Archive | December, 2013

Unsigned Seniors Remaining in Michigan

9 Dec

puigThese are not rankings.  This is simply a list of the top uncommitted seniors left in the State of Michigan.  A few of these players hold college offers at the moment, but many of them do not and would make for great late pickups for colleges.

1. Yante Maten PF (Bloomfield Hills)

2. Marq’ywell Jackson SF (East English Village)

3. Tyrone Acuff SF (Detroit King)

4. Kenny Carpenter SF (Cass Tech)

5. Mike Laster SF (Cass Tech)

6. Justice Green CG (Flint Carmen-Ainsworth)

7. Leonard Harper-Baker SF (Detroit Southeastern)

8. Darryl Bingham SF (Detroit Southeastern)

9. Dahron Scott PF (Grand Rapids Christian)

10. Kenny Goins PF (Warren Mott)

11. Kris Clyburn SG (Romulus)

12. Charles Keys SF (Cass Tech)

13. Khadim Dieng C (Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian)

14. D’Juan Williams CG (Westside Christian Academy)

15. Pi’Kaiya Ellis CG (Allen Academy)

16. Ronald Booth PG (Consortium)

17. Ray Croon SF (Livonia Franklin)

18. Lindsey Hunter PG (Southfield Christian)

19. Evan Kraatz PG (Allen Park Inter-City Baptist)

20. Martel Handley SG (Saginaw Arthur Hill)

21. Luke Diekevers SF (Jenison)

22. Tyron Hamby PG (Romulus)

23. Jason Penn SF (Ferndale)

24. Juwan Clark PG (Romulus)

25. Michael Nicholson PF (Clarkston)

26. Maceo Baston SF (Detroit Country Day)

27. Devon Lauden PF (Onstead)

28. Demarco White PF (Southfield Christian)

29. Isaac Bowles PF (Cass Tech)

30. Keon Addison PG (Saginaw)

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2013-2014 Statewide Rankings

7 Dec

images-6You can check out each class rankings above under the rankings tab in the menu selection.  However, here is where all the classes were combined to form one incredible list of basketball talent the state has to offer.

 

 

Statewide Rankings for 2013-2014 Season:

1. Pershing

2. Muskegon

3. Cass Tech

4. Saginaw Arthur Hill

5. Bloomfield Hills

6. Ypsilanti

7. Romulus

8. University of Detroit Jesuit

9. Mt. Clemens

10. Saginaw

11. Milan

12. Detroit Consortium

13.  Detroit Frederick Douglass Academy

14. Oak Park

15. Detroit Country Day

16. Detroit Southeastern

17. Detroit East English Village

18. Jackson Lumen Christi

19. Grand Rapids Christian

20. Jenison

21. Flint Southwestern

22. Detroit Henry Ford

23. Southfield Christian

24. Detroit Western

25. Clarkston

26. Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian

27. Walled Lake Western

28. Southfield

29. Warren Mott

30. Flint Beecher

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Who is the best in Michigan?

6 Dec

Who is the best player in Michigan for the upcoming 2013-2014 high school basketball season?

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2013-2014 Season Preview: Class A Team Rankings

5 Dec

12468961-standardLets face it, Class A was a battle between Detroit Pershing and Romulus for a state title last year.  However, this year, no team is safe in Class A.  Each team has its fair share of talented players that can go head-to-head with any other team on a given night.  Starting with the southeastern part of the state, the league that has seven teams in the top 25 is the Detroit PSL.  The league has created a new divisional alignment this year, with division one containing all seven representatives.  The two top teams, Pershing and Cass, will battle each other on January 24th at Cass Tech in what could be a game for the ages.  Another league that has improved depth from a year ago is the Catholic League Central Division.  Yes, it’s U of D Jesuit’s to lose, but the Cubs will not run away with the title this year.  Orchard Lake St. Mary’s has quietly built one of the state’s premier basketball programs, with alumni including the likes of Kalin Lucas, and look to make this year one of the best in school history, with 2015s Jason Boswell and Ted McCree.  Moving on up to the middle portion of Michigan, Saginaw Arthur Hill is the projected winner of the always tough Saginaw Valley League.  The Lumber Jacks have the number one player in 2015, Eric Davis, but has some help coming with 2017 Brian Bowen, who already has offers from MSU and Missouri.  The Hill draws a tough district assignment to first week of the playoffs, this time coming from crosstown rival Saginaw High.  Saginaw has been to the Breslin Center the last two year, winning it all in 2011-2012, and will lean on 2016 forward Algevon Eichelberger to lead the way this year.  Moving off to the west, Muskegon has been known for football, but that will change this year in basketball.  Muskegon has Stoney Brook commit DeShawn Thrower, 6’10” 2015 power forward Deyonta Davis, and rising junior Javier Kennedy.  If Muskegon wins district and regionals, it will most likely set up a state quarterfinal rematch last year with 2015 guard Deleon Brown’s Grand Rapids Christian Eagles.

Dark horses are everywhere in Class A when it comes to a title.  Last year, Detroit Southeastern was a perfect example.  Here was a team that was over shadowed by schools like Pershing and Douglass all year, but gained momentum throughout the season and into the playoffs and made it all the way to the championship game.  A team to take seriously come playoff time will be Oak Park this year.  Oak Park has dominating back court guards, Ja’Christian Biles, and rebound machine Rodney Scales up front.  Ypsilanti was on the verge of making a trip to East Lansing last year, but have reloaded with Louisville commit Jaylen Johson, 2016 point guard Corey Allen, and 2014 combo guard Janeau Joubert.  Also, watch out for Bloomfield Hills this season.  A new school that combined Lahser and Andover.  The basketball team has a majority of players coming from last year’s impressive Lahser team, led by forward Yante Maten, point guard Armand Carthwright, and scorer Kahlil Gracey.

Class A is hands down the toughest class in the state.  Will perennial state powers take the crown, or will teams eager to prove themselves win it all?  That is the question to be answered in what will be a crazy MHSAA version of the NCAA’S March Madness.

Pre-season Class A Rankings: 

1. Pershing

2. Muskegon

3. Cass Tech

4. Saginaw Arthur Hill

5. Bloomfield Hills

6. Ypsilanti

7. Romulus

8. University of Detroit Jesuit

9. Saginaw

10. Oak Park

11. Detroit Southeastern

12. Detroit East English Village

13. Grand Rapids Christian

14. Jenison

15. Detroit Western

16. Clarkston

17. Walled Lake Western

18. Southfield

19. Warren Mott

20. North Farmington

21. Taylor Truman

22. Detroit Renaissance

23. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

24. Detroit Martin Luther King

25. Holt

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Player Profile: Warren De La Salle’s Jack Ballantyne

5 Dec

•           Height, Weight, and position?

6’7 212 lbs. SF/PF

•           High School, Summer team and Graduation Year?
De La Salle Collegiate, Michigan Hurricanes, Class of 2017. 
•           Players you try to model your game after?
Magic Johnson because of the way he saw the floor so well and knew what was going on at all times.
•           Important Stats 
39 Points in an AAU game this summer.  Averaged 24 points 12 rebounds 4 assists in AAU this summer. 
•           Most memorable game in your career so far?
The game this summer against Team Thab.
•           Colleges that you would like to attend?
Duke, Michigan, UCLA, any others would be great to.
•           Colleges that have shown interest in you so far?
University of Iowa, Tulsa University, EMU, U of D, MSU.
•           What makes you unique from other players at your position?
I can handle the ball and cause mismatches for the defense because of my size.
•           Strengths and areas you are improving in?
Defensive positioning.  
•           How did the offseason go?
Very well, I had great showings at the ESPN 125 Prospect camp, making the top 25 national all-star game.  I also improved my vertical jump.
•           Goals for the upcoming season?
Start and contribute for my varsity team this upcoming year.
•           What role do you see your self having this year for your team?
I see myself contributing a quick energy boost for the team.  I will be able to come in the game and cause a mismatch for the defense using my size and outside shooting. 
•           What will a coach be getting out of you at the next level?
A hard worker who’s willing to set aside personal goals for the benefit of the team.
•           What will go into your decision about choosing a college?
How far it is from my family, and the program’s historic success.
•           Most influential person in your life? Why?
My Dad and my AAU coaches, they both push me to be great on and off the court.
•           Legacy you want to leave at your school?
Win a state championship and win Mr. Basketball.
•           Where do you see yourself in 15 years?
Still in the NBA with a degree in Engineering.
•           Fun/ interesting fact about you?
I love Reese Cups and am addicted to winning.
•           Academic Information
3.4 GPA
•           Contact Information
DAVID BALLANTYNE <dlballantyne@yahoo.com>;
Twitter: @jdb__3
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2013-2014 Season Preview: Class B Team Rankings

4 Dec

12471050-standardClass B not only has some of the most talented players in the state, but also the best teams regardless of class in Michigan.  The defending champions, Detroit Country Day, lost four starters from last years team, but have Xavier commit Edmond Sumner to lean on this season.  The pre-season number ranked team in the state, Milan, have a pair of class of 2015 members that are ready to leave their mark on the state.  Point guard Latin Davis and forward Nick Perkins, after both had big summers in terms of recruiting, will lead the Big Reds this season with hopes of making a trip to the Breslin Center.  A team out of Detroit that was impressive last year and returns the main nucleus of its players is Douglass.  The Hurricanes have lost big man and Robert Morris bound Andre Fredrick to prep school, but have a trio of senior guards Darrell Davis, Terrell Hales, and Davi Bradley ready to lead what could be a Class B championship season.  Another team to lookout for this year from the PSL is Henry Ford.  Last year, the Trojans were a young, inexperienced team that struggled throughout most of the season.  But this year’s team is different.  Ford is led by division one bound junior guard Josh Davis, with sophomores James Towns and Antwan Carter.  Class B will not be ran away with this year, it will take toughness and determination to win come playoff time.

Pre-season Class B Rankings:

1. Milan

2. Detroit Frederick Douglass Academy

3. Detroit Country Day

4. Jackson Lumen Christi

5. Flint Southwestern

6. Detroit Henry Ford

7. Cadillac

8. Ostego

9. Wyoming Godwin Heights

10. Zeeland West

11. Corunna

12.  Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy

13. Lansing Sexton

14. Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard

15. Detroit Community

16. Flint Powers Catholic

17. Hudsonville Unity Christian

18. River Rouge

19. Comstock Park

20. Arbor Prep

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2013-2014 Season Preview: Class C Rankings

3 Dec

beecherOne of the more intriguing classes in Michigan is Class C.  Mt. Clemens, head coached by former Detroit Piston Jermaine Jackson, on paper have all the pieces to make a deep title run.  The Bathers have one of if not the best backcourts in the state, with Jermaine Jackson Jr., and deep ball threat Josh McFolley.  Mt. Clemens also returns experience from last year’s state regional final appearance, with guard Dorian Armstrong, and forward Charles Penn.  Consortium, has the number one player in the country regardless of class, Josh Jackson, but the Cougars will only go as far as his supporting cast takes them.  Look for seniors Ronald Booth and Malik Dawson to have breakout seasons.  The defending state champions, Beecher, look to reload after losing Mr. Basketball Monte Morris, sophomore Quay Burks will need to shoulder the load if Beecher hopes to make it back to the Breslin with chances for a three-peat.  A team flying under the radar in Class C is Melvindale ABT.  The Gators always seem to be a team in the hunt come March for a state title.  To get back to a 2009-2010 title season, rising junior guard Lavail Russell is a sneaky quick point guard who will be counted on the lead the team in almost every important statistical category.  Another team that will look toward a guard to win games this year is Muskegon Heights.  The Tigers have one of the best not talked about 2014 guards in Michigan, Aaron Sydnor.  A combo guard, Sydnor is capable of heating up from long range and isn’t afraid to take it to the basket as well.  Overall, Class C is wide open for multiple teams to bring home a championship.  Don’t be surprised if a team ranked below the top ten in the pre-season rankings are crowned kings in March.

Pre-season Class C Rankings:

1. Mt. Clemens

2. Grand Rapids Northpointe Christian

3. Detroit Consortium

4. Flint Beecher

5. Pewamo-Westphalia

6. Melvindale ABT

7. Negaunee

8. Detroit Loyola

9. Monroe St. Mary’s Catholic Central

10. Muskegon Heights

11. Traverse City St. Francis

12. Lainsburg

13. Ecorse

14. New Haven

15. Madison Heights Bishop Foley

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2013-2014 Season Preview: Class D Team Rankings

2 Dec

scClass D was won by the Eagles of Southfield Christian last year, but there will be plenty of teams eager to dethrone them of being kings in Class D the past two years.  Southfield Christian will be challenged locally by Allen Park Inter-City Baptist and Westside Christian Academy.  However, from the western side of Michigan, the team that lost to Southfield Christian, Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian, will look to make it back to the Breslin Center and cut down the nets.  Look for Lenawee Christian to be the dark horse in Class D, with height and skill that will cause many teams problems in a smaller class.

Pre-season Class D Rankings:

1. Southfield Christian

2. Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian

3. Allen Park Inter-City Baptist

4. Lenawee Christian

5. North Central

6. Climax-Scotts

7. Lansing Christian

8. Westside Christian

9. Boyne Falls

10. Bellaire

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Showcases and Tournaments To Begin The Year

1 Dec

puigThe 2013-2014 high school basketball season opens up with several high quality showcase and tournament games that make March Madness look like a tea party.  Showcases/tournaments start the first week of the season, and run all the way to the middle of January.  Michigan teams will not only play each other at a few of these showcases, some of the best teams from Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana will all travel to the Great Lake State to take on the best Michigan has to offer.  A highly anticipated season cannot get off to a better start!

All of the following showcases and tournaments will be previewed a few days they start.

December 9 & 10: Derrick Coleman Midwest Challenge (@Detroit Mumford)

December 14:  Fourth Annual Sam Washington High School Kickoff Basketball Classic  (@ St. Cecelia in Detroit)

December 14: Horatio Williams Tip-Off Classic (@ Detroit Edison Academy)

December 20 & 21: Romulus Holiday Classic (@ Romulus High School)

December 21: Cardinal Holiday Classic (@ Saginaw Valley State University)

December 21: Best of the Best? (@ Detroit Renaissance)

December 21: Battle of I-96 Tournament (@ Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills High School)

December 26 & 27: DPSL Holiday Hoops Classic (@ Detroit Cass Tech)

December 26-30: Motor City Roundball Classic (@ Harper Woods High School)

December 27-28: Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame Classic (@Muskegon Reeths-Puffer High School)

December 27: Holiday Hoops Invitational (@ MSU’S Breslin Center)

January 4: Muskegon Basketball Showcase (@ Muskegon High School)

January 11: New Years Basketball Classic ( @ East English Village Prep)

January 18: Horatio Williams Foundation Freedom Classic ( @ Warren Fitzgerald High School)

January 18th: Memorial Classic (@ Saginaw High School)

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