Archive | January, 2015

Statewide And Class Team Ranking Week of January 19th

19 Jan

Statewide

1. Detroit Western

2. Kalamazoo Central

3. Muskegon

4. Clarkston

5. University of Detroit Jesuit

6. Saginaw Arthur Hill

7. New Haven

8. Ann Arbor Huron

9. Wyoming Godwin Heights

10. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central

11. East Kentwood

12. North Farmington

13. Canton

14. West Bloomfield

15. Romulus

16. Detroit Henry Ford

17. Walled Lake Western

18. Lansing Everett

19. East English Village

20. Monroe St. Mary

21. Oak Park

22. Detroit Loyola

23. Flint Beecher

24. Davison

25. Jackson Lumen Christi

Class A

1. Detroit Western

2. Kalamazoo Central

3. Muskegon

4. Clarkston

5. University of Detroit Jesuit

6. Saginaw Arthur Hill

7. Ann Arbor Huron

8. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central

9. East Kentwood

10. North Farmington

11. Canton

12. West Bloomfield

13. Romulus

14. Lansing Everett

15. East English Village Prep

16. Oak Park

17. Davison

18. Rochester Hills Stoney Creek

19. Rochester Adams

20. Wyoming

21. Ypsilanti

22. Fordson

23. Brother Rice

24. Alpena

25. Redford Thurston

Class B

1. New Haven

2. Wyoming Godwin Heights

3. Detroit Henry Ford

4. Milan

5. Wayland Union

6. Yale

7. Goodrich

8. Benton Harbor

9. River Rouge

10. Otsego

11. Battle Creek Harper Creek

12. Flint Northwestern

13. Haslett

14. Detroit CMA

15. Imlay City

16. Detroit Community

17. Paw Paw

18. Frankenmuth

19. Detroit Consortium

20. Lansing Sexton

Class C

1. Monroe St. Mary

2. Detroit Loyola

3. Flint Beecher

4. Jackson Lumen Christi

5. Grand Rapids NorthPointe

6. Millington

7. East Jordan

8. Bendle

9. DEPSA

10. Shelby

11. Vassar

12. Beaverton

13. Michigan Collegiate

14. Laingsburg

15. Fennville

Class D

1. Cedarville

2. Powers North Central

3. Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes

4. Fulton

5. Boyne Falls

 

Great Games January 19th Through January 25th

19 Jan

Monday January 19th

Milan vs. U of D Jesuit 4:20 PM @ Romulus

Saginaw @ Romulus 6:00 PM

Tuesday January January 20th

Detroit Renaissance @ East English Village 4:00 PM

Grand Rapids Christian @ Muskegon 7:00 PM

Clarkston @ Oak Park 7:00 PM

Lansing Everett @ Lansing Sexton 7:30 PM

Friday January 23rd

Detroit Western @ East English Village Prep 4:00 PM

Detroit Renaissance @ Detroit Henry Ford 4:00 PM

Romulus @ Belleville 7:00 PM

Redford Thurston @ Dearborn Heights Crestwood 7:00 PM

Ann Arbor Huron @ Ypsilanti 7:00 PM

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep @ Detroit Loyola 7:30 PM

Saturday January 24th

Coaches Against Violence Invitation 10 AM-8 PM @ Southfield Bradford

 

Five Key Transfers Across Metro Detroit

19 Jan

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.

 

Arthur Hill Defeats Renaissance 82-63

18 Jan

The Renaissance Phoenix came into Saturday’s game against the Saginaw Arthur Hill Lumberjacks on a two game losing streak, and it extended to four after a 82-63 loss to the Lumberjacks.

Renaissance came out strong, but they were out matched by the depth and athleticism of Arthur Hill.  Arthur Hill led 17-12 at the end of the 1st quarter. Junior guard Justin Turner kept the Phoenix in with an eight point quarter.  Sophomore Brian Bowen led the Lumberjacks with six points.

Senior Eric Davis (Texas) got off to a slow start in the 1st quarter, but picked it up in the second quarter to finish the half with 14 points.  Davis ended the second quarter with a three from the corner as time expired, and Arthur Hill led 40-25.

The third quarter was more of the same, complete dominance by the Lumberjacks on both ends of the floor. Arthur Hill came out in a press that Renaissance could not handle, and it led to several easy baskets for Arthur Hill.  On the offensive end the Lumberjacks were led by Eric Davis and junior Billy Burton.   Justin Turner had 18 points after three quarters, and fellow junior Alaric Jackson was providing a physical presence in the paint but it was not enough.

Arthur Hill went on to win the game 82-63. Eric Davis led his team in scoring with 25 points, he also added 8 assists. Billy Burton finished with 21 points, and Brian Bowen finished with 18 points and 14 rebounds.  Justin Turner finished the game with 30 points to lead all scorers.

Arthur Hill improves to 6-2, while Renaissance (4-4) will face the Bulldogs of East English Village next.

Contributed by Christian Crittenden (@chris_critt)

2015 Floyd Mayweather Classic Recap

18 Jan

IMG_1998-2The third annual Floyd Mayweather Classic met and succeeded expectations.  Four of the fives games were relatively competitive, and the man Money himself made an appearance as well.

Results

Toledo Rogers 69 Detroit Allen Academy 66

Lansing Sexton 62 Benton Harbor 59

Kalamazoo Central 87 Westland John Glenn 53

Muskegon 69 Romulus 59

Lansing Everett 79 Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills 71

MVP: Trevor Manuel (Pictured) Manuel recorded his second forty point performance of this season, pouring in 42 on the host Ottawa Hills, while also amassing 17 rebounds, and seven blocks.  The future Oregon Duck commit scored in every variety, isolation threes, mid-range pull-ups, around the basket, and highlight reel slams.  Everett will look to ride Manuel to the Breslin Center this season, and are off to a 7-2 start on the season.

Other First Team Members Deyonta Davis (Muskegon 6’11” Center)

The Future Michigan State Spartan didn’t have the dominating offensive production, at least from Deyonta’s standards at 15 points, but owned the paint for the Big Reds, hauling down 22 rebounds, and deflecting 13 Eagles shots.  After the night, there is only one question left to be answered, Deyonta or Trevor?

Joeviair Kennedy (Muskegon 6’3″ Senior Guard) Kennedy erupted in a decisive first quarter for Muskegon, tallying 15 of his game high 31 points in the opening eight minutes of action.  Joeviair, or “Hip-Hop” as he’s referred to, did a lot of his work in the paint for Muskegon.  Getting in the paint for floaters, finishing around the rim, and even displayed a fancy spin-move.  Kennedy also hit two threes on the night, and went 8-9 at the free-throw line.

Jaylin Walker  (Romulus 6’3″ Senior Guard) Walker did all he could to keep the Eagles within striking distance of the defending Class A champions, his 11 third quarter points cut a once 13 point lead down to five at one point.  The future Kent State Golden Flash finished with a team high 26, including three threes, to go along with a few impressive open floor finishes.

Jason Williams (Allen Academy 5’10” Junior Guard) Down 6’7″ junior Danny Pippen with an apparent hand injury, Williams shouldered an even greater load for the Wildcats, scoring 29 of his team’s points.  Williams is extremely quick with the ball in his hands, and a good handler too.  He consistently beat his man off the dribble, and initiated contact at the rim, but also converted on several mid-range jump shots. Williams could’ve even finished with more than he had, missing five free throws on the day.  But Williams showed he has the qualities to play as true point guard, assisting on five Wildcat buckets.

Second Team

Carlo Marble (Lansing Sexton 6’3″ Junior Guard) Carlo is the brother of Roy Marble, a prep standout at Southfield-Lathrup before a successful collegiate career as an Iowa Hawkeye and eventually finding a roster spot as a member of the Orlando Magic.  Carlo is in his first year at Sexton, after transferring from Iowa over the Summer.  He play’s receiver on the football team, meaning he’s naturally athletic and agile.  On the hardwood, Marble blends his size, speed, and athleticism into a promising high school wing.  He played more off the ball on the day, but was effective when he got his opportunities, finishing in traffic with floaters, slashing to the rim, and connected on two threes on the day.  Marble scored a team high 22 points, and is a name to remember in Michigan for the next year and a half.

Jaton Gunn (Benton Harbor 6’3″ Junior Guard) Gunn, one of the state’s best deep threat, lives and dies by the three.  He has deep range, meaning NBA deep range.   Jaton took six, made four, and finished with 20 points for the Tigers.  Gunn could become an even more promising player if he could develop more off the bounce.

Drequan Bell (Allen Academy 6’2″ Sophomore Guard) Bell struggled in the first, missing the first four shots he took.  But it didn’t discourage him, he kept on letting it fly and eventually the shots started to fall.  Bell was vital in the attempted Wildcat comeback, scoring 13 of his 18 points in the second half.  Drequan has the size for the guard position, he can create his own shot, handle the ball, competes on the floor, and has the tools to become a versatile perimeter defender.  Bell hit four threes on the day, and rebounds well for a guard, with five overall.

Devon Daniels (Kalamazoo Central 6’4″ Junior Guard) Daniels looked as if he would have a career night in the team’s route of John Glenn, scoring all 13 of his points in the first half, doing what he does best, attack the rim.  Devon can finish with either hand around the rim and has the size to take contact from defenders.  However, Central built an insurmountable lead over Glenn, and the Maroon Giants decided to display their depth which might put them at the Breslin Center this season

Shayne Scruggs (Lansing Sexton 6’6″ Freshman Center) Not a typo, a 6’6″ freshman center that also plays football.  Shayne is a mobile, high-energy, long armed athlete full with potential.  He finished with 12 points, and hauled in five rebounds.  Shayne had one nice spin move in the lane, but did most of his work on tip-backs and second chance opportunities.  He could be a dominating force for years to come in the capital city.

Other Standouts On The Day

RJ Parker (Lansing Sexton 6’3″ Senior Guard) Fisty, plays fearless, and competes on both ends of floor.  Finished with 13 on the day for the Big Reds, another football member as well.

Malik Hall (Benton Harbor 6’4″ Senior Forward) Long, active, athletic, defensive presence. Hall is Benton Harbor’s tallest forward at 6’4.” He blocked six Sexton shots on the day, and scored eight points.

Curt Dawson (Benton Harbor 5’10” Junior Guard) High-volume scoring lead guard that looked to attack from anywhere on the court.  Got into trouble at times with a few charging calls where he could’ve pulled up for a floater instead.  Quick and athletic, good on ball defender.

Rog Stein (Kalamazoo Central 6’3″ Sophomore Forward) Gets the most out of his 6’3″ frame for a forward.  Finished around the rim for 13 points, and used his wide frame to carve out space for 12 rebounds.  Another member of a talented group of Maroon Giant sophomores.

Jeremiah Richard (Kalamazoo Central 5’7″ Junior Guard) Richard came off the bench and contributed 10 points to go along with three assists.  The Maroon Giant offense “clicked” more with Richard at the point.  He’s a fundamentally sound guard that isn’t going to make the dramatic play, Richard gets the ball where it needs to be and solid mid-range game.

Jordan Hunt (Kalamazoo Central 6’4″ Senior Guard) Adding to the Maroon Giant depth was Jordan Hunt.  Hunt buried his first two shots, spot up threes.  Jordan finished with 12 points, and is another weapon at the disposal of Ramsey Nichols.

Ontario Burnett (Kalamazoo Central 6’3″ Sophomore Guard) Starting to get the theme Central is loaded?  Burnett, just a sophomore, starts at shooting guard.  Burnett was very effective in transition for Kalamazoo Central, he got up for one crowd pleasing dunk, and then fundamentally ran another one to perfection, making a beam line to the rim after hitting the outlet man.  Ontario contributed 11 points and five rebounds.

Tyrikh Hunter (Westland John Glenn 6’0″ Senior Guard) Hunter led Glenn with 20 points and 11 rebounds.  Tyrikh isn’t afraid about getting his shot off, and looks to attack off the bounce any time available.

Rio Washington (Romulus 6’7″ Senior Center) For all intensive purposes, Washington did the best job he could given the situation on Muskegon’s Deyonta Davis.  Rio was in foul trouble for greater than half the game.  But when he was on the court, Rio didn’t shy away from Davis.  He went right at him with his physical wide frame, and finished against Davis at the rim for 10 points.

Lance Clanton (Ottawa Hills 5’6″ Senior Guard) Throw size out of the question when watching Clanton, he plays with poise and confidence bigger than his height.  Clanton is a three point assassin, he rained in all four of his three 3s in the first half.  He started to slow down a bit in the second, only finishing with five points, still good enough for a team high 19.  Aside from just offense, Clanton was a pesk for Everett, his on ball pressure forced five steals and run outs for the Bengals.  But as an all around player, Lance assisted on four Ottawa Hills scores and rebounded the ball the same amount as well.

Anthony McIntosh (Ottawa Hills 6’3″ Junior Guard) Loves to attack the rim off the bounce with his right hand, developing shooter. Made several trips to the free-throw line. Finished with 15 points.

 

Prep Ball Review Episode Three

16 Jan

The third show of the Prep Ball Review features a CHSL discussion, and game predictions for the weekend.

Qasawa Leads North Farmington In 71-52 Route Of Oak Park

16 Jan

photo-3Don’t look now, but the Raiders of North Farmington remain undefeated at 9-0 in the middle of January after dismantling top ten ranked and OAA member foe Oak Park.

The saying goes, “defense wins championship” has not come into fruition just yet for the Raiders, but Thursday night’s win laid the blue print on how to accomplish that feat.

North Farmington’s pressing full court defense was able to force Oak Park into 27 total team turnovers on the night.  A stat regardless of the amount of talent a team has is difficult to overcome.

“Our coach always tells us to fly around and make people go at our speed,” said senior forward Anthony Qasawa.

“Today we really made Oak Park get out of their comfort zone and forced  them to make lots of turnovers.”

North Farmington came away with 14 takeaways in the first half, and built a 31-24 intermission advantage.

The Raiders began to distance themselves early in the third quarter, starting the second half on a 10-2 run in which Qasawa netted seven of his 12 points in the quarter before finishing with a game high 25 points.

“The first half, I tried to get my teammates involved,” said Qasawa.  “In the third I just let the game come to me and not force shots.  I was in a rhythm and I just went from there.”

North Farmington even streched their lead to as much as 25 in the third, with 6 different players scoring in the stanza.  The Knights only found continuity within their offense late in the fourth,  as many starters for North Farmington found themselves seated on the bench, the lead never dwindled below 16.  Giving the Raiders a well deserved victory.

“This was a huge statement win for us because it proves we can hang and beat the top teams in the state,” Qasawa also said.

The lone bright spot for Oak Park was senior guard Howard McInnis, with a team high 18 points, followed by Kelvon Fuller with 10 points, five rebounds, and four blocks.

Aside from his 25 points, Qasawa also came away with five rebounds, and three steals and assists.  Fellow senior Jeron Rogers netted 15 points and seven rebounds, while the junior class provided support as well.  Alex Darden contributed 11 points, and five rebounds, point guard Jacob Joubert had nine points five steals and three assists, and Josh Hogans stepped in off the bench for eight total points.

The win for North Farmington comes despite key transfer in junior Billy Thomas sidelined. Thomas has been in the state for roughly two weeks, he was in attendance for the game, but did not dress.  Thomas could possibly return as early as next Tuesday when all transfers across the state gain eligibility.  Regardless, when the time comes, Thomas will add another dimension to frustrate the Raider opposition.

“I think Billy will give another scorer and somebody else who can handle the ball,” Qasawa commented.  “Which will make us a better threat to opposing teams.”

 

Prep Ball Review Episode Number Two

14 Jan

The Prep Ball Review’s second episode podcast features an interview with Cass Tech senior and Cleveland State commit Rob Edwards, recap of last week’s game, a PSL discussion, and predictions for this week.

Strong Guard Play Assist River Rouge In 64-44 Win Against Allen Academy

14 Jan

mi-miriverrougehighschool-letter-150River Rouge senior guard Tracy Freeman is in his first year of competition as a Panther.  After sitting out last season, Freeman has made up the final member of an all senior starting lineup for Rouge led by longtime college assistant coach and 1999 state championship winner for the Panthers, Lamonta Stone.

Stone’s Panthers are off to an impressive 5-2 start on the season, with their latest victory against Michigan Metro League rival Detroit Allen Academy, avenging last season’s 72-55 setback.

“It feels really good to start league play off with a win,” said Freeman after the game.

Tracy set the tone early for Rouge, in a 7-0 Panther run with 5:43 left in the first quarter, Freeman scored five of his total 11 points.

“I played with a lot of emotion and intensity on the defensive end,” Tracy went onto say.  “Trying to get all the 50/50 balls, and my teammates involved.”

Freeman was a key contributor for Rouge in forcing Allen Academy into 21 turnovers on the night.  Tracy’s backcourt mate, and fellow senior Lamonta Stone Jr. also left his impact on the game as well.

The 5’9″ Stone scored eight points in a decisive second quarter for River Rouge, which saw the Panthers outscore Allen 23-6, building a 36-17 halftime advantage, a lead the Wildcats would never trim down below 16 for the remainder of the contest.  Stone finished with 18 points and nine assists on the evening.

“He played really well,” according to Freeman, “they threw everything they could at him and he didn’t get rattled one bit.”

“Controlled the game, and kept us poised.  Played like one of the best point guards in the state.”

Stone and Freeman controlled the pace and rhythm of the game, not to be outdone was 6’7″ senior power forward Jalin Gibson.  Gibson enforced his will in the paint with Allen Academy’s own 6’7″ forward Danny Pippen out with an apparent hand injury.  Jalin was just one rebound away from a double-double, with 11 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks.

The triumvirate of Stone, Freeman, and Gibson were accountable for more than half of the Panther offense.  Freeman will take the win, but acknowledges the depth of the 2014-2015 Panthers.

“We are going to need a lot more from Amir Poole, Mateeya Jones, and Maurice Witherspoon.  We have a starting six that has to be clicking.”

The resurgence of River Rouge is a direct correlation to the return Coach Stone has had on the program in his first months back.  As one of the most successful programs in the State of Michigan, the past two seasons for Rouge were well below Panther standards, a combined 26-19.  Aside from win and losses, the impact Coach Stone has, according to his players, extends greater than basketball.

“He (Coach Stone) has meant a lot to me personally,” Freeman said.  “I’m playing the best basketball of my life right now and in the best shape.”

“He is really helping the community.  (The Panthers) never had this much support from the city of River Rouge, they show much love.”

A Look At Michigan’s Future Playmakers

13 Jan

Today, we are taking a look into the future of Metro Detroit basketball and I am seeing some special talent in the Class of 2019. These are the players to watch and remember, you heard about them first here at The Prep Ball Report!

Beginning with 235 pounder, 6’5” Chad Lorkowski, from Gross Pointe who is also the #1 8th grade baseball pitcher in the state. Chad has some serious size and girth, has good foot work, a soft touch around the basket and also can step out and shoot from 18-20 feet.

Daniel Friday is the floor leader 5’10” point guard at University of Detroit Jesuit Academy. He has great court vision and could be the second coming of Cassius Winston. Daniel has played with the Playmakers since the 4th Grade where he played center at the time. He has worked and developed his all-around game and is also able to shoot from 18-21 feet.

Lorne Bowman from Pontiac led the team in scoring for the Playmakers last year averaging 15 points a game. He is a 5’6” slender kid with probably the best 3 point shot in the stats. He also can finish around the basket with the best of them. As evidenced by the fact that he cracked the top 30 all-star team at the Buckeye Prep this past fall!

Khalil Rozier is a 5’10” scrappy, tough run through a wall for you kind of kid. He has a complete skill set. He will back smaller defenders down and bring bigger defenders out and attack them out of the dribble. He has been with the Playmakers since the 4th grade. Khalil is a mentally tough kid who will excel in high school and beyond because of it.

John Massey is 6’3” forward. With his size and athleticism, John blocks shots and finishes around the basket consistently. His upside is huge as he’s looking forward to going to King High School next year.

6’0” Jalen Graham, a three-sport star and academic standout at Detroit Country Day Middle School, has been a Playmaker since the 2nd grade and is one the best 8th grade athletes in the State. He’s a starting quarterback and a born leader. On the basketball court, he gives the Playmakers all the versatility in the world. From guarding the point guard to the center. Not to mention scoring around the basket with either hand and making good decisions setting his teammates up on the court.

Keenan Stolz 6’2” from Brighton, has the best mid-range game on the Playmakers team, is highly skilled and has a great touch around the basket. Keenan will be a star in the KLAA and the state in the next four to five years. Keenan is also a star on the football field where it runs deep in his genes as his dad, Scott, played football at The University of Wisconsin.

5’9” Noah Stamps is an example of what the Playmakers promote – a hard nose, tough in your face defender. Noah has been a Playmaker since the 3rd grade. He is a floor leader and continuously sets his teammates up. Defensively, he gets his hands on a lot of balls and disrupts opposing teams’ offensive continuity. Noah plays at University of Detroit – Jesuit Academy and has excelled at youth football for the past seven years. He is a mentally tough kid with good leadership skills.

Robert Johnson 5’8” from Northville also a two-sport star (football) and has to be if not the best, one of the best finishers around the basket in the state for his age. Robert has the ability with his outstanding ‘ups’ to finish in traffic around the basket with either hand. He also has a solid mid-range jump shoot which combined with his speed give opponents’ nightmares. Defensively, Robert’s quick feet and hands allow him to average three to four steals a game. He also shot 50% from the field last season, which is exceptional for a guard. Robert has been with the Playmakers since the 3rd grade and has worked tirelessly on his game. Robert also will be a star in the KLAA and the state in the years to come.

5’7” A.J. Gilbert is a great spot up shooter with a good bit of athleticism which allows him to finish around the basket. A.J. is a scrappy defender who plays with an edge. He has a high basketball IQ which will take him far in the future. Also a two-sport athlete, he thrives on the baseball diamond. The coaches have tremendous confidence in A.J.’s ability to make plays in crucial moments, whether knocking down a big three or playing solid disciplined defense. His future is bright!

Two “X factors” for this season are newcomers, 6’1” Matthew Rookstool from Rochester, and 6’4” L.J. Napier from Detroit. Matthew is a hard nose player who can score inside and out. Matthew brings a lot of experience and toughness to the Playmakers and will be a great addition. L.J., who has a six to seven foot arm span, resembles a young Josh Jackson physically and in the face has a huge upside. He is all over the rim and very versatile. He’s a presence on the floor at all times: blocking shots, causing havoc with his wing span and finishing around the basket. L.J. has a nose for the ball and potentially could be a high achieving major athlete if his commitment continues.

Michigan Playmakers also have some of the best upcoming talent in future years:
2020 – Wendell Green Jr
2021 -Julian Roper II
2022 – Kareem Rozier
2023 – Ryan Hurst

The Playmakers will play all over the country this upcoming spring and summer and only time will tell how good the class of 2019 can be, but they show great potential!

Upcoming Schedule for the Playmakers at the Next Generation Basketball League is:

January 17th vs Detroit Showtime and Common Bond

January 24th vs The Family

January 31st vs Grand Rapids Storm and Lansing Prospectors

These are some of the players I’ll be watching in the upcoming years and their names and faces are sure to become familiar to everyone who loves high school basketball!

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