  Briles was knocking down three pointers and mid-range jump shots with ease.  Made a few nice passes with the ball in his hands playing the point guard.  Nice athleticism allowed Briles to finish above the rim on the fast-break.  Briles will have a break-out year for the Knights

Jake Lavis (2014 Wyandotte Roosevelt PG)- Lavis did everything for the Bears.  He shot the ball well, passed, rebounded well and played defense.  Jake controlled the game for the Bears and everything they did went through him.

Jordan Moses (2014 Detroit Loyola 6’9″ Forward)- Moses will be attending post-graduate school after his senior season, which will help Jordan transition nicely to the college level.  Moses changed shots and rebounded well and the defensive side of the ball, Jordan is raw offensively and will need some polishing up with a back to the basket type of game, but it is not to often you get an almost seven footer in high school.

Kelvin Fuller (2016 Oak Park 6’7″ Forward)- Fuller will have to sit out a semester for the Knights because he transferred to Oak Park from Detroit Cody, following head coach Bryant Tipton.  Fuller was hands down the best big man in the gym.  Fuller used his big frame to establish down low position on the block and finish at the basket.  Fuller was also blocking shots easily with a nice vertical, as well as providing the crowd with some electrifying alley-oops.  Kelvin will bring a high motor, and an intimidating defensive presence to any team he plays on.  He is also unique in the fact that he can play like a guard sometimes while bringing up the floor.  Fuller will be one to watch this upcoming basketball season.

Follow me on Twitter: @mdhsathletics

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Notes from U of D Mercy’s Team Camp

18 Jun

Josh McFolley (2015 Mt. Clemens/Michigan Hurricanes 16U PG)- Josh showed the ability to hit threes from all sides of the court, whether they were off the dribble or of the catch. Made some nice finishes through contact in the open court. Will pair along nicely with Jermaine Jackson Jr. next year for the Bathers.

Darrell Davis (2014 Detroit Douglass/Michigan Hurricanes 17U combo guard)- Darrell was one of the more crafty players at the camp. Davis took players off the dribble to the hole with different spin moves and ball handling moves. Finished in traffic a few times and kept defenders honest with a perimeter jump shot.

Cassius Winston (2016 U of D Jesuit/ The Family 15U PG)- One of the state’s most coveted freshmen, Winston proved why he recently picked up a Michigan State offer. One thing Cassius wanted to improve on this summer was strength, and it looked like he already has. Winston a few times just bullied his way to the basket with little resistance. But what makes Cassius unique is his high basketball IQ. He made the extra pass and saw the play before the play even happened. Has all the tools to be a national recruit for the class of 2016.

Tyron Hamby (2014 Romulus Guard)- Hamby proved to be a hard nosed defender for his opponents today. Coming away with multiple steals that led to easy bucket for the Eagles. Tyron also has nice bounce and athleticism throwing down a couple highlight worthy dunks.

Miles Bridges (2016 Flint Southwestern Wing)- Just by being on the court creates match-up problems. The kid looks like a football player on the court. Bridges likes to use his physical advantage to out muscle smaller defender down low, which also helps him rebound at a high level. But put a bigger forward on him, than he will just go around him. The next star out of Flint has arrived.

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Interview with Janeau Joubert of Ypsilanti

16 Jun

janeau-joubert-ypsilanti-boys-basketball-031113Janeau, the nephew of former Southwestern Prospector and Michigan Wolverine, Antoine Joubert, is  a 6’0″, 155 pound, point guard who attends Ypsilanti High School, and competes for Dorian’s Pride in the AAU circuit.  Joubert averaged 13 points, five assists, two rebounds, and one steal a game last for the Phoenix, good enough for All-Conference [Southeastern], and All-Area.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some athletes you model your game after?

Janeau Joubert: I think I model it between Jason Kidd and Steph Curry.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are skills and some intangibles you have as a basketball player?

Janeau Joubert: Good ball handler, can hit the open shot, see the floor well, and can run a team.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some areas of your game that are up and coming?

Janeau Joubert: Shooting off the dribble, and finishing in crowds.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: How has AAU been going and what are some goals you have set for the team and yourself?

Janeau Joubert: To win every tournament we play in, and to try and get nationally ranked.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: How much an impact does your uncle, Antoine, have on you both as a player and a person?

Janeau Joubert: A huge impact, he teaches me things about the game and also shows me how I should act off the court.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some schools that are looking at you right now?

Janeau Joubert: Toledo, U of D, Kent State, NIU, Central [Michigan], Drake, Cleveland State, Penn, Robert Morris.  And I plan to visit all of them too.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: For you, what are some attributes you look for in a school?

Janeau Joubert: Just how they treat the basketball players, they have good academics.  Also their style of play.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What will a team/coach in college be getting out of a player like you?

Janeau Joubert: A great leader, teammate, player, and a student athlete.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What makes you unique as a point guard?  What separates you from the rest of the competition?

Janeau Joubert: I’m a true point guard, and I know when to pass and when to shoot, and it doesn’t bother me to score six points and when everybody else is in double figures.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Expectations for next high school season?

Janeau Joubert: As a team to win states, and individually to make All-State

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What is a fun/interesting fact about you?

Janeau Joubert: Many people don’t know I ride horses, and I have four of them.

Follow Janeau on Twitter: @neaubasketball5

Follow me on Twitter: @mdhsathletics

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Winston Picks up First Big Ten Offer

15 Jun

20130615-203253.jpgCassius Winston, a rising sophomore point guard for University of Detroit Jesuit, recently picked up his first Big Ten Conference offer coming from the Michigan State Spartans. “I was kind of surprised that I got the offer this early,” said Winston, “but I had a feeling I was going to get the offer eventually.”

Cassius took the state, and even region by storm this previous high school season. Averaging 18 points, eight assists game, five rebounds, and 2.5 steals a game. And team wise, he was a vital piece for the Cubs who captured their first Catholic League title in over twenty years.

Winston plays for The Family, a nike sponsored EYBL team out of Detroit. Cassius plays in a crowed backcourt, with the likes of fellow future division one recruits, Corey Allen [Ypsilanti], Brailen Neely [Detroit Western], and D’Angelo Hansbro [Romulus]. Cassius so far this AAU season has continued showing off the qualities that have helped him gain nation recognition, such as creating for others, getting into the paint, and the ability to run a team. But plans on becoming stronger, gaining a consistent jump shot, better defender, and quicker.

This is now the fourth offer for Winston, the other three come from UMass, Iowa State, and Colorado. Other schools recruiting Cassius are Ohio State, Missouri, Georgetown, Xavier, Iowa, and Michigan. He plans on visiting U of M and MSU this summer. Cassius will no doubt be a top point guard and player for the Class of 2016.

Follow me on Twitter: @mdhsathletics

 

Top Power Forwards in the Area

13 Jun

The 2014 class is loaded with quality talent at the forward position.  The Metro Detroit area contains big men that can shoot, reb0und, defend, and pass.  The majority of these kids all ready have offers, so it is not like they are sneeking up on anybody.

9258651. Jaylen Johnson (Ypsilanti/ Dorians Pride) 6’9″ 210 lbs- Mr. Johnson’s stock has risen to another level this offseason.  Coming into the high school season, only regional schools knew about him.  But after dominating the Spring portion of AAU and the highly prestigious Pangos All-American Camp, Jaylen has hauled in offers from Oregon, North Carolina State, Iowa State, and Maryland, just naming a few.  The smooth moving forward controls the glass with outstanding athleticism, but what makes college coaches drool is his ability to control the paint.  Look for Johnson to gain in more high-major offers as the Summer goes on.

11865862. Justin Tillman (Detroit Pershing/ Reach Legends) 6’8″ 190 lbs – Justin missed more than half of the high school season due to a foot injury.  But looks to be making up for the missing time this past Spring.  Justin is super athletic, finishing above the rim with highlight reel dunks are put back tip ins, and can step out to the perimeter to make a couple of jump shots.  On the defensive end, Justin makes opponents think twice about putting the shot up, and hauls down rebounds in bunches.  Justin so far has received seven mid-major offers, including the likes of Bowling Green, Toledo, Oakland, and Indiana State.

Jamal Poplar3. Jamal Poplar (River Rouge/ Michigan Mustangs) 6’8″- Jamal transferred from Willow Run this past season so he had to sit out the first portion of the season.  But came back strong, which has transitioned nicely into the AAU season.  Poplar has the ability to play all five positions on the court.  Jamal can shoot up to the three point arch, get to the basket off the dribble from the perimeter, handle the ball in the open court, and finish through contact at the rim.  Jamal will be a solid high major prospect by the time high school season get under way.

yante4. Yante Maten (Lahser/ The Family) 6’8″ 210 lbs- Yante has a variety of skills on the basketball court he can use to beat a defender.  Maten can stretch you to the three point line, use his athleticism to go over you, or seal you off creating angles to use with his back to the basket.  Yante so far has offers from Oakland, U of D, Kent State, and Eastern Michigan.

5. Isaac Bowles (Cass Tech/ Judges Court) 6’7″ 215 lbs- Simply put, a rebounding machine. Isaac, before transferring to Cass Tech the second semester from Cezar Chavez Academy, had 38 rebounds in a game, good enough to be put in the state record books.

6. Andre Frederick (Detroit Douglass/ Michigan Hurricanes) 6’7″- What stands out to me about Frederick’s game is that he is a very active defender with quick footwork that is used to block shots.  Even if you are a guard on the perimeter, you better watch out for Frederick.  Andre is very good around the basket finishing with either hand, and uses his big body to carve out space down low.  Andre has a couple MAC offers as of now.

Follow me on Twitter: @mdhsathletics

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