Pre-season Statewide Rankings (15-11)

The countdown rolls on, from 15-11.  Special thanks to reporter Jeff McKinney for his assistance in this post.

15. Detroit East English Village Prep (Class A)- Despite a generous amount of talent, the 2013-2014 Bulldogs underachieved throughout much of the year en route to a 10-11 record.  However, this season the Bulldogs have reloaded and are not only contenders in the PSL but Class A.  6’3″ lefty marksman Kamari Newman will form one of the state’s best junior backcourts with the addition of 5’10” point guard Chris Rollins from Warren De La Salle.  In the front court, 6’4″ forward Cedric will bring toughness, and a rebounding presence along with the athleticism of 6’5″ junior Southfield Bradford transfer Jaylin McFadden.  Junior football prospect Nate Bowlware and sophomore Greg Elliott will add depth at the guard position, while 6’7″ center Joseph Barron could be the x-factor for the Bulldogs.

14. Southfield (Class A)- The Blue Jays return five experienced players from a disappointing 6-14 output a year ago.  The triumvirate of sophomores Reme Torbert, Amauri Hardy, and Michael Flowers have each learned from their first seasons on varsity, and form one of the premier backcourts in the OAA.  Up front, 6’5″ Khary Fanning might be the most athletic player in the state, as witnessed in an Air Jordan dunk contest during the Summer, and will pair up with the more traditional power forward 6’7″ classmate Isaiah Green.

13. Clarkston (Class A)- Coach Dan Fife wins, period.  The Wolves went 20-5 last year before bowing out to eventual Class A runner up Bloomfield Hills in the regional final.  Senior 6’0″ point guard Andrew Meyers is a Madonna University signee, there is no flash to his game, but he competes relentlessly on both sides of the floor.  Junior 6’3″ Tabin Throgmorton gives the Wolves a versatile, play making wing-guard, and senior 6’7″ Miami (OH) tight-end football commit Cole Chewins will hold down the paint for Clarkston this year.

12. Macomb Dakota (Class A)- The Cougars quietly had a quality season a year ago, and will look to do more this year with two notable transfers.  5’6″ sophomore point guard Jermaine Jackson Jr., son of former Detroit Piston Jermaine Jackson Sr., has transferred from Mt. Clemens to Dakota.  The younger Jackson has six division one college scholarships, and averaged double figures as a starter on varsity.  The second transfer is Charles Penn, who comes with Jackson from Mt. Clemens to Dakota.  The 6’6″ Penn will add athleticism, rebounding, and scoring to the Cougars.

11. Hudsonville (Class A)- Brent Hibbits can play, the 6’7″ 190 forward holds several division one scholarship offers.  However, if Hudsonville will be successful this season, a point guard will need to rise and take the scoring load off of Hibbitts.