The Prep Ball Report

Romondo in his first year at Detroit Western, although it will be his only year, has made a case to be one of the most dominant big man to come out the school.  Watching Western play a couple times this year, it is evident that when they take this kid out of the came, there whole team struggles.  In an earlier game this year against Pershing, Romondo scored 23 points, grabbed 14 total rebounds, and swatted three blocks.  Rebounding is his biggest strength, not just on the defensive end of the court but also on the offensive side of the ball.  Ray is not just a low post presence as well, he can also hit the occasional jump shot from the free-throw line extended.  His talents are a bit raw but with a some coaching he could turn out to be a diamond in the rough.

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D’Andre is an experienced  varsity player who knows how to break a defense down.  He is an excellent one-on-one player.  He keeps you on your toes as a defender.  Because you don’t know if he is going to break your ankles or whether he will hit one in your face.  Knows how to make a solid pass, and find the open man.  If you want some excitement on your team, I definitely recommend taking a looks at this kid.  Not to bad a defender, willing to take a charge or two a game.  Has offers from, Central Michigan and Western Michigan just to name a few of his nine offers he has.

DeAngelo is a 6’5″ forward senior forward for the Cass Tech Technecians.  DeAngelo’s game is endless on the offensive end of the floor.  He can shoot the three-point shot and can also play pretty well from the high post.  DeAngelo has already committed to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.  Do not think that this kid is just an offensive player.  He is an intimidator on defense.  Whether he is blocking you shot or not, he makes you think twice about putting the ball up.

 Kyle Steward is a long armed 6’7″ small forward/shooting guard transfer from Crockett.  After Crockett closed, and merged with Finney to form East English Village Prep Academy, Kyle decided to take his talents to Cass Tech, and join up with already well-known players in the state, D’Andre Johnson, and DeAngelo Stewart.  Kyle’s game is a unique one.  He is a freak of nature.  He can bounce out of the gym and bring the crowd down with.  He excels in the open floor.  Either pulling up or driving to the basket.  He will absolutely add  much-needed height, and athleticism to Cass Tech if they wish to compete for a state title.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Please list weight, height and position?

Kyle Steward: 195 lbs, 6’7″, SG/SF.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: First game started on varsity?

Kyle Steward: At Crockett vs. Harrison.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Most memorable game since being on varsity?

Kyle Steward: Today [1/8/13 vs. Renaissance] actually. The atmosphere was crazy.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What was the best individual performance you have had in high school?

Kyle Steward: We played in Kalamazoo last year against Benton Harbor.  I had like 23 [points] and 10 [rebounds].

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: You are a transfer from Crockett.  What adjustments have you had to make both athletically and academically at Cass Tech?

Kyle Steward: Not much athletically, but academically, just balancing time and having to work harder?

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some strengths of your game and what are some areas that are up and coming?

Kyle Steward: My strengths are my athleticism and my pull up game.  I need to get stronger and handle the ball better.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some goals the team has set and some you have set for yourself?

Kyle Steward: We want to win the City Championship and State Championship.  And I just try and dominate every time I step on the floor.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: You have a Cleveland State offer, but what are some other schools that are showing interest?

Kyle Steward: Jacksonville, UMKC, Youngstown State.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: How enjoying is the recruiting process knowing that you will continue your career at the next level?

Kyle Steward: It’s a great feeling knowing that I’m going to be playing at the next level.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: If Cass plays East English, what do you think the outcome would be?

Kyle Steward: I know we’d get the job done.  I’m confident in my team.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Predictions for remainder of the season?

Kyle Steward: City and state champs.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: I like to call you, D’Andre, and DeAngelo the “Big Three”, is this the best triumverate in the city?

Kyle Steward: Most definitely we are.  When were all playing well, there isn’t a team who can beat us I don’t think?

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some other players that will have to step up if CT wishes to accomplish their goals?

Kyle Steward: Kenny [Carpenter], and Len [Lenard Hall], just need to keep playing at a high level.  And I wish my guy Darnell [Cox] would play more.  He can really help.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

Kyle Steward: Something most people don’t know about me is that I love to sing.  I don’t do it around a lot of people.

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Follow Kyle ON Twitter: @KyleSteward2

Jermaine caught my eye when I saw him play at the Motor City Roundball Classic.  In that game he scored 28 points, hauled down three rebounds, and dished out six assists, for his Windsor (Canada) Forster team.  Jermaine, can shoot the lights out of the ball.  He has a beautiful stroker.  He knocked down 11-15 shots and went 4-6 from beyond the arch.  Not to bad a ball handler too.  A player to watch from Canada for sure this year.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Please list height, weight, graduation year, and position.

Jermaine: Height: 5’11, Weight: 155 lbs, Class of: 2013, Position: Point Guard

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: First game started on varsity in high school?

Jermaine: On Varsity in grade 11.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Best game you’ve ever had?

Jermaine: A basketball tournament at Wayne State.  I hit 11 3’s and ended up with 37 points.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Any goals for the season?  Individual and team wise?

Jermaine: Individually one of my major goals are to win Mr. Basketball this season, and get looks to play at the next level.  Team wise I want to lead my team to a championship.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What players do you model your game after?

Jermaine: I don’t really try to model my game like certain players, but I would say I model my game like Brandon Knight the most.  Because of the way he can get his own shot off and set up teammates.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some strengths you have?

Jermaine: Shooting the ball, playing unselfish, and my basketball IQ.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Any big games coming up?

Jermaine: We play [Windsor] Catholic Central on [January] the 15.  And that’s a team who everyone predicts to win it all this year so we have to be ready to play.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: You have some Canadian colleges looking at you, but if I had a NCAA coach with me, and asked you what would you bring to his program, what would you say and why?

Jermaine: I would definitely try to make everyone around me better.  Bring a positive attitude and work as hard as I could everyday.  And someone who isn’t afraid to step up and take on a challenge.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: And lastly, what is one thing most people don’t know about you?

Jermaine: Hmm.. I’d say that I like to joke a lot and be silly.

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Follow Jermaine on Twitter: @jaylynch15

Richie Gold is a 6’4″ junior forward at Detroit Loyola.  Richie had a complete game for a forward in Loyola’s 88-73 win over Southfield-Lathrup, scoring 26 total points, and hauling down nine rebounds.  In the game against Lathrup, it seemed as if most of Richie’s points were coming from him being down low in the post.  Whether it was him cleaning up someone’s mess and putting it back in, or catching the ball and driving to the basket.  The kid loves contact.  Richie will have to play big this year if Loyola wishes to compete in the Catholic League AA this year.

Christien Wright took home the MVP for Country Day in their big 70-66 win over Walled Lake Western to conclude the 18th annual Motor City Roundball Classic.  Wright finished the game with 19 points, eight rebounds, and three assists.

Where do I begin with Kahlil Felder? Felder has carried the torch of elite point guards to come out of Pershing, the last being Keith Appling, who plays currently at Michigan State. Kahlil has been touted one of the best rebounding point guards in the state. And that held true against Chandler Park at the Motor City Roundball Classic. Kahlil recorded 13 rebounds. Not bad for a guard who is listed at 5’10”.

Last year, Pershing was expected to contend for a state championship, carrying future Iowa State commit Sherron Dorsey-Walker, but fell to Romulus in the quarterfinal. This year, I am a firm believer in this, Pershing will only go as far as Kahlil takes them. Yes they have talent in other places, such as Matez Walker and Justin Tillmon, but they all feed off of Kahlil. When Kahlil is playing well, they play well and vice-versa. This is Felder’s year, a chance for him to win a city and state title, something his predecessor Keith Appling accomplished in the 2008-2009 campaign.