Archive | Basketball Recruiting RSS feed for this section

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.

Tags: ,

EEVP’s Karmari Newman Rising Quickly On Recruiting Boards

29 Apr

0cq4Q48XKarmari Newman, a 6’3″ junior East English Village Prep guard, is among the state’s elite scorers, but there’s something else he’s been able to score in the short off-season, college scholarships.

Newman received two division one college scholarships in less than 48 hours, one from Kent State, while the other was hometown U of D Mercy as well as an offer he previously held from Cleveland State.

Newman convinced many schools of his potential and ability at the King James Shooting Stars Classic in Akron, Ohio, with a 35 point performance in the gold championship game.  Only a microcosm of how well Karmari has played this Spring.

“I’ve played extremely well,” Newman said of his play so far.  “Actually, I’ve been able to show them (colleges) my ability to play both sides of the basketball, and how bouncy I am.”

Newman mentioned style of play will be a key factor in his recruiting process.

“I want to play at a college that plays up and down,” Karmari added.  “Similar to my high school playing style.”

His playing style has received interest from Xavier, Iowa, Iowa State, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, Northern Illinois, and Northern Kentucky.  With two months remaining of tournaments for Detroit Showtime, Newman promises to provide nothing but a show from here on out.

Tags: ,

2015 King James Shootings Stars Classic Recap

27 Apr

IMG_0479

Many of Michigan’s quality non-shoe sponsored teams descended on Akron for the King James Shooting Stars Classic.

Jason Williams 5’11” guard Detroit Stars 16u (Pictured)-

A classic Jason Williams performance this weekend, scoring the ball.  Williams, only a junior, has already scored 1,000 career points, and AAU is no different.  Williams quickly beat defenders off the dribble in the half-court, finishing multiple takes at the rim against taller defenders with either hand.  His jump shot has improved drastically in the course of a year, and should keep defenders honest.

Donnie Tillman 6’6″ forward Detroit Stars 16u–

Donnie was a quality big man last Spring, now Tillman is an elite big man after spending a year at Findlay Prep.  Tillman’s best game was 32 points and eight rebounds.  He is the definition of a mismatch.  Place a larger defender on him he’ll face-up and drive to the basket.  Put a smaller defender on Tillman then he’ll over-power him in the lane.  Starting to play with a consistent motor on both ends of the court, finishing above the rim, while cleaning the glass, and challenging shots.

Jesse Scarber 5’7″ point guard Michigan Playmakers 16u-

His team doesn’t have a primary scorer, and Scarber decided to fill that void Saturday afternoon, 22 points overall.  Jesse plays one step ahead of opponents, he’s strong with the ball, attacks fearlessly to the lane, nimble enough to get through tight windows, limits turnovers, and was rewarded with multiple trips to the free-throw line.  Yet, Scarber’s strength is defense.  He consistently checks the opponent’s best defender the length of the court, and with his quick hands is able to generate steals to go along with anticipating passes.  Was also one rebound away from a double-double to go along with his 22 point outburst.

Daijon Park 6’5″ forward Michigan Warriors 16u-

Parker is quietly having a quality Spring.  After an impressive showing at the Michigan Invitational, Daijon followed up with a solid outing in Akron.  Parker’s not an eye-popping athlete, but he’s very methodical with his impact on the game.  He’s beginning to knockdown face-up free-throw line jumpers consistently, and looks quite natural doing so.  Rebounds his area well, and a promising weak-side shot blocker with improving footwork.

Tre Orr 6’8″ forward Michigan Playmakers 16u-

Orr had his moments throughout the weekend.  Tre has only been playing organized basketball for three years, and the next three years could even better for the Martin Luther King big man.  He’s starting to develop a feel for a back to the basket game, he’ll pass out of a double-team, however will call for the ball sensing a mismatch.  Many of his points we’re second chance putbacks.  With increased live action, his foot speed and athleticism should improve, making Orr a certain commodity come July.

Dequan Powell 6’0″ guard Michigan Playmakers 16u-

Powell at times was the best player on the court Saturday night and Sunday morning in bracket play.  His ability to transition from offense to defense quickly set the pace and tone for his team.  Powell was able to come away with steals and covert those into lay-ups, many of which were finished through contact.  However, Powell can also serve as a team’s glue man.  He rebounds well for a guard, and isn’t afraid to get scrappy down low.

Other News:

Detroit Showtime won the 17u Black Gold division title.  6’4″ East English guard Kamari Newman exploded for 35 points in the effort with various mid-major programs in attendance.

I was able to get a look at Michigan Soldiers 6’7″ forward Danny Pippen of Allen Academy, the first time since the big man was injured in January.  Pippen looks to have grown some since then, he does wear a size 22 shoe by the way.  Overall, Pippen looked comfortable running the floor, rebounding, and attacking defenders off the bounce.  Holds a U of D Mercy offer.

Hoops Canada 17u could easily be mistaken for a college level team.  Seven players suit up over 6’4.”  6’2″ sniper Omar Shiddo, and 6’8″ versatile inside-out Isiaha Mike were the standouts.

Tags:

Interview With Jason Williams of Allen Academy

26 Apr

Allen Academy’s Jason Williams has had quite the high school career, 1,000 points before his senior season.  Here, Williams reflects the past regular-season, goals for the upcoming AAU campaign, and talks recruiting.

 

Tags: ,

Warren Mott’s Derek Murphy Takes Extended Spring Break. Commits to Florida Tech

23 Apr

imagesWarren Mott does not strike the ear as a perineal basketball power on the east side of the state, but with two consecutive years of producing division one players, perhaps something is changing in Marauder land.

Derek Murphy, a 6’5″ senior guard, decided to continue his college career at Florida Institute of Technology, in Melbourne, Florida.

Murphy said he knew the school was right for him when he toured the campus.

“I fell in love with the campus when I visited, ” stated Murphy.  “When I played up and down with them I really felt it was the right place.  Coach Mims is a great coach but a better person, and I feel he will guide me to the next level and help elevate my game.”

Strength is a vital aspect of Murphy’s game.  Derek thrives when attacking defenders downhill to the rim.  So where does his strength come from?

“The weight room and vertimax have been my best friends as I feel I attack the rim aggressively and covert a lot of 3 point plays,” Murphy said.

Murphy established himself as one of the premier players in Macomb Country this past-season, averaging  20 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists per-game despite returning as the team’s lone returning starter.

Derek joins friend and ’14 teammate Kenny Goins to continue their careers on the collegiate level.  Goins eventually walked-on at Michigan State, but when the two played together, Mott enjoyed one of the best seasons in school history, 21-5, and a spot in the Class A quarterfinal.  The team did take a step-back however for Murphy’s final year, 9-12 overall.

“Kenny and I have spent countless numbers in the gym to get where we are today,” Murphy mentioned.  “That has motivated me a lot.  Just to see people that I have personally dominated in games, practices or camps get so much recognition.”

With the high school portion of his career concluded, Murphy can lay claim to calling himself the winningest Marauder in school history.  However, he still plans and strives on doing plenty of winning in college.

“I plan on making a name for myself,” Murphy added of his endeavors at the next-level.  “Be one of the best players to ever come out, win freshman of the year, and become an All-American.”

 

Tags:

Saginaw ’13 Graduate Markell Bradshaw Commits To Claflin University

6 Apr

tn7pwrdkbhs3lzjrTwo years ago, Markell Bradshaw adamantly stated his desire was to play division one college basketball.  The then Saginaw High senior had reason to believe so.  He was a member of the Trojan ’12 state championship team, and starting point guard for the ’13 Class A final four team.

According to the NCAA, only 3.4% of all high school basketball players will continue their careers collegiate, and one percent in division one.

Markell had just one scholarship offer following high school, Livingstone College (NC).  Bradshaw had hopes of receiving quality playing time, unfortunately for Markell, he did not achieve his goal.  Markell did not suit for a single game.

“It was hard being under the radar in high school knowing you were good,” Bradshaw said.  “Then going to a D2 and sitting out was hard.  I chose to sit out, but it was still hard not playing and watching everyone you graduated with playing.”

Immediately following his freshman year of college, Markell returned home.  Just in time.

Delta Community College, located in nearby University Center, Michigan, had just hired a new coach, Kyle Blackburn.  Desperate for players, Coach Blackburn reached out to Markell and offered him a spot on the team.

Delta felt like home to Bradshaw.  Blackburn had recently hired Carlos McMath, a long coach of rival Saginaw Arthur Hill on the coaching staff, and Markell’s long-time friend and teammate Julian Henderson, Saginaw ’13, joined Delta after a year at a community college in Illinois.  Given the comfortable environment, Markell thrived.

Bradshaw doubled as the team’s leader in both points-per-game and assists, 15.8 and 4.6 respectively.  He gradually worked his way into the starting lineup as the season progressed, and guided the Pioneers to a 19-13 overall record, and NJCAA District 10 championship game.  Earning MCCAA Eastern first team, and All-Freshman first team honors along the way.

With his success on the court, and in the classroom (he was the salutatorian of his ’13 graduating class), Markell earned and accepted a scholarship with Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

“I decided to go with Clafin due to how the coach (Ricky Jackson) recruited me,” said Bradshaw.  “He showed me a lot of love and we built a relationship, and I am able to walk right in and play.”

Bradshaw is confident as he begins classes at Claflin in the fall the school is the best personal fit for him.  He has grown and changed his perceptions on colleges during his two year journey.  He is thankful for the lessons it has taught him, and has a message for younger athletes who, once like him, were fixated on playing division one.

“Because a lot of them (high school players) go just because it’s D1 and never play.  I learned to go where the coach is going to show you the most love.”  “Guys from D2 get a chance at overseas and the NBA too.”

“If you ball, they will find you.”

Photo Credit: Delta College

Stats as of 2013-2014 NCAA survey.

 

 

Tags: ,

Cass Tech ’13 Graduate DeAngelo Stewart Commits to IPFW

26 Mar

GUswCuNQCollege tends to change people, whether personally or athletically.  For DeAngelo Stewart, it was both.

The 6’5″ ’13 graduate of Detroit Cass Tech’s road to college is not the typical route of a college athlete.  Stewart was originally committed to SIU-Edwardsville following his high school senior season.  Just before the start of his freshman year, DeAngelo de-committed, and chose to attend Alabama State University.

Alabama State was not the right fit either for Stewart.  In his one year at ASU, DeAngelo had difficulty in receiving consistent playing time and an overall feel of comfort with the program.

DeAngelo’s third college was Northwest Tech Community College in Goodland, Kansas.  In his one year at Northwest Tech, Stewart was a vital component of a Maverick team that won 20 games.  On an individual standpoint, Stewart averaged 16 points, and seven rebounds per-game.  Northwest Tech was the right culture for Stewart to change not only as a basketball player, but as a person.

“I changed my attitude on and off the court,” Stewart said.  “I became more mature also on and off the court.  I also changed my motor and body language.”

Focusing on those aspects brought greater interest and opportunities to play on the next level.  His stellar play landed DeAngelo interest from various mid-major institutions across the Midwest.  However, Stewart decided the final destination in his collegiate career will be at IPFW in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

“It feels good,” Stewart had to say about his commitment.  “I’m back in the Midwest where I belong.  I have been waiting on this moment ever since I arrived on campus for my JUCO season.”

“It’s a blessing to get another chance at the D1 level.”

Stewart said he chose IPFW because his relationship with the program was “different.”  DeAngelo admires the up-and-down tempo the Mastadons deploy. He also has a special relationship with one current Mastadon, sophomore guard Mo Evans, the Summit League sixth man of the year.  Stewart plans on bringing a sense of versatility next season to IPFW.

“They (IPFW) plan to use me on the perimeter,” Stewart added.  “And in the post to post up smaller guards.”

DeAngelo’s journey to division one college basketball has left a profound impact on him he will carry whenever his playing days are done.  Three schools in three years is not something Stewart would recommend.  However, it’s what was learned that has helped Stewart change the outlook on his career.  From playing “in the middle of no where in Kansas,” to division one college basketball, Stewart is thankful for the changes he has endured the past two years.

And so fittingly, Stewart strives on receiving the Summit League’s “Newcomer of the Year Award.”

Tags: ,

River Rouge Point Guard LaMonta Stone Pledges To Eastern Michigan

21 Feb

Whoever coined the phrase “the low-man wins in basketball,” must have been thinking of LaMonta Stone II.  The diminutive 5’8″ senior point guard, following a transfer from Bowling Green, Ohio, has been a vital piece behind River Rouge’s ascension from a combined 26-19 the previous two years to a contender in Class B with a 12-4 record in late February.  For the record, 26-19 is subpar for a school with 14 state titles.

The latest accomplishment for Stone was where he will continue his basketball career.  Which Stone decided, on his birthday, will be in Ypsilanti, for the Eastern Michigan Eagles.

LaMonta’s father, LaMonta Senior, like Junior, is in his first year at River Rouge.  Stone won the 1999 Class B state title while the head man for Rouge, then left the year after to coach in the college ranks.  LaMonta held assistant position at three different division one programs, one of which was Eastern Michigan.

“After going to a couple games,” Stone II added, “I like their style of play and the coaching staff.”

“I’ve had a really good relationship with Coach White (Benny) throughout my high school career.”

Stone said he decided on Eastern over U of D Mercy, Bethune-Cookman, and several division one institutions.  Given his short stature, Stone has had to excel in the intangibles necessary to smaller players at high-levels of basketball.  One of which is not quickly instilled into young players, toughness.

“The coaches like my toughness,” Stone also said.   “That’s a major thing to the EMU staff.”

Stone has been the backbone of the Panthers the entire year.  He’s averaged 23 points to go along with seven assists each night.  With his recruiting finished, Stone will now exert his full attention to assisting Rouge capture their 15th state title.

Tags:

Horatio Williams Tip-Off Classic Recap

15 Dec

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

 

 

 

Hype Scrimmage Day Two Recap

1 Dec

Detroit Loyola

Pierre Mitchell ( 2018 5’9″ point guard)- Mitchell has yet to play in a high school regular season game, but plays with the poise and confidence many freshman do not have.  First off, he’s a scorer, from all three levels.  He can shoot the three, score in the mid-range with deadly floaters and runners, and finish against taller defenders at the rim.  But Pierre can also be a true point guard.  He made some flashy passes on the break, and can quickly beat defenders off the bounce going either direction and get into the lane.  Mitchell can also be a pesk when Loyola decides to pressure opposing team’s ball handlers.

De’Quan Powell (2016 5’10” combo guard)- Powell should pair nicely with Mitchell in the Bulldog back court.  De’Quan increased his production on the day with the absence of DeMarco Dickerson.  He hit some contested mid-range jump shots at the elbow, and made some nifty drives to the basket.  But where De’Quan made a significant impact on Loyola’s games throughout the day was on the defensive end of the floor.  He takes pride in his defense, as he hustled to loose balls, got on the floor, and came away with steals.

Melvindale ABT

Elijah Smith (2017 6’5″ forward)- Smith is hard to miss when he’s on the floor, a 6’5″ 200 + lbs frame.  Smith seems to enjoy contact, using his body to carve out space vs. smaller opponents to get his hand on almost every rebound.  Don’t mistake him for being slow, he’ll get up and down the court just fine, and get off the court in a hurry as well.

Ann Arbor Skyline

Brandon Wade (6’0″ combo guard)- Another freshman guard yet to play a high school game.  Wade has good range on his jump shot, with a smooth and fluid release.  Moves well without the ball in his hand, showed flashes of being able to take defenders off the dribble, kept his head and set up teammates to score, and always seemed to be around the ball on defense.  Skyline will be a interesting team to follow this year.

Other standouts:

Lavail Russell (Melvindale ABT 5’10” point guard)

Jack Ammerman (Ann Arbor Skyline 5’9″ shooting guard)

Tags: , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →