Oh Times Goes By So Fast

For three years, I have covered high school basketball in Michigan.  The inspiration behind the website came after reading an article about a kid my age in New Jersey who had started his own successful basketball website.  Already a prep sports enthusiast for years at the time in tenth grade, a project was born.

I initially covered football in the Fall of 2012.  Once the state finals at Ford Field concluded, it was basketball season.  I’ve always liked the two sports, but there’s something unique about Michigan high school basketball that drew me in.  The rivalries, tradition, enthusiastic crowds and fans, state tournaments, it was an atmosphere I wanted to be apart of; only from the stands.

From then on I continued on covering the AAU part of high school basketball.  I had always wondered why certain players received specific college interest and how coaches evaluate talent on the court.  At that point I learned prep basketball is a business, and like life, it’s not always fair.  I felt as though is was my responsibility to continuously advocate for the lesser known players in Michigan, a core value behind The Prep Ball Report, knowing the impact a college education can have on a family and community.  I am unclear to date on how many student-athletes went to the next level because of my services, but there has been no better feeling than the thank yous I have received from players after an article was written with their name in it.

Although this website has been a true labor of love the past few years, it is time for me personally to move on.  In May of 2015, I graduated from University of Detroit Jesuit High School, and in the Fall I will be attending Loyola University Chicago, a Jesuit school located in Rogers Park neighborhood of the city.  I do not plan on continuing as a writer for the time being, instead my time will be devoted toward working as a student manager for the Rambler basketball team.  Loyola compiled a 24-13 record in the prestigious Missouri Valley conference a season ago, and captured the College Basketball Invitational tournament championship.   In addition to my role as a manager, I plan on studying sports management in college.

However, this is not necessarily the end of The Prep Ball Report.  I have assembled a staff of insiders who will continue in my absence on covering basketball in Michigan.  Notably, Adam “Mayor” Troia, a fixture on the Detroit basketball scene who is a regular contributor to the Michigan Insider on 1050 WTKA.  I am confident in Adam’s ability on spotlighting the young stars of Michigan, as well as the diamonds in the rough, which will be invaluable towards the future of this ongoing project.

I am a firm believer in surrounding yourself around positive people.  I would like to extend a gracious thank you to all the players, parents, fans, fellow reporters, and high school and college coaches I have come into contact with the past three years.  Your support does not go unnoticed.

The Prep Ball Report will always have a special part in my life.  Growing and developing an idea into a respectable brand was a once in a life-time opportunity for me.  Above all the personal notoriety it has brought me, the lasting impact will be how I’ve grown as a person, not just a basketball reporter.  Contrary to what many believed, my school grades improved once I started The Prep Ball Report, as well as my self-esteem and worth increased.  Sports have and will always play an important role in my life.  My ultimate goal is to work for a professional sports franchise one day.  And I owe a debt of gratitude to the Michigan high school basketball community for teaching me life-long lessons and serving as a launching point.

Thanks,

Steven