The day after Martin Luther King Junior Day, all transfer students who sat out the first semester are eligible for competition. For some teams, the added personnel can mean the difference between a district playoff loss and a Breslin Center appearance. Here are five teams who will change for the better this second half of the season.
Detroit Western– The Cowboys sit undefeated at 8-0 overall, with statement wins against Romulus and Saginaw Arthur Hill. Junior point guard Brailen Neely has blossomed into one of the premier guards not just in the city, but state as well. Neely is complimented by classmates in guards Armani Tinsley, Karim Murray, Efrain Hodby, and Kyree Boyton. The newcomers are U of D Mercy commits guard Josh McFolley, and forward Gerald Blackshear. Both transferred from Mt. Clemens over the Summer, and have played AAU together throughout high school. The 6’8″ Blackshear will be the fourth Cowboy over 6’7,” joining seniors Julius Palmer, Kheir Maxwell, and Antwan Smith.
Oak Park– Oak Park will see a rapid change in their roster and lineup possibilities, as six new transfers will become eligible for the Knights. After playing games this season with only eight eligible players, Oak Park is primed for a deep run in March. Junior point guard Trevon Gardner is currently ecstatic with the new options at his disposal. 6’8″ senior forward Rodney Scales was on Oak Park last season, but went to Wisconsin to play football this past fall, and returned prior to the basketball season. Scales will pair with 6’8″ junior Kelvon Fuller, already on the radar of division one colleges, and form a dynamic Knight front court. Devin Mills, a transfer from Ferndale, is a high-scoring two guard in the backcourt that should provide plenty of offense, and is a carbon copy of senior guard Howard McInnis, instant offense. River Rouge transfer Jonathan Raines, is only a sophomore, but adds even more size for the Knights at 6’7.”
Macomb Dakota- Not just a football power anymore, Paul Tocco’s Cougars won 19 games a year ago, and enter the second half of the season with a 5-2 record. Dakota will add Mt. Clemens transfers Jermaine Jackson Junior and Charles Penn. Jackson, son of former Detroit Piston Jermaine Jackson, is listed at 5’6″, but is as skilled as point guards at 6’6.” He’s crafty, a great three point shooter, and exceptional creator/passer. While Penn is 6’6,” and will give the Cougars a go-to scorer, rebounder, and versatile defender.
North Farmington– North Farmington is currently 9-0, and are led by seniors Jeron Rogers and Anthony Qasawa. The Raiders are a talented team alone, now add Billy Thomas into the equation. Thomas, transferred home from Genesis Academy after five months of competition and receiving division one offers. The junior was on U of D Jesuit’s semi-final team a season ago, and will contribute as a reliable perimeter scorer and ball handler.
East English Village– The Bulldogs are undefeated in Detroit Public School League play. East English Village is a primarily guard oriented team, juniors Kamari Newman, Chris Rollins, and Nate Bowlware have all had their respective moments thus far. Yet their lone big man, 6’5″ Cedric Lattimore, has proven capable of a workhorse power forward. Lattimore now receives aid in the front court, 6’5″ Jaylin McFadden, a transfer from Southfield Bradford. McFadden is a skilled athlete and leaper, he will add an offensive and defensive rebounding presence EEVP will use to challenge not only for a city title, but state championship as well.
The Prep Ball Report 
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