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Grosse Pointe South’s Gordie Post talks Albion Commit

9 Apr
How does it feel to commit to Albion?
            -It feels great to have finally made my decision. It makes me feel as if I have put myself in a great position to succeed in my future.
 
What were some other schools recruiting you and what made you want to attend Albion?
–       The top two schools my recruitment came down to were Albion College and Benedictine University (Illinois).   I felt most comfortable with the coaches, players, and college as a whole.
What is your relationship with the coaches at Albion and do you know any of the players already there?
–       I really like the coaches.  They were generous enough to come watch me play a lot, and I took a overnight visit to campus a couple weeks ago and got to stay with the players and play in a open gym.
Did you visit the campus already?  If so, what did you like about it?
–       Ive visited campus a couple of times and like the historic feel of the buildings and the size of campus.
What makes you unique as a player? What will Albion be getting out of a player like you?
–       Being able to stretch the defense by being able to shoot the 3-pointer, but also play in the post.  An extremely hard worker who puts the team before myself.
 
Talk a little bit about your career at Grosse Pointe South. 
-.Was apart of senoir class who experience a 5-15 junior season and left our mark as the first team to win a Mac championship in more than 10 years and went 15-6 our senior year.  Excelled my senior year under first year head coach Troy Glasser.  First Team all Mac-Blue.
What will you look to add to the Albion program?
–A Hard working team player with high basketball I.Q with the desire to win
Who would you like to thank the most for getting you to where you are today?
My parents, and Head Coach Troy Glasser who’ve I’ve known since fourth grade CYO basketball.

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Cass Tech’s Carpenter Commits to Cleveland State

3 Apr

kenny-carpenter-43d72e72793f57f7Cleveland, Ohio is home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.  Various bands who have roots from the Motor City have been lucky enough to have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.  And not to far from the Hall of Fame is the campus of Cleveland State, where another Detroiter will have his opportunity to rock on with his college career.

Cass Tech senior Kenny Carpenter, a 6’4″ guard/wing, has decided to continue his basketball playing career collegiately for the Vikings.  Cleveland State is no newcomer when it comes to finding prospects in the Metro Detroit area.  CSU boosted three players from Michigan on their 2013-2014 roster, most notably for Kenny, former Technecian forward Marlin Mason, currently a junior for Cleveland State.  Carpenter is also not the only player from Detroit in the Viking’s 2014 recruiting class, Detroit Douglass guard Terrell Hales committed to the Vikings earlier this past summer.

“We’re cool,” Kenny had to say about Hales.  “Been playing against him for a while, it’ll be fun to play with him.”

Another major selling point for Carpenter on Cleveland State was the relationship and comfort level he has built through the recruiting process with the basketball program.  CSU’s head and associate coach both have coaching ties to Michigan.  Carpenter feels his role as a complete guard, one who can score, facilitate, play defense, and rebound, will best serve him as his college career begins to develop.

“It (Cleveland State) fits me,” Carpenter went onto say, “I feel comfortable there.”  “I fit in with the players, and I like their system.”

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U of D Jesuit’s Spencer Sanders Talk John Carroll Commitment

31 Mar

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John Carroll went to University of Detroit Jesuit to pick up 2014 point guard commit Spencer Sanders.  Primarily a lockdown defender for the Cubs this season, Sanders will look to bring a defensive intensity to the Blue Streaks, and a pass first mentality at the college level.

 

 

How does it feel to commit to John Carroll?

Spencer: “It feels good. At first I was indecisive on whether or not I would want to attend there, but I researched the university daily and came away with some great information which later helped me in my decision.”

What were some other schools recruiting you and what made you want to attend Carroll?

Spencer: “I wasn’t a highly recruited player, I did not even know if I would make it to the next level, but Adrian and Pine Manor College are the other colleges that contacted me in my Senior Year.  I had looks through my junior year but lost contact with the coaches.”

What is your relationship with the coaches at Carroll and do you know any of the players already there?

Spencer: “I have a very good relationship with the coaches. They came down and talked to me during school, and came to five of my games. It just showed their interest in me and it helped me in making my decision.

Did you visit the campus already? If so, what did you like about it?

Spencer: “Yes I visited and I liked the environment, it reminded me a lot of the school I attend now. I am going back down to visit soon with teammates Nick Mutebi and Julian Morgan hoping to gain their commitments as well.”

What makes you unique as a player? What will Carroll be getting out of a player like you?

Spencer: “I actually take pride in defense.  I feel like locking down opponents makes the difference in games because everyone can put up points. I am also a pass first guard which also makes me different.”

Talk a little bit about your season at U of D. What was it like making it to the Breslin for the first time in school history?

Spencer: “Amazing senior season. No one actually expected us to make it this far, but we had a very hardworking team.  The Postseason playoff run was exciting and something I’d never forget.  The most memorable game in the playoff run was when we defeated Romulus to make it to the Final Four.  So many positive emotions from the squad really showed how hard we worked.  Unfortunately, we did not complete our goals of winning a State Title, but we did make history.”

What will you look to add to the John Carroll program?

Spencer: “I look to bring intensity to JCU, offensively and defensively.  I look to help change the culture up there.”

Who would you like to thank the most for getting you to where you are today?

Spencer: “Well first and for most I thank God for giving me the opportunity to continue to play. I thank my parents, team, coaching staff at UDJ, and my trainer Devon Knight. I also thank my Grandmother.  She wanted me to go there but was unable to tell me because she recently passed away.  Fortunately she told my uncle and my mother and that helped me make my final decision!”

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From One Eagle to Another, Skyline’s Tristan Wilson Defines True EMU

27 Mar

WilsonWebAfter averaging 15.2 points, eight rebounds, and 4.2 blocks in his senior season for the Eagles of Ann Arbor Skyline, senior forward Tristan Wilson has decided to continue his basketball career at Eastern Michigan University.

The youngest of the four public high schools in Ann Arbor, expectations for Skyline were generally low at the beginning of the 2013-2014 high school season.  After an erratic 2-3 start to the season, the Eagles finished the season 15-5, making their way to the state quarterfinals before bowing out to Muskegon.  However, Skyline was able to defeat statewide ranked teams such as Ann Arbor Huron, and Kalamazoo Central.

“Best season in school history,” Tristan had to say.  “Won districts for the first time and regionals, and as a whole just made a better overall teammate and player.”

Eastern Michigan runs in Tristan veins.  His father, Theron Wilson, is the schools all-time leading shot blocker.  A second key piece for Tristan deciding to become an Eagle was because of the connection he developed with Head Coach Rob Murphy, and assistant coach Mike Brown.  His length, athleticism, and defensive presence were all selling points to the EMU basketball program, and sees himself a perfect fit in the Eagle 2-3 zone defense.

“I’ll be playing the 4 (position),” Tristan had to say.  “Athletic, long, in the left or right of the 2-3 (zone) kind of like Glen Bryant, one of their graduating seniors from this past season.”

Wilson is now the second in-state commit for the Eagles.  The first was Canton’s Jordan Nobles, a fellow 6’8″ long and athletic forward.

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Mt. Clemens Senior Forward Dorian Armstrong Talks Siena Heights Commit

24 Feb

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One of the more underrated forwards in the Metro Detroit area, Dorian Armstrong, has decided to continue his basketball career at Siena Heights University next season. Armstrong, a 6’6″ power forward/ center has been an automatic double-double for Mt. Clemens this season, averaging close to 10 points and 12 rebounds a game so far for the Bathers. One of the reasons why Dorian chose Siena Heights over schools like Wayne State and Aquinas was because Siena Heights made Dorian a top priority on their recruiting list. He will be given the opportunity to play immediately in college, a key for his decision.

“I’m just grateful,” Dorian had to say, “because I have a college that actually wants me to come and play.”

Dorian is the senior leader of a deep and talented Mt. Clemens front-court. Aside from scoring and rebounding the ball, a major skill Dorian has learned under head coach Jermaine Jackson is a high-motor, which Armstrong sees transitioning well to the college

“I feel my game can transfer very well at the college level.” Dorian noted. “Because I have a high-motor and my coach taught me to go to the action so I think that can get me very far at the college level.

Dorian and his fellow Bathers are amongst the top in Michigan’s Class C, and are gearing up for what they hope to be a long and successful playoff run.

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Romulus Defeats Belleville for the Second Time This Year

5 Feb

romulusIn the Battle of Hannan Road between the Romulus Eagles and Belleville Tigers, it was the Eagles of Romulus coming out victorious with a 56-36 decision.   It was clear this rivalry game would be a slugfest, with the first basket of the game not coming until 4:30 in the first quarter, Belleville eventually led 10-7 after the opening frame.  After leading 25-19 at halftime, Romulus came out and started the third quarter on a 6-2 run to lead 31-21 with 5:36 remaining, a double-digit lead the Eagles would not give back for the rest of the game, holding Belleville to only 7 points in the fourth quarter.

This is a huge win for the Romulus Eagles, with starting guard Tyron Hamby and junior Rio Washington out for the game, the Eagles knew others would have fill the void left by Hamby and Washington.  Sophomore D’Angelo Hansbro played arguable the best game of his young varsity career, the 6’0″ point guard started the game, and helped out with a 14 point and six rebound performance.

“We are a very deep team” senior guard Deonte Bell had to say after the win.  “Everyone on our team 1-15 is ready and able to step in and play minutes if needed.”

A consistent starter so far this season for Romulus, Bell scored all eight of his points in the first half, with 5 coming in the first quarter that helped Romulus gain confidence on the offensive-side of the floor after a shaky start to the game.

“Our defense leads our offense,” Bell went onto say, “we just had to focus on defense and we knew the offense would come.”

Along with Hansbro and Bell, junior guard Jaylin Walker contributed in the win with 15 points and ten rebounds, most of which come in the third quarter and were vital for Romulus in taking control in the game, and senior wing Kris Clyburn scored 12 points, hauled down nine rebounds, and played defense coming away with five steals.

Arlington Hambright led Belleville with a team high 13 points.

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Truman Senior PG Devain Newbill Looks for Statement End to Senior Year

3 Feb

8m4tIJuEThe Downriver League, which was created as a break-off from the old Michigan Mega Conference for the 2009-2010 season, has only had one team enjoy a long post-season run, the 2009-2010 Taylor Kennedy Eagles, who made it all the way to the state quarterfinals before bowing out to Detroit Denby.  Kennedy’s cross-town rival Truman, currently sitting at 11-0, good enough for first place in the Downriver League, and a top ten ranking in the Class A poll, is in prime position to gear up for what the Cougars hope to be a long and meaningful postseason run.

Truman is led by U of D Mercy commit Aaron Foster-Smith, a 6’7″ power forward who is averaging 22 points and 12 rebounds a game this year.  While Aaron receives the spotlight, and rightfully so considering the fact that he recently joined the 1,000 point club for his high school career on January 25th against Allen Park Inter-City Baptist, a key player that will determine whether or not Truman has a successful season is the play of 6’2″ 180 pound senior point guard Devain Newbill.

Newbill, a former transfer from perennial state power Romulus last season, has produced a quality season so far, averaging 12 points, and five rebounds and assists a game to go along with three steals as well. 

“The season has been good,” pointed out Newbill “actually we are just taking it game by game not looking ahead.  I want to average a double-double and I’m close to it though.”

Devain thrives best with the ball in his hands.  He is quick, explosive, athletic point guard that excels in space, especially on the break.  Newbill can score the ball when he wants to, but can also drop a dime or two to keep to defense off-balanced.  He also did as well a job a defender can against Inter-City Baptist’s star guard Evan Kraatz, holding him to only seven points on the game and zero in the second half.  While Devain can certainly fill up the score sheet, his role on the team extends beyond the stats he averages. He says he likes to model his game after former Romulus guard and current Missouri Tiger Wes Clark, a player he looked up during his time at Romulus.

“When I’m out there I’m the coach on and off the floor,” stated Devain.  “I’m the team’s captain, I just need to work on my shooting and I would be a real good player.”

No schools have reached out to Newbill in terms of offering scholarships to play basketball next year at this point.  However, Devian would make for a late great addition to a variety of the programs in the State of Michigan.  When asked why a college should take him, Devain responded “Because I am a hard worker, leader, coach on an off the court, I can score from anywhere on the court, I can pass, play great defense, I’m coachable, I listen, and I play my role.  I am a team player.”

As the season winds down and Truman readies themselves for the district playoffs, the Cougars will be eager to erase the memories of last years opening round playoff game, a 90-48 beat down by the eventual Class A champion Romulus Eagles.  It would mean even more to Newbill to not only beat Romulus because that is his old school, but because he has a developed a brotherhood with the seniors he is with at Truman currently.

“We are all brothers,” said Newbill, “that’s my family. With Kendarius (Slaughter) our shooting guard,  I’ve known him since last year he’s a really good kid I love that guy. Aaron (Foster-Smith) thats my brother, I’ve known him for 2 years, he’s always in a good mood, he makes me better on and off the court, I love him too.”

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Southeastern Remains Undefeated in PSL. Top Cass Tech 57-51.

30 Jan

The last time the Jungaleers of Detroit Southeastern traveled to Cass Tech to take on the Technicians was in last year’s city semi-final, where SE had their hearts broken on a controversial last-second tip-in by future Youngstown State commit Kyle Steward.  Eager to exercise the demons of that loss, Southeastern took the rematch on Wednesday by a 57-51 decision.  The Jungaleers came out and set the tempo early, leading 16-8 after one.  In the second quarter, emotions started to run high on both squads as one technical foul a piece was granted, Cass eventually led 29-27 at the half.  Moving to the fourth quarter, the last CT lead would come with 6:00 left in the fourth after senior Kenny Carpenter nailed a three to put the Technicians up 47-45.  However, it would be the last lead Cass would have for the rest of the game, as the senior trio of Leonard Harper-Baker, Darryl Bingham, and D’Cari Charleston stepped up their play in the final minutes of the game to score just enough to outlast CT.  Cass would eventually have the ball left down three with 11.8 seconds to go, but Kenny Carpenter turned the ball over, giving the ball back to SE to put the game away at the charity stripe.

Darryl Bingham paced Southeastern with a game high 19 points, and ten rebounds.  Fellow senior D’Cari Charleston stepped with 16 big point for the Junagleers and wing Leonard Harper-Baker chipped in with 13 points, including two threes.  CT was led by Kenny Carpenter with 17 points, and both Sharif Black and Mike Laster chipped in with 9 points.

With the win, Southeastern improves to 6-0 in the PSL’s East Division, with a huge game looming at Pershing on January 31st.  Cass Tech now falls to 4-2 in the West Division, one game behind leader Renaissance at 5-1.  And interestingly enough, the two teams play for superiority in the West on the 31st as well.

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Class of 2014 Rankings (Winter 2013-2014)

27 Jan

Justin-Tillman-photoThis is the last ranking for the 2014 class in Michigan.  This ranking has 11 commits overall, 10 division one, and one division two class.  As the senior class heads towards the finish line and into the playoffs, the highly coveted Mr. Basketball award will be given out to the state’s top player, and similar to in years past, it will be difficult to determine a clear cut winner.

1. Justin Tillman (6’7″ forward Pershing) Virginia Commonwealth Commit

2. Edmond Sumner (6’4″ point guard Detroit Country Day) Xavier Commit

3. Aaron Foster-Smith (6’7″ wing/forward Taylor Truman)  U of D Mercy Commit

4. Yante Maten (6’8″ power forward Bloomfield Hills)

5. Deshaun Thrower (6’1″ point guard Muskegon) Stoney Brook Commit

6. Jaylen Johnson (6’9″ power forward Ypsilanti) University of Louisville Commit

7. Darrell Davis (6’5″ combo guard Frederick Douglass) Dayton Commit

8. Mar’Qywell Jackson  (6’6″ guard/forward East English Village)

9. Mory Diane (6’3″ wing Pershing)

10. Jaleel Hogan (6’7″ power forward/center Mt. Pleasant) U of D Mercy Commit

11. Luke Meyer (6’10” power forward Addison) Central Michigan Commit

12. Mike Laster (6’4″ guard/wing Cass Tech)

13. Kris Clyburn (6’5″ guard/wing Romulus)

14. DaRohn Scott (6’9″ power forward/center Grand Rapids Christian)

15. Leonard Harper-Baker (6’5″ wing Detroit Southeastern)

16. Ja’Christian Biles (6’2″ guard/wing Oak Park)

17. Tyrone Acuff (6’6″ guard/forward Detroit King)

18. Darryl Bingham (6’5″ forward Detroit Southeastern)

19. Kenny Carpenter (6’5″ guard/wing Cass Tech)

20. Pakiya Ellis (6’2″ combo guard Detroit Allen Academy)

21. Terell Hales (6’4″ wing Frederick Douglass) Cleveland State Commit

22. Dequandre Dentmond (6’8″ forward Lansing Eastern)

23. Jordan Nobles (6’8″ forward Canton) Eastern Michigan University Commit

24. Justice Green (6’0″ point guard Flint Carman-Ainsworth)

25. Tyron Hamby (6’1″ combo guard Romulus)

26. Rashaud Orange (6’4″ forward Grand Rapids Union) Grand Valley State Commit

27. Ronald Booth (5’9″ point guard Detroit Consortium)

28. Anthony Warley-Fritz (6’7″ power forward Taylor Truman)

29. Charles Keys (6’6″ forward Cass Tech)

30. Keon Addison (6’1″ point guard Saginaw)

Thanks to Jeff McKinney for helping out in this ranking.

Follow Jeff on Twitter: @McKinneysWorld

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Class of 2015 Rankings (Winter 2013-2014)

27 Jan

thCA01NQ5LThe 2015 class in Michigan is dominated with tall, long athletic guards and wings that are matchup nightmares.  This class still has one more year of AAU to develop their individual games, and it will be interesting to see how each player in 2015 develops their individual games to become much more complete well-rounded players.

1. Eric Davis (6’3″ point guard Saginaw Arthur Hill)

2. Deyonta Davis (6’9″ center Muskegon)

3. Jeron Rogers (6’7″ wing/forward North Farmington)

4. Nick Perkins (6’7″ power forward Milan)

5. Bradley Brechting (6’9″ power forward/center Cedar Springs)

6. Seth Dugan (6’11” center Otsego)

7. Xavier Cochran (6’4″ wing Ann Arbor Huron)

8. Marquel Ingram (6’2″ combo guard Pershing)

9. Deleon Brown (6’2″ combo guard Grand Rapids Christian)

10. Josh Davis (6’4″ wing Detroit Henry Ford)

11. Gerald Blackshear (6’7″ power forward Mt. Clemens)

12. Ted McCree (6’3″ combo guard Orchard Lake St. Mary’s)

13. Derek Murphy (6’5″ wing Warren Mott)

14. Bakari Evelyn (6’2″ point guard Southfield Christian)

15. Brandon Childress (6’4″ wing Baldwin)

16. Jaylin Walker (6’2″ wing Romulus)

17. L.J. James (6’6″ forward Wayland)

18. Corey Redman (6’5″ forward Boyne City)

19. Rodney Scales (6’6″ power forward Oak Park)

20. Latin Davis (5’10” point guard Milan)

21. Jaire Grayer (6’4″ wing Flint Southwestern)

22. Josh McFolley (6’0″ combo guard Mt. Clemens)

23. Khari Willis (5’10” combo guard Jackson Lumen Christi)

24. Rob Edwards (6’2″ combo guard Cass Tech)

25. Andia Marsh (5’10” point guard Taylor Kennedy)

26. Charles Penn (6’6″ wing Mt. Clemens)

27. Brent Hibbits (6’6″ wing Hudsonville)

28. Armani Lee (6’4″ wing Detroit King)

29. Daniel Jeffries (6’6″ wing Detroit Central)

30. Tanner Eubank (6’2″ combo guard Paw Paw)

Thanks to Jeff McKinney for helping out in these rankings.

Follow Jeff on Twitter: @McKinneysWorld

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