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Hype Scrimmage Day One Recap

1 Dec

Talent was abundant at Michigan’s largest pre-season scrimmage event.  Here’s a look at the standouts on day one of action.

Allen Academy

Danny Pippen (6’7″ forward)- Pippen had a strong battle against fellow 2016 sought after recruit Austin Davis and Onsted.  Danny was extremely active on the offensive boards, retrieving rebounds even from his own missed shots, and finished around the rim with a soft touch.  He also looked more confident with his three-point jump shot and not hesitant to pull the trigger, and more vocal on the floor for his team.  Pippen has also bulked up more since the AAU circuit to go along with his size twenty shoe, and combined with his inside-outside skill set, should make a nice mismatch problems for defenses.

Jason Williams (6’0″ combo guard) and Drequan Bell (6’2″ combo guard)- The Wildcats also have the backcourt duo of Williams and Bell to go along with stud forward Danny Pippen.  Both got after it on defense with their quick hands and played the passing well picking off lazy passes which resulted in easy fast-break opportunities where the Wildcats thrive.  Bell can shoot the ball from the perimeter, but did most of his damage in the lane and attacking the basket.  He’s also showed he can create for his teammates when defenders leave their assignment.  Both Williams and Bell will share the point guard duties for Allen this season.

Onsted

Austin Davis (6’8″ power forward)- Just by looking at Davis, you can tell he’s a division one player.  A mobile big bodied frame are just a few reasons why he already holds scholarship offers from division one schools.  A back to the basket type player, Austin possesses soft hands and can finish around the basket with either hand.  He’s a type of forward an opponent is always going to have to boxout on either end of the floor.  A true blue-collar no nonsense type of player.

Ypsilanti Arbor Prep

Kyle Hayes (6’7″ power forward)- Kyle already holds a division one scholarship offer from Eastern Michigan.  He has the potential to become a promising wing/forward prospect with length, and athleticism.  He can rebound the ball in his area well, pass the ball, defend the rim, run the floor, and took defenders off the bounce from the wing and was rewarded with several trips to the free-throw line, playing with an added edge to his game.

Detroit Osborn

Christian Littlejohn (6’7″ power forward)- The Knights have three players on their roster with heights over 6’7.”  Littlejohn was the leader of the bunch.  As he crashed the boards hard, finished around the basket, displayed quick feet, defended the post, and blocked shots.  Osborn will be an interesting team to track in 2015.

Other standouts on the day:

Josh Davis (6’5″ wing Detroit Henry Ford)

Esa Abduljami (6’3″ guard Dearborn Heights Crestwood)

D.J. Mayo (6’3″ guard Dearborn Heights Robichaud)

Brock Washington (6’2″ guard Southfield Christian)

Marlo Brown (6’3″ guard Southfield Christian)

 

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Cleveland State Strikes Twice In Michigan

14 Nov

clst-11-panelnavbox-logo3Cleveland State head coach Gary Waters is no stranger to Michigan.  The Highland Park native attended Detroit Mackenzie High School, before playing at Ferris State University.  After coaching stints at Ferris State, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, and Rutgers, Waters inherited the Viking program in 2006 and formed Cleveland State into a perennial contender in the Horizon League.  Amassing 20 victories in five of nine season, and reaching the postseason in some form as many times as well.

Coach Waters has utilized the Detroit connection to Michigan when looking for future Vikings.  Currently, Cleveland State has three players from the Detroit Public Schools League on their 2014-2015 roster.  Detroit Frederick Douglass’ Terrell Hales (freshman), and Cass Tech Technician alums Kenny Carpenter (freshman) and Marlin Mason (senior).  For his 2015 class, Waters has inked two Metro-Detroit players in the Fall recruiting period, Detroit Cass Tech’s Rob Edwards, and North Farmington Jeron Rogers.

Both Rogers and Edwards were members of the Reach Legends AAU basketball program for the past couple of seasons.  At 6’2,” Rob can play both guard positions, rebound, and finish above the rim with his athleticism and strong frame.  The 6’7″ Rogers is a stretch-four forward that can shoot the perimeter jump shot, finish around the basket, handle the ball to create his own offense, and rebound at a high level.

For the mean time, the two can shift their full attention the the upcoming high school campaign.  Rob headlines a Technecian team coming off a 18-7 season which included a district championship.  While Rogers leads a hungry Raider team into the new season after bowing out to eventual Class A runner up Bloomfield Hills in the district semi-final.

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Wayland Union 2015 Forward Lacey James’ Player Profile

12 Nov

lj

•Height  6’9
Weight  225
Position G/F/C

•High School  Wayland Union High School
Summer team  ACB Bank Hoops
Graduation Year  2015

•Players you try to model your game after?
Kevin Durant

•Important Stats 18pts 10reb 3ast 1stls 3blks

•Most memorable game in your career so far?
Beating Jackson Lumen Christi in Regional Finals in overtime. Packed game, was fun and competitive game.

⁃How did this past high school season go for you and your team?
Had a good year, one game away from playing in Breslin at state finals. We let that game slip, but my team and myself really matured and realize what we need to do to be in that position again.

•Colleges that you would like to attend?
I don’t have a specific college just want to attend a school that I feel comfortable, happy, and is going to prepare me to be successful on and off the court.

•Colleges that have shown interest in you so far?
Teams in the following conferences – Horizon, MAC, Missouri Valley Conference, the Big West, Colonial Athletic Assoc, (CAA), Conference USA…

•What makes you unique from other players at your position?
My height, arm length, speed, ability to get my own shot and most important my work ethic.

•Strengths and areas you are improving in?
Create my shot off the dribble, explosion.

•How did the past AAU season go?
Went well, but shorter than wanted with spending July with medical inquiries with an athletic heart.

•What role do you see yourself having this year for your team?
Being a leader on and off the court. Making sure my teammates get better as a player and as a person.

•What will a coach be getting out of you at the next level?
Being a leader, knowing and playing my role. My hardwork and dedication, and helping my team to win.

•What will go into your decision about choosing a college?
Relationship with the coach before attending, feeling comfortable on campus.

•Most influential person in your life? Why?
My mom, being a single parent and working as hard as she does to make me happy. She taught me how to work hard, she pushes me on and off the court especially in the classroom. Always there for me in any situation.

•Legacy you want to leave at your school?
I want everyone to know you can do anything, just have to work hard for it, do the right thing but most important be in touch with God. Believe in reaching your goal and don’t let anyone stop you from getting it.

•Where do you see yourself in 15 years?
I see myself in the NBA.
•Highlight Tape

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqncDqCWcPM
•Fun/ interesting fact about you?
Funny guy, like to play jokes.

•Awards, Accomplishments, other comments?
All-Conference, honorable mention All-State

•Academic Information
3.4 GPA

•Email?
ljhoops@hotmail.com

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Huron 2015 Wing Xavier Cochran Enjoying Recruiting Process

29 Oct

xavier-cochran-huron-boys-basketball-03042013-thumb-646x418-145890Ann Arbor Huron senior wing Xavier Cochran had an impressive junior campaign, averaging 17 points, and five rebounds per game for his River Rats.  Combined with his dominance on the AAU circuit with the Michigan Mustangs, Cochran currently holds seven reported scholarships offers, Eastern Michigan, Rice, Oakland, Northeastern, Buffalo, Kent State, Dayton, and Buffalo.  Still, the 6’5″ southpaw swingman is enjoying the process and allowing every school to deliver their own individual messages.

“As of right now,” Cochran said, “I will probably wait till, during, or the end of my season (to commit).”

“Rhode Island, Eastern Michigan, Oakland, Western, and Cleveland State and a couple others are recruiting me the hardest.”

Xavier has a specific set of criteria which will influence his college decision when he is ready.

“Style of play, how they develop players, relationship with the coach,” Cochran chimed in.

“And just a place I will have a chance to contribute right away.”

For now, Xavier shifts his attention to Huron’s upcoming campaign.  Cochran headlines a trio of talented senior guards in Jalen Thompson and Dave Wren.  The River Rats return four starters from a season ago, and will start the season as a top 15 team in Michigan.  Expectations will be high at Huron this year, with the ultimate goal of capturing a Class A state title.

“Going into my last season, I’m expecting a state championship,” Cochran noted.

“That’s the high expectations I’m setting for me any my team.  I’m not saying it’s all or nothing, but that’s just our expectations as a team.”

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2014 Michigan Playmakers College Showcase

22 Oct

Unsigned senior showcases get off to a quick start this year, with the 2014 Michigan Playmakers College Showcase.

On Sunday November 2nd, coaches from division III, NAIA, prep schools, and junior colleges will be in attendance at Beechwood Recreation Center in Southfield, Michigan from 3-6 PM.

The Michigan Playmakers are a travel club basketball team located in the greater Metro-Detroit area.  With teams from middle school through high school, the Playmakers competed in various tournaments across the the midwest this past Spring and Summer.

Participants in the showcase will be be instructed through various drills, and compete in team scrimmages.

For more information, contact Coach Wendell Green at 248-688-2998 or michiganplaymakers@yahoo.com

Space is limited, and participants must be registered by October 30th.

Beechwood Recreation is located on 22200 Beech Rd, off of 9 mile Rd.

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Kris Clyburn Just Settling In At Notre Dame Prep

20 Oct

7c4ee686c5b4059c14118f7db8a3570e_lKris Clyburn, a 2014 graduate of Romulus High School, has only been on the campus of Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg, Massachusetts for a little more than two months.  However, through open gyms, scrimmages, and workouts, Clyburn has accumulated two division one offers, one from Buffalo, the other from Fairfied.

The Buffalo scholarship offer is unique to Clyburn.  Bulls assistant coach Nate Oats was Clyburn’s head coach at Romulus for Kris’ sophomore and junior seasons.

“We are pretty close,” Clyburn had to say about Coach Oats, “he’s a good guy and coach, it feels good to have that offer because I know for sure that I can go there and have someone that will take care of me.”

“It feels good to have any offer really, I’m just blessed to have the opportunity to receive division one offers.”

Kris had multiple collegiate offers in high school, but when he decided to attend a prep school for a year, many went off the table.  Notre Dame prep has a reputation as one of the premier post-graduate basketball programs across the country, with distinguished NBA caliber alumni such as Michael Beasley and Ryan Gomes.  Given the prestige of the school, Clyburn has worked endlessly this fall to improve on his individual game.  He notes he has been increasing in strength, improving upon his ball handling, and becoming craftier around the rim to go along with his strength of perimeter shooting.  All of which will aid in Clyburn fulfilling his goals for the upcoming campaign.

“My goals are to win a championship,” said Clyburn, “and I plan on pulling in more division one offers.

 

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Owens Community College Midwest JuCo Jamboree Recap

13 Oct

OCC136ElectricE divideThe second annual Owens Community College Jamboree is one of the premier exposure opportunities in the midwest for JUCO talent.  Teams from Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Pennsylvania were all in attendance, and made for a great day of college hoops.

Tre’Vion Crews 6’1″ Point Guard Jackson College

Crews set the tempo all day long for Jackson.  He is a unique combination of size, speed, and athleticism at the guard position.  Crews can run the show when needed, with a strong handle, court vision, passing ability and quickness to attack the lane and find teammates.  However, he can score as well, finishing around the basket, and hit a few mid-range and three pointers on the day.  Tre’Vion was also very active on the defensive end, he anticipated passes well leading to easy scoring opportunities for Jackson on the break, and also applied good on-ball pressure on opponents.

Schoolcraft Loaded With Talent

It was a tough day for Schoolcraft, going 1-2 on the day, which is expected of a team only being together for roughly a few months.  However, the Ocelots showed flashes at times of a promising future.  The man who caught the attention of all the collegiate coaches in attendance was Oak Park 2014 graduate Ja’Christian Biles.  At 6’1″ Biles is an electric above the rim finisher who brought down several high-flying dunks on the day.  A high-volume perimeter scorer, Biles will pair nicely with 6’2″ sophomore guard Lorenzo Collier, Collier hit a few threes on the day, and should develop into a solid scorer as the season progresses.

Up front for Schoolcraft, 6’8″ forward Anthony Wartley-Fritz was a pleasant surprise.  Big Wart looked more comfortable and in control with his back to the basket on the low block, with improved footwork for the 2014 Taylor Truman Cougar.  He’s isn’t going to jump out of the gym, but the athleticism of the team up front will be left up to 6’8″ +s Kaion Seales and James Pruitt, the three are still building rebounding and defensively chemistry, but will be tough to handle the day they figure it out.

Owens Express Talented Again

The host school did not disappoint with three solid performances on the day.  At times, Owens looked like they could challenge a quality D2 program at the very least.  5’7″ sophomore point guard Shaakir Lindsay is hard to find on the court, he’s a pass first point guard combined with a speedy handle that can spot teammates in drive and dish situations.  6’4″ wing guard John Murray complements Lindsay as a reliable go to scorer with playmaking ability on the perimeter.  His length, and size make Murray a potentially promising 1-on-1 defender.

Down low for Owens, the Express have 6’7″ forward Kenny Jones.  Jones is stuck in the proverbial “tweener” category.  Regardless, few at the Jamboree produced better than Jones in the paint.  Kenny was able to rebound against taller and stronger opponents, challenge shots, run the floor and push the ball up the court like the guard, and throw down some wicked dunks.  Jones was tracked by a multitude of coaches on the day’s action.

Delta College a Sleeper in Michigan

First year head coach Kyle Blackbourn has made upgrades to the Pioneers program.  Delta played with a chip on their shoulder the whole day, playing stifling defense, getting on the floor for balls, and feeding off of each teammate’s individual performances leading to a 3-0 performance at the Jamboree.  Delta is solid all around the court.  6’1″ freshman Markel Bradshaw comes from a winning high school program in Saginaw High, so it’s almost a given Bradshaw is going to play with passion and confidence any time he’s running point guard for Delta.  6’2″ off-guard Julian Henderson gives Delta a perimeter scorer with slashing potential, Justin Person can handle the ball a bit, but hit some threes off the bounce on the day.  6’7″ sophomore Chris Chrzan gives the Pioneers a stretch-four potential, 6’5″ Travon Cotton brings toughness as an undersized power forward, and 6’1″ Davian Phillips and 6’5″ Gabe Blalock gave Delta quality minutes off the bench.  If Delta continues to improve in the pre-season, the Pioneers are interesting contenders in the MCCAA conference this season.

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West Bloomfield’s Zach Allread Commits to Northwood

12 Oct

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West Bloomfield 6’7″ senior Zach Allread was perhaps one of the best forwards in Michigan who received the least amount of attention.  Allread had only three scholarship offers before deciding on committing to the Timberwolves of Northwood University in Midland, Michigan.

How does it feel to commit to Northwood?

It’s an amazing feeling, feels like all of my hard work to get to this point has finally paid off.

What was Northwood’s reaction when they heard you committed?

They were happy and excited I chose Northwood.

You committed shortly after visiting the campus, what was that experience like?

The campus is in a perfect location that my family can come watch me play and they have a great atmosphere there, perfect fit.

How do you see your play style fitting into Northwood’s system? How do they plan to use you?

They have talked a lot about me coming in and playing a stretch 4 for them because I have the ability to shoot 3s but also can get to the basket.

Are there any other commits in the class of 2015? If so, do you know any of them. If not do you know any players already on the roster?

I don’t know if there are any other commits I don’t think there are.  But I didn’t know any players but met a couple on the visit.

What were some other schools looking at you and what was different about Northwood?

I had offers from Malone and Madonna and I was talking to Depauw and had a recent workout with U of D Mercy who showed interest.  Northwood has a great business school and the atmosphere at the school really caught my eye and I loved it.  And obviously the coaches and players were great and they have been successful the last couple years

And what are you expectations for this upcoming season, what role will you have on this team and how good can West Bloomfield be?

Expectations are high, I will be a 3 or a stretch 4 primarily. The goal is to bring back some hardware and no reason we can’t do it. We have goo leadership and talent from Trishton Jackson and Michael King and have a trio of talented sophomores that will play a big role.

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John Glenn’s Mike Edwards Fastest Rising Prospect in Michigan

9 Oct

Westland John Glenn senior Michael Edwards is one of the most coveted prospects in Michigan currently. The 6’8″ Edwards currently has offers from U of D Mercy, Eastern Michigan, Ball State, Akron, and UC-Davis just to name a few.  However, several High Major programs such as Michigan and Iowa State have all been at John Glenn open gyms this year.  Even with the constant attention of schools and recruiters, Edwards is enjoying the process and knows he is blessed with the opportunity.

“It feels great!” Edwards had to say of the attention.  “I love it alot, and now I get to make a right decision to go to the right school.”

At 6’8″, it’s hard to miss Edwards when he is on the basketball court.  However, much of the recent recruiting attention can be attributed to the month of July AAU he had for Michigan United in front of college coaches.  According to Edwards, he says college coaches have shown interest in his ball handling abilities, mid-range jump shot, attacking the glass, and taking defenders off the bounce to the basket.

Edwards is open to all schools at this point.  He has visited Ball State this Fall, and plans to take a few more visits before the high school season starts.  When he decides on a school, it will be because of the “campus, the way the teamates are, head coach, the majors, and feel of it.”

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U of D Mercy Grabs Local Duo. Detroit Western’s Josh McFolley and Gerald Blackshear

7 Oct

MtClemensHoops_0-full“It feels great to commit to U of D Mercy,” were the words of Detroit Western senior guard Josh McFolley, “because the minute they recruited me they treated me like I was family.”

The 6’0″ 155 pound McFolley ended his recruitment with a pledge to the Titans on Monday night, after strongly considering fellow Horizon League members Cleveland State, and Oakland.

“It (U of D Mercy) fitted my playing style and the coaches seem like they care a lot about getting the players their education and helping them become better to get to the next level.”

Josh over the course of his high school career has been labeled a deadly perimeter shooter, but during his final year of travel basketball took on the responsibility as a primarily ball handler, distributor, and play maker for his AAU team.  He’s also improved on his agility, and athleticism throughout the progression of his prep career.

??????????????????????????????Josh last season attended Mt. Clemens High School, where the Bathers bowed out in the Class C quarterfinal game against eventual champion Detroit Consortium.  But with coaching changes, and rumors of the school district closing as a whole, McFolley decided it was best for him to finish high school at Detroit Western International.  Along with McFolley, Western also received transfer Gerald Blackshear, a 6’8″ senior forward from Mt. Clemens as well, who committed to U of D Mercy the same day as Josh did.

“It feels great to be going to school with a brother figure (Gerald),” Josh had to say, “and somebody you be around with everyday.”  “To get a chance to play with him and continuer our journey is incredible.

Both McFolley and Blackshear, in accordance with MHSAA rules, will have to sit the first semester of the school.  The two will be eligible for competition roughly around Martin Luther King Jr. Day for the Cowboys, who are favorites not only the win a Detroit City title but challenge for a Class A state crown as well.

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