Archive | May, 2015

Warrior Jam Fest Day Two Recap

3 May

IMG_0502Pool play ended, and a bracket games commenced.

Dequan Powell 6’0″ guard Michigan Playmakers 17u (pictured)- 

While known for a defensive player, Dequan was able to give the Playmakers offensively, 13 against Hoop Grind and 11 vs. the Warriors.  Many of which came off jump-shots, an area he has improved drastically compared to a year ago.  Connected on four threes in the two combined games, and several mid-range pull-ups, while also playing well defensively.

Dwight Burton 6’1″ guard Michigan Playmakers 17u- 

The Playmakers already have a solid group of guards, but Burton can put them over the top.  In his first tournament with the team this Spring, Dwight did not disappoint, 16 in the first game, nine against Hoop Grind, and 13 coming vs. the Warriors.  In one particular stretch against the Warriors, Burton looked unstoppable, scoring seven straight, a nice take to the basket, a three, and a circus shot through contact at the rim.  Overall, Burton has a nice first step, a variety of moves to attack the basket for a scorer, and quality ball-handling abilities.  His best move of the day was coming down on the break with one defender with him, faking a behind-the-back pass, the defender following, and Burton sliding in for an uncontested lay-up.

Mike Bruce 6’3″ guard Michigan Warriors 17u-

Plays more an off-guard role compared to his point guard responsibilities at Belleville during the season.  Bruce scored 13 points in the loss to the Playmakers, and was the catalyst for a near comeback trailing double-digits throughout the game.  Bruce displayed an improved mid-range game, and attacking the offensive glass for second-chance baskets.

Tabin Throgmorton 6’3″ guard Team Basketball 17u-

At Clarkston Tabin was a role player, now he does it all for Team Basketball.  Score, rebound,  handle the ball, facilitate, shoot, he finds so many ways to beat opponents.  Very crafty and one step ahead of defenders.  Also hit a game winner for his team on the day.

Kyle Woodruff 6’2″ guard Michigan Mustangs-Woodruff 17u-

Didn’t let the high-intensity/emotional game shake his play, scoring nearly a third a of his team 56 points with 23.  Hit clutch threes down the stretch in the second-half coming off screens, and was impeccable from the free-throw line.

Other standouts on the day:

Kaevon Merriweather 6’1″ guard Michigan Warriors 16u- Ceiling is extremely high for Merriweather.  Will be in contention at Romulus come Summer League for minutes.

Antuan Johnson 6’5″ forward Michigan Playmakers 17u- Freak of an athlete.  Nearly had a SportsCenter highlight worthy dunk.  Still found ways to clean the glass, and change shots.

Andia Marsh 6’1″ guard Michigan Warriors 17u- Lived at the free-throw.  Tough to stop when gets downhill.

Brian Walker 6’4″ forward Ypsi Cavs- Showed flashes at times of being able to shoot/score the ball.

Dave Wren 6’1″ guard Ypsi Cavs- One of the best unsigned senior point guards in Michigan at the moment.  Gracefully gets around the floor, pass first, and plays above the rim.

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Michigan Warrior Jam Fest Opening Night Recap

2 May

IMG_0494While many Michigan teams left the state for Indiana, the Warrior Jam Fest is still a quality field of competition.

Brandon Johns 6’7″ forward Triple Threat 16u (pictured)-

Arguably the best freshman in Michigan, Johns met little setbacks in a 66-42 rout of the Macomb County Cougars.  Brandon stuffed the stat-sheet, 15 points, seven rebounds, five steals, four assists, and two blocks.  He was highly efficient doing so, every time he had the ball, it felt as if he was going to make the right play.  He can handle to ball well for player his size, step-out to the perimeter and shoot, and find open teammates with a stellar IQ and vision.  On defense, his long arms challenge shots when he’s in the paint, but also can defend the perimeter and even guard the middle of the floor when in a pressing situation.  Johns’ permanent position is yet to be determined, his length indicates even more growth in the future, and upside should rise as well.

Jordan Graham 6’5″ forward Michigan Warriors 16u-

Graham is just so silky smooth.  Even when it seemed he wouldn’t be the team’s leading scorer, Jordan still contributed a team-high 17 points in an opening night win.  Jordan is playing more of a power forward role now compared to the high school season.  However, he excels on the wing attacking the rim and getting to the basket.  Graham will be a double-double machine by June.

Daijon Parker 6’6″ forward Michigan Warriors 16u-

The Westland John Glenn big man played behind a future division one commit in the regular season, but in less than a month on the circuit Daijon has shown what he can do as well.  Parker’s calling card is rebounding.  He’s not jumping out the gym for rebounds, but Parker is very fundamentally sound on the glass, boxing out, and aggressively challenging for boards with two hands.  Parker scored just six points on the night, but his 13 rebounds resulted in various second-chance opportunities for teammates.  Rarely gets out of position on defense, and is a quality weak-side shot blocker.

Kaevon Merriweather 6’1″ guard Michigan Warriors 16u-

It’s been well documented Romulus is a guard factory, producing division one guards in three of the last four years.  Merriweather is next in line.  Kaevon, a freshman, plays up one level.  However, physically Merriweather does not resemble a freshman.  Thick shoulders, and the ability to play above the rim.  Similar to any Eagle, Kaevon competes relentlessly on defense.  In a span of two minutes when ASAP cut a once double-digit lead to six, Merriweather forced three turnovers in less than a minute which generated points for his team and a lead the Warriors would coast the rest of the way for a victory.

Muskegon’s Jason Loera Commits to Ferris State

1 May

image1How does it feel to commit to Ferris State?
It feels great to say that I committed to Ferris State University.  At first I thought I wasn’t going to be able to play at the next level, well a level that I wanted to play at but Ferris gave me the opportunity to do that, and it feels great.  I’m truly blessed and thankful.

When did you know Ferris was right for you?
When I applied for Ferris a couple months ago, I did a lot of research.  Did research on the programs that they have at the university and also did some research on the program.  They are building a great program and they’re going in the right direction. When I visited, they made me feel comfortable, campus was great, nice college town, and the players made me feel like I was family as if they knew me for quite some time.

What is your relationship with the coaches like?
My relationship with the coaches is good so far.  I hope to continue to grow with them as I go through my years at the university.  I really don’t know exactly how they plan to use me but whatever it is, I’ll give 110% to that role each & every day.  To me it’s all about winning and having fun.  I’m about doing whatever it takes to win.

What were some other schools recruiting you?
Some other schools were a smaller schools that were out of state, a couple community colleges, Juco, and other Division 2 colleges.

Do you know any players currently at Ferris

I knew a couple players at Ferris.  I know them from summer camps, playing against them, or watching them.  Not many but I knew some.

 

How did the past high school season go?

The past high school year went great. We finished the season 24-2. I averaged close to seven points per game, was second in assists, and second in blocks. We didn’t repeat like we wanted to but the season was great.

What do you plan to study in the classroom?
When I attend Ferris State University this fall, I play to Major in either Psychology or Business.

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