Horatio Williams Tip-Off Classic Recap

The third annual Horatio Williams Tip-Off Classic was held at DEPSA this past Saturday, and has turned into one of the season premier showcases to bring in the new seasons.  Through six games and 100 players, fellow reporter Jeff McKinney and I found 25 individuals that stood out to us the most.

MVP Chris Rollins

The 5’10 point guard has found himself a home at East English Village.  In a tightly contested game against DEPSA, Rollins turned in quite the defensive effort, amassing nine total steals, and scoring 26 points.  He’s a feisty competitive kid whose going to dive on the floor for loose balls and can take over a game when needed.

Other First Teams Members

Marquel Ingram

Marquel showed a great amount of heart despite a Pershing loss.  The 6’2″ senior guard went into halftime with only four points, but when the game was over, Ingram finished with a game high 33 points, including four second half three pointers.

Jalen Gibson

Rouge’s 54-50 win over Cass Tech was an impressive statement for the Panthers and first year head coach LaMonta Stone.  The Panther’s tallest player, 6’7″ Gibson, produced a near double-double with 19 points, and nine rebounds.  Gibson has the potential to become a promising college prospect, he’s bouncy, tough, agile, and solid around the basket.  Gibson will pair nicely with fellow senior LaMonta Stone to give the Panthers a dynamic one-two punch.

Rio Washington

It’s hard to miss Rio Washington when he’s on the court for Romulus, the 6’7″ 250 pound plus senior feasted on a diminutive Doughboy frontline, pouring in 23 points, while hauling down 12 rebounds.  Rio is a pleasant combination of hands and mobility ideal for in a forward, but he’s a truly underrated passer and outlet man for a big.

Julius Palmer

6’9″ Julius Palmer would have to be a difference maker in Western’s win over number one ranked Saginaw Arthur Hill, especially with the slashing capability of the Lumber Jacks’ Eric Davis and Brian Bowen.  Well in arguably the school’s biggest victory, Palmer contributed 17 points, seven rebounds, and five blocks.  He’s a long and lanky forward/center still growing into his body, but is a above-average defender who challenges shots and runs the floor extremely well.

Second Team

D’Angelo Hansbro 5’11” point guard Romulus

Brailen Neely 5’10” point guard Detroit Western

Jaylin Walker 6’2″ guard Romulus

Brian Bowen 6’7″ forward Saginaw Arthur Hill

Isaiah Green 6’7″ power forward Southfield

Third Team

Justin Turner 6’2″ guard Renaissance

LaMonta Stone 5’10” point guard River Rouge

James Towns 5’9″ point guard Detroit Henry Ford

Darwin Hubbard 6’4″ forward Detroit Cass Tech

Khary Fanning 6’6″ forward Southfield

Others worth noting:

6’5″ senior Dequavion Johnson Saginaw Arthur Hill

5’8″ sophomore Armonee Felder Pershing

5’8″ sophomore Patrick Hatcher Pershing

6’2″ junior Corey Allen Ypsilanti

6’2″ junior Marcus Johnson DEPSA

6’2″ sophomore Jamal Keese DEPA

6’1″ junior Edward Carter

6’5″ freshman Dante Johnson

6’5″ junior Cedric Lattimore East English Village