Archive | Boys Basketball Recap RSS feed for this section

Western Holds On To Defeat Renaissance 65-64 For First PSL Title Since 1922

20 Feb

IMG_0135It happened.  For the first time since the inventions of the television, bubble gum, and microwave, the Detroit Western Cowboys are Detroit Public School League champs.  1922 to be exact.

Western, undefeated and ranked number one in the state, had averaged 67 points in contests prior to facing Detroit Renaissance in the city title game.  Fortunately for Coach McDowell’s Cowboys, the team was able adjust to a different tempo than usual.

“At halftime I told them if we’re going to win it, we’re going to win it with our defense.”

Whether it was exceptional defense or poor offensive performances, both teams struggled to find baskets in the opening half.  Renaissance shot a dismal 8-25 from the field, and Western wasn’t much better at 10-25.

“It’s been like that the last three or four games,” McDowell said after the game.  “We just haven’t shot the ball well.”

Renaissance methodically controlled the game in the first half, limiting turnovers, forcing Western to settle for contested perimeter jump shots, and challenging 6’8″ center Gerald Blackshear at the rim.

The Phoenix led 24-23 at half, despite All-City first team member Justin Turner shooting 1-8 from the floor.  Western decided to rotate through guards Brailen Neely, Kyree Boyton, Josh McFolley, and Kareem Murray to wear down Turner.

Renaissance continued to lead by one entering the fourth.  Western needed a play to shift momentum.  Junior guard Armani Tinsley is as quality a sixth man as there is in the state.  Tinsley scored four straight points in less than a minute to begin the fourth, giving the Cowboys 40-37, a lead the Phoenix would not reclaim the remainder of the fourth.  Tinsley finished with 8 points and five rebounds.

“It’s very deep, our bench is very deep,” said senior point guard Josh McFolley.  “So when one goes down, another comes up, so they come up big.”

Western’s largest lead of the fourth was four points.  The fun didn’t start until 1:17 left on the clock, down three, Justin Turner was called for an offensive foul.  Western started to run down the clock, the Phoenix decided to foul McFolley, not their first choice, with 47 seconds remaining.  McFolley missed, Renaissance quickly out-leted the ball to Turner, he drove and scored, Phoenix down one.  With 18.5 seconds left, junior forward Alaric Jackson stumbled upon a Western blunder, Renaissance ball down one.    Western elected to foul twice, the Cowboys were under the limit with four, just enough.  Not a soul in the gym thought Turner would not get the ball.  Turner did, he missed a contested mid-range jumper, Western ball up one, five seconds left.

“It actually looked good, I was scared, I was nervous,” said Brailen Neely, who finished with a team high 14 points.  “It was in the air, a whole bunch of thoughts went through my mind.”

Gerald Blackshear rebounded it, send him to the line.  Blackshear missed.  Phoenix ball down one 1.8 left.  Freshman Jalen Tobias took the inbound, pivoted, and found senior point guard Daryl Smith.  Smith launched it from 40 feet, the ball struck iron, and fell like a feather to the ground.  Game over.

The Cowboys can take a deep breath, their undefeated record remains intact.

“Of course there’s pressure,” Blackshear referred to following the game surrounding his team.  “Because we’re number one, we lose everybody’s like aww man, but they win it’s like oh my God they won.”

McDowell adds his fourth PSL title to his résumé, his first at Western, the previous three came while the head man for Detroit Redford, now closed.

“It’s an extreme honor to win under McDowell because he expects so much out you,” Neely added.  “When you win you feel you met his expectations.”

The win is special for the aforementioned McFolley and Blackshear.  Both have played together throughout high school, previously at Mt. Clemens, and now Western.  The two are so connected, both decided to commit together and attend U of D Mercy for college.  The same court the championship game was played on.

“We were excited about it,” Gerald said about the opportunity to play on the court where he will continue his career on.  “Ever since we got to the championship, we just kept talking about it.”

McFolley is known for offense, his three point shot is his specialty.  However, he only made one shot the entire night, a three, and two free-throws.  While Gerald is the opposite.  Blackshear contributed seven points, but hauled in 12 rebounds, and deflected two shots.  Just his role on the team.

“Defense wins championship, this a championship, defense won.”

Tags: , ,

Community Senior Point Guard Kyrahl Hunt Carries Hurricanes Past Cornerstone 58-57

18 Feb

IMG_0113Detroit Community senior point guard Kyrahl Hunt did not want to lose.

The 5’10” point guard is listed as the Hurricanes’ shortest player, yet proved he can carry a team if the opportunity arises.

Hunt scored 21 second half points, exactly half of the team’s output, for Community to erase a double-digit deficit and defeat Cornerstone 58-57.

“It was a big win after letting that Hamtramick game slip away,” Hunt said following the game.  “We had to bounce back.”

“I can’t even explain how much I didn’t want to lose.”

The Hurricane offensive performance in the first half was so poor, one Cornerstone player scored the same amount of points as Community’s entire team.  6’5″ sophomore wing Jamal Cain had 16 points and 13 rebounds in the opening half.  Cain was one of the Wolves who did not play in the first meeting on January 6th, a 78-45 Community beat down.

“It’s not always easy to beat the same team twice in one year.” Hunt added.  “We were short handed two starters also.”

Community was down usual starters James Jenkins and Demario Turner, which meant both teams had only eight players to work with.

“Our coach told us we don’t look like a championship team,” Hunt said was Coach Raymone Johnson’s message at half.  “And that we needed to come out and match the other team’s intensity.”

The Community comeback started in the third.  Kyrahl would score seven straight points late in the third to put the Hurricanes  down single digits 45-37 entering the fourth.

Hunt would continue to dominate the fourth, scoring 12 points in the stanza alone.  Community held a brief one point lead with 3:02 remaining.  However, Cornerstone point guard Trey Burton connected on a three, and then senior guard Tyreese Searles completed an and-one to give the Wolves a five point lead with 2:10 left.

Community could’ve easily folded, not on Hunt’s watch.  Kyrahl came down the court, and buried a three to place the Hurricanes down one with 1:10 left.  Searles would draw a foul with the game tied at 56 with 22 second remaining. Searles would make one.  Following a Detroit Community timeout, Kyrahl Hunt received the inbound, took a few dribbles, and found a wide open teammate at the rim from half-court to give Community the 58-57 lead they needed.

Cornerstone had the ball with nine seconds left, and then four seconds after the ball went out of bounds.  Searles drove the ball from the top of the key, got into the lane, found an open teammate, but from no where, Hunt came from the weak side to block what might have been the game winning layup for Cornerstone.

“I read the whole play,” Hunt said about his block.  “And turned out making a big play for my team.”

In an environment which modeled a playoff game, Hunt has a thing or two for when the lights shine bright.

“It was a loud atmosphere.”  “I like when the crowd is loud, it builds up my momentum.”

Hunt finished the game with 25 points, four rebounds, and three steals and assists respectively.  Hunt did most of his work at the free throw line, with 15 out of 19 on the night from the charity stripe.

Jamal Cain led Cornerstone with 23 points and 18 rebounds, however, only seven came in the second half, and three in the fourth quarter.  Searles added 15 points and five assists.

Hunt will take the win, but doesn’t believe this is the formula for Community to be successful when the stakes are higher in March.  The Hurricanes need balance from both their starters and bench players.  Fortunately for Community, the playoffs start in three weeks.

“We have to come together as a team,” Hunt added.  “We haven’t been playing together how we are suppose to.”  “We also need to learn how to execute more.”

 

 

Tags: ,

Beecher Extends Winning Streak To Seven Following 60-43 Win Against River Rouge

14 Feb

photo-10Flint Beecher and River Rouge, two schools with celebrated basketball prestige and tradition.  The two programs have combined for 19 MHSAA state championships, River Rouge 14 and Beecher five.

Rouge and Beecher last met in the 2012 Class C quarterfinals, Beecher won 59-55 en route to a state championship.

The latest meeting was another Beecher victory, a 60-43 outcome in the Buccaneers favor.

“It’s great,” Beecher sophomore point guard Malik Ellison following the victory.  “It’s a good tune up game that’s going to lead us to the tourney in March.”

Ellison led Beecher in scoring with 18 points, ten in the first-half.

“I think I played well,” Malik added.  “I picked my spots on the court and made my teammates available to score.”

Beecher led 15-14 at the end of the first.  Rouge would lead 23-21 with 3:38 before half, the last Panther lead of the game.  The Bucs finished the half on a 11-4 spurt for a 32-27 half-time advantage.

Panther senior point guard LaMonta Stone entered the night having scored at least 30 points in the team’s previous two contests against Romulus and Consortium.  The 5’9″ floor general struggled to find any form of offensive rhythm.  After making his first two shots of the game, Stone would only shoot 3-14 from the field the remainder of the first.

The man primarily responsible for guarding Stone was the 5’8″ Ellison.

“We played our tempo,” Ellison said the key was to neutralizing Stone.  “And boxed out. These are things we focus on for every game.”

Stone continued to struggle in the second-half.  He shot only 2-11 from the field in the second-half.  Along with senior forwards Maurice Witherspoon and Jalin Gibson repeatedly in foul trouble, the Panthers could not find a reliable secondary scorer to compliment Stone.  Beecher took advantage of the situation and built a ten point lead entering the fourth quarter.

The Bucs would outscore the Panthers 12-5 to five in the fourth quarter.  Methodically running their offense, limiting turnovers, and receiving the coveted 50/50 balls, Beecher was able to secure a victory and end Rouge’s five game winning streak.

Stone led the Panthers in scoring, but on 7-27 from the floor, the only Panther in double figures.  Aside from Ellison, 6’2″ senior Cedric Moten added 17 points, and 13 rebounds for Beecher against a taller and athletic Panther front-court.

“Ced (Moten) plays hard every game,” Ellison would say about his teammate.  “He’s our scrapper and energy guy.  He plays a huge factor for us, and he is the reason we are where we are.”

The Bucs are currently 14-1, and had outscored the opposition on average 73-47 entering the game against River Rouge.  In a statement game against a Class B contender, Ellison wants Michigan to know Beecher might be Class C, but can compete with anyone in the state.

“We don’t want to just be number one in Class C,” Ellison stated.  “We want the whole state to know we can compete with any class in the state.”

Tags: ,

Jamal Cain and Derrik Jamerson Team Up For Cornerstone To Better Ferndale University

13 Feb

photo-8In high school basketball, the odds of defeating a team twice are extremely low. Especially if the team has an entirely new makeup for the second time around.

Detroit Cornerstone Health and Technology avenged an 87-77 January 15th setback to Ferndale University with a 72-58 victory.

“It felt real good,” junior guard Derrik Jamerson said following the game. “Because I had to sit and watch the first time with out being able to help my team.”

More than half of the Wolves’ starting lineup did not play the first time Cornerstone and University met. Many transferred from Melvindale ABT to follow head coach Myke Covington, including the combination of Jamerson and sophomore forward Jamal Cain.

Cain and Jamerson accounted for 50 of the team’s 72 points.  Jamerson connected on at least one three pointer in every quarter, before finishing with seven all together.

“I just tried to make sure I got my shot up high in the air,” said Jamerson was the key to his shooting.

Jamerson had three 3s in the first quarter, and the Wolves opened up a 21-9 lead.

Ferndale University continued to struggle with Cornerstone’s trapping half court defense in the second quarter. Unable to find any continuity in their offense, the Eagles shot only 4-24 from the field in the first half. Cornerstone would lead 34-19 at half.

“The plan was the get the ball out of number three’s hands (senior point guard John Moore),” Jamerson said was the mindset going in. “And make his team make decisions.”

University woke up some to start the third, an 8-2 run in the first 2:24, yet was quickly thwarted away by Cain. Jamal scored 11 of his 23 points in the third, and a Derrik Jamerson three to conclude the third gave Cornerstone a 58-40 lead, their largest of the game.

“I think our combo is very hard to stop,” Jamerson said of him and Cain. “Because we are skilled, and yes I believe we have one the best combos in the state, but we also have a lot of work to do.”

The aforementioned Moore and junior Gehringer Ramirez attempted to provide resistance to the Wolves onslaught in the fourth. Moore would connect on back-to-back threes with 5:43 remaining to trim the deficit to nine. However, the Wolves would go on a 12-3 spurt spanning the next 3:16, capped off with a Jamal Cain fast break slam to put the icing on the cake for a Cornerstone victory.

Jamerson finished with a team high 27 points, senior point guard Tyreese Scales had 10 points and three assists, and Trey Burton added seven points and seven assists, Cain had 17 rebounds to go along with his 23 points.

Moore led University with 21 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Ramirez contributed 11 points, and forward Marcus Davis scored 13 points, and hauled in 10 rebounds.

University falls to 10-3, while Cornerstone currently holds a record of 7-4. Cornerstone is in their first year of basketball competition, and per MHSAA rules, will not be allowed to participate in the March state tournament. The school could form into a perennial Class D contender, however, the program has other plans. As early as next season, Cornerstone might not be affiliated with the MHSAA, allowing the Wolves greater freedom in scheduling games, and distances to travel for contests, similar to a modern day prep school format. While it remains to be seen what the future holds for the Wolves, one thing is for certain, there is a growing power on the west side of Detroit.

Tags: ,

Junior Class Leads East English Village Past Ford 72-65 In City Quarterfinals

12 Feb

photo-6Detroit East English Village is chartering into unknown territory. The school was formed as a merger of Finney and Crockett High Schools in the Fall of 2012. With East English’s victory over Detroit Henry Ford, the Bulldogs will play in the first PSL city semi-final in school history.

EEVP trailed 28-25 at halftime in an evenly matched contest. However, the Bulldog game plan would have to change. 6’3″ junior standout guard Kamari Newman took an awkward fall attempting to secure a rebound. Newman would be forced to leave the game with 7:38 seconds left in the third with his team trailing 30-25. Ford would make their move. Led by division one point guard James Towns, the Trojans would go on a 14-0 run over the next 2:23 and lead as large as 19 points at one point, Towns scored six in the third.

The Bulldogs needed to counter and quickly, and received it from the unlikeliest of sources. Junior guard Lamar Neely does not play the most minutes on a particularly deep Bulldog squad, but with the injury to Newman, Neely needed to make his presence felt.

“On the bench I was kind of nervous,” Neely said after the game. “But once I got in there the jitters went away.”

Neely and fellow junior guard Chris Rollins orchestrated the Bulldog comeback. Rollins connected on a three pointer to trim the Trojan lead to nine to ending the third. Rollins would continue his onslaught in the fourth, he scored seven points in the final stanza, and Neely launched a three pointer with 3:40 left to give the Bulldogs a 59-57 lead, capping off a 16-5 spurt in the fourth.

“I was real confident,” Neely said regarding the three pointer. “I’m not going to say I knew it was going in, but I was real confident.”

Neely scored all ten of his points in the second half. Ford knotted the score 61-61 after junior Jeremy Crawley sinked one of two free throws with under a minute to play. Bulldog junior Jaylin McFadden had a chance to win the game, but his contested five footer was off the mark. Overtime.

Overtime was all EEVP. The Bulldogs forced six Trojan turnovers, outscored Ford 11-4, and four different Bulldogs scored in the final four minutes of play, finishing the largest comeback in school history.

“Any team down by 19 most of the time they’re going to give up, think it’s over.” junior forward Jaylin McFadden commented after the game. “But the way our coaching staff is, we’re not allowed.”

McFadden did not start, he came off the bench and provided starters worthy minutes with 17 points and 10 rebounds, the fourth Bulldog in double figures for scoring, joining Chris Rollins (21 pts), the aforementioned Neely, and 6’5″ forward Cedric Lattimore (12 pts).

Newman did not play the majority of the third, entire fourth, and overtime session. McFadden alluded to Newman’s presence on the bench, even with his injury, as motivating to the team in moments of adversity. McFadden said he kept on pushing them, and were eventually able to get over the hump. But on a team as talented EEVP, it’s pick your poison according to Jaylin.

“It’s kind of hard,” McFadden said to key in on one player. “We all know our role, we are all trying to get it done for the same goal.”

The Village moves onto face Renaissance this Friday in the city semi-final. East English defeated Renaissance by two points on a last second shot January 20th. With a trip to Calihan on the line, the Bulldogs will not expect the Phoenix to lay down easily.

“They’re a hard team,” McFadden added. “Beat them by a buzzer last time, we know they’re trying to get back at us, we’re just going to play our game.”

Tags: ,

Eagle Combination of Hansbro and Walker Lead Romulus Past Fordson 58-40

11 Feb

photoRomulus needed a spark.

The Eagles trailed Fordson by two with 15 seconds remaining in the first half. Junior point guard D’Angelo Hansbro launched a 30 footer, nothing but net. Hansbro gave the Eagles a 17-16 halftime advantage. In the first 16 minutes of the game, the Eagles committed nine team turnovers, shot 7-19 from the field, and converted on only one of eight free throw attempts.

“It probably was the shot at the buzzer,” Hansbro said which sparked momentum for the second half. “Gave me a little momentum and my teammates just told me to keep attacking.”

According to Hansbro, Romulus is a team which thrives in the open court, with exceptional guards and athletes. Romulus nearly doubled their first half scoring output in the third quarter alone. Romulus and Fordson exchanged seven lead changes throughout the third stanza. And once again, Hansbro concluded the third the same way he did the second, a three with time winding down to give Romulus a 32-29 advantage entering the fourth.

“We just didn’t want to give them any momentum,” D’Angelo said was the strategy into gaining a third quarter advantage. “So we had to play Romulus basketball, and that’s play in transition.”

The fourth quarter was complete domination by Romulus. The Eagles opened the stanza on a 15 to five run in the opening 3:15, capped off once again by a D’Angelo Hansbro three, his third of the second half. Teammate and senior Jaylin Walker scored 12 points in the fourth quarter, to aid Romulus in building a lead as large as 19 in the final minutes of play.

Hansbro and Walker accounted for 42 of the team’s 58 points. Hansbro led Romulus with 22 points, 17 in the second half, and five rebounds, while the Kent State bound Walker added 20 points and six rebounds.

“It’s hard honestly.” Hansbro had to say about stopping the combination of him and Walker. “I think because if we’re in attack mode and confident, I think our team will feed off our energy, and will become hard to beat.”

A key to Romulus gaining an advantage in the second half was the team’s game plan of Fordson senior guard Moe Zahr. Zahr, the leading scorer for the Tractors, scored only three of his 20 points in the fourth, and shot 9-20 from the field the whole game.

“I think we did a good job of getting ball pressure on him,” Hansbro said was the game plan on Zahr. “Making him pass the ball more, but he is good honestly.”

The Western Wayne Athletic Conference Blue division is a three team race between Romulus, Belleville, and Fordson. With the win, Romulus is now in sole possession of first. Friday’s game against rival and second place Belleville will be important in the divisional race, however, the team will also return with the services of senior center Rio Washington, who has sat out the past couple of games for an undisclosed reason.

Tags: ,

Grand Rapids Union Redhawk Showcase Recap

8 Feb

photo-6Grand Rapids Union held their first annaul Redhawk showcase with five stellar contests highlighted by premier players both in Michigan and Ohio.  A kind thank you to Union head coach Brandon Guyton for his hospitality throughout the day.  Coach Brandon will undoubtedly grow the showcase into a premier destination and event as the years come.

Results:

Baldwin 58 Paw Paw 52

Allen Academy 62 Union 60

Wyoming Godwin Heights 65 North Farmington 55

Ypsilanti Lincoln 71 Toledo Rogers 45

Lima Central Catholic 68 Kalamazoo Central 53

Overall MVP: Ty Groce 6’6″ forward Ypsilanti Lincoln

Groce had his highly anticipated coming out party on the season, scoring 33 points, and hauling in 14 rebounds.  The division one recruit Groce hit three spot-up three pointers, made several trips to the free-throw line, finished on and ones, and was extremely active around the basket on put backs and layups.

Other First Team Members:

Jason Williams 6’0″ point guard Allen Academy

It’s not an Allen Academy game unless Williams scores at least 30 points, which he did, this time finishing with 33 to reach the 1,000 point plateau only as a junior.  His jump shot wasn’t working normally, yet he knew to be effective in the game he had get downhill and drive to the basket, initiating contact with taller defenders.  Jason scored 14 of Allen’s 20 fourth quarter points, including the game winning fadeaway at the buzzer.  Williams also filled the Wildcat stat sheet, four assists, six rebounds and steals.

Video of Jason’s game winner

Dantez Walton 6’4″ forward Lima Central Catholic

Mismatch.  Walton is a walking double-double.  Dantez set the Thunderbird tone early in the team’s route of top five ranked Kalamazoo Central, 16 first half points.  Walton was methodical when he chose to go outside, four threes, and when to score from ten feet and in.  Often the tallest player on the court for Lima, Walton is called to rebound at a high level, which he did with ten.

Delaney Blaylock 6’4″ guard Wayland Godwin Heights

The Lewis bound senior Blaylock carried his Wolverines against a taller and physical North Farmington front court.  Blaylock started strong, nine in the first quarter, and 12 at half.  However, Delaney did not score the entire third.  But, the senior knocked down two crucial threes with under three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter for Godwin Heights to gain the separation needed to defeat the Raiders.  Blaylock finished with 18 points, six rebounds, and two assists.

Brandon Childress 6’4″ guard Baldwin

Childress is a Central Michigan commit for football, but he has a thing for basketball as well.  He was the most athletic player on the court, aggressively rising and outworking opponents for 11 rebounds.  Childress usually plays up to four positions for Baldwin, and was effective at each with 18 points, and four assists.

Second Team

Tre Cobbs 5’10” point guard Lima CC

Cobbs is a tough handle for a team, let alone one defender.  Cobbs’ handling ability is on display against a usual defensively stout Central team, Tre created separation with either hand, and exploding past defenders off the dribble.  Cobbs excells in the paint, a true playmaker.  He let the aforementioned Walton control the first half, but somehow managed to finish with 14 points on the night and six assists.  Cobbs also rebounds well for a guard, six on the night.

Nick Klingel 6’4″ shooting guard Paw Paw

Klingel dominated the first half for Paw Paw, he scored half of the team’s 30 points in the opening 16 minutes, with three threes.  His shot started to slow down in the second half, scoring only once in both quarters.  However, he has the desirable size for a small school shooting guard, but rebounds well for the position, eight on the game.

Curtis Davison 6’1″ combo guard Union

Davison is one of Michigan’s premier true scorers.  Allen held Davison scoreless in the first quarter, but Davison erupted for 15 points in the second quarter alone.  He’s a solid defender, ball handler, and athlete.  Comfortable playing with or without the ball, and has a picture perfect form on his jump shot.

Devin Haygood 6’8″ forward Ypsilanti Lincoln

Devin let his teammate Groce shine in the team’s route of Toledo Rogers, but Devin still came away with a solid day of work.  The future Youngstown State Penguin absolutely filled the stat sheet.  10 points, nine rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and two steals.  Lincoln will look to build off this win and salvage the remainder of the season after entering the year as a top ten squad.

Sherrod Motley-Dismuke 5’9″ guard Ypsilanti Lincoln

Sherrod did what a point guard needs to do on a team as talented as Lincoln, handle the ball, don’t turnover the ball, and facilitate the game.  He’s a plus shooter from outside, and strong handler and decision maker.  Dismuke finished with 12 points, and three rebounds.

Other Standouts On The Day:

Miguel Mahan 6’6″ forward Baldwin

Mahan is intriguing due to his combination of size, length, mobility, and potential.  He finished with 17 points on the day, many were within 5 feet of the basket although the lefty did hit a corner three.  Mahan could blossom into a promising shot blocker and defender.

Jeffrey Lee 6’2″ guard Union

Lee shot the ball well despite coming up short on the scoreboard to Allen Academy.  He scored from both the perimeter and the midrange department, three threes, and several midrange pull ups.  Finished with 15.

Keidren Davis 6’6″ forward Union

Davis had a battle against Allen’s Danny Pippen.  Good mobility, developing offensive skill set and footwork.  Strong rebounder, had 10 in the game, promising defender, four blocks.

Jacob Joubert 6’2″ point guard North Farmington

Deep range on three pointer off the bounce, finished with three and 11 points. Progressing into true point guard as passer, handler, and playmaker.

AJ Howard 6’5″ forward Ypsilanti Lincoln

All the physical tools necessary to thrive at the college level for a wing, just needs to put it all together.  Stat line reads eight points, four rebounds and assists.

Hunter Hale 6’1″ point guard Kalamazoo Central

Central overall struggled to have success attacking the Lima CC 2-3 zone, yet Hale found success.  He scored a team high 17 points.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

First Annual Coaches Against Violence Review

25 Jan

3L9A6857On behalf of Detroit Westside Christian head coach Greg Boler, The Prep Ball Report would like to thank all schools, players, coaches, parents, and fans who participated in the first annual Coaches Against Violence Invitational.  We would also like to send kind regards to our gracious hosts, Southfield Bradford Academy.  From 12 AM to 10 PM, five competitive games were played and accounted for a tremendous post-holiday basketball showcase atmosphere.  The defending Class C state champions made an appearance, and a new member of the 1,000 point club was admitted.

Game Results

Detroit Public Safety 38 Taylor Prep 19 (Girls)

Detroit Public Safety 62 Taylor Prep 29

Detroit Collegiate Prep-Northwestern 65 Southfield Bradford 49

Detroit Consortium 59 Farmington 49

Detroit Allen Academy 92 Detroit Westside Christian 68

Storylines:

Guards, guards, and more guards.

On the day, the Coaches Against Violence Invitational witnessed three stellar performances by guards from the City of Detroit.

3L9A6613The four o’clock game featured a breakout performance from Northwestern junior guard Terrance Sewell (pictured left).  Sewell stands 6’3,”and already has the presence and build of a college level athlete.  Terrance was not hesitant when he received a pass, he took the ball straight to the rim and finished strong with defenders repeatedly draped on him.  His points either came within five feet of the basket or at the free-throw line.  Yet, Sewell not once committed a charge or offensive turnover, he knows when to attack and read situations.  Sewell also had the highlight of the event, a flying alley-oop which brought the fans to their feet.  Sewell accumulated a game high 25 points, and nine rebounds.  Defended both forwards and guards efficiently throughout the day.

In the night cap of the day, fans were treated to an entertaining showdown between two of Detroit’s best point guards, Allen Academy’s Jason Williams and Westside Christian’s DeShawn Brocks (pictured top first).  For Brocks, he needed only 25 points to become a 1,000 point career scorer, and he exceeded that margin, pouring in a team high 38 points.  He’s a lefty, shifty, quick yet strong ball handler, and shot creator for himself anywhere on the court.  Brocks drew fouls in the paint, converted on high-difficulty isolation midrange pull-ups, and hit three threes on the day.

3L9A6798His counterpart, Williams (pictured left), matched his former AAU teammate with 38 points, but contributed eight rebounds, and five assists.  In a span of 4:30 seconds left, Williams scored a total of 15 points, and 27 overall in the second half.  Williams’ offensive game is centered around his quick first step, creating separation from defenders and getting in the paint.  Many of his points came from the mid-range department, floaters, and runners.  On the defensive side of the floor, however, Williams has quick hands that allow him to force turnovers, six of them on the night.

Consortium Shows Toughness In Tough Victory

3L9A6722-2The defending Class C state champions have had to adjust to two changes from a year ago, the departure of Josh Jackson, and a transition from Class C to B.  Yet, the Cougars find themselves with a 6-2 record with their two losses against Class A top 25 teams U of D Jesuit and Rochester Adams.

In the Cougars’ latest victory, Consortium trailed throughout much of the game against Farmington.  Coach Tobias Tuomi found his spark in 6’0″ senior Larry Williams.  Williams erupted for ten second half points and five within the final 4:39 seconds of the fourth to give the Cougars the separation needed to win an old-fashioned slug out.

Fellow senior Mykel Tyson (pictured) was also effective for the Cougars.  Tyson’s first basket didn’t come until deep in the second quarter, but somehow and someway, Mykel managed to finish with a team high 16 points and six rebounds, including the go-ahead score midway through the fourth.  Tyson is currently one of Michigan’s best remaining low-post senior options.

Junior point guard Charles Figueroa connected on four free throws to end hopes of a Falcon comeback.

Public Safety Shows Promise In Onslaught Of Taylor Prep

3L9A6595Detroit Public Safety is in their second season of varsity competition.  The Class D charter school sits in the city’s historic Corktown neighborhood, with an enrollment of barely 150.  With no senior on the roster, let alone a senior class in the school, the Eagles are a primarily a sophomore/junior laden team.  6’0″ junior shooting guard DeMario Sanders led the Eagles with 18 points, including three threes. 6’4″ sophomore guard Michael Smith had been averaging double figure scoring totals in games prior, but recorded only eight points.  Regardless, Smith found other ways to succeed.  He’s long, lanky, and a reliable facilitator with size for the position.  Smith corralled a team high 12 rebounds, assisted on four scores, and stole three Tiger passes.

DPSA had at least six players score six points.  Aside from Smith, the most complete stat line went to Eddie Rhodes, a 6’4″ powerfully built junior.   Rhodes tallied six points, 11 rebounds, three blocks, three steals, and two assists.

DPSA will not be eligible for playoff contention in 2014-2015.  However, with a young nucleus that will have played with each other for at least three years, the Eagles are a program to take notice next year and in the future of Detroit city basketball.

Other Individual Standouts On The Day

3L9A6703Jordan Graham (pictured) 6’4″ guard Farmington- Smooth and skilled wing.  Gets to the basket off the bounce, and solid mid-range game.  Promising defender.  Scored 14 points, and recorded seven rebounds.

Jawan Snoddy 6’3″ guard Allen Academy- Snoddy had arguably the best game he played all year for the Wildcats, with 15 points, and nine rebounds.  Often the tallest player on the court for Allen, it will be interesting to see when Snoody transitions to his more natural position of wing when 6’7″ junior Danny Pippen returns from injury.

Kylard Shipp guard Northwestern

Marvin Stewart guard Westside Christian

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

2015 Floyd Mayweather Classic Recap

18 Jan

IMG_1998-2The third annual Floyd Mayweather Classic met and succeeded expectations.  Four of the fives games were relatively competitive, and the man Money himself made an appearance as well.

Results

Toledo Rogers 69 Detroit Allen Academy 66

Lansing Sexton 62 Benton Harbor 59

Kalamazoo Central 87 Westland John Glenn 53

Muskegon 69 Romulus 59

Lansing Everett 79 Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills 71

MVP: Trevor Manuel (Pictured) Manuel recorded his second forty point performance of this season, pouring in 42 on the host Ottawa Hills, while also amassing 17 rebounds, and seven blocks.  The future Oregon Duck commit scored in every variety, isolation threes, mid-range pull-ups, around the basket, and highlight reel slams.  Everett will look to ride Manuel to the Breslin Center this season, and are off to a 7-2 start on the season.

Other First Team Members Deyonta Davis (Muskegon 6’11” Center)

The Future Michigan State Spartan didn’t have the dominating offensive production, at least from Deyonta’s standards at 15 points, but owned the paint for the Big Reds, hauling down 22 rebounds, and deflecting 13 Eagles shots.  After the night, there is only one question left to be answered, Deyonta or Trevor?

Joeviair Kennedy (Muskegon 6’3″ Senior Guard) Kennedy erupted in a decisive first quarter for Muskegon, tallying 15 of his game high 31 points in the opening eight minutes of action.  Joeviair, or “Hip-Hop” as he’s referred to, did a lot of his work in the paint for Muskegon.  Getting in the paint for floaters, finishing around the rim, and even displayed a fancy spin-move.  Kennedy also hit two threes on the night, and went 8-9 at the free-throw line.

Jaylin Walker  (Romulus 6’3″ Senior Guard) Walker did all he could to keep the Eagles within striking distance of the defending Class A champions, his 11 third quarter points cut a once 13 point lead down to five at one point.  The future Kent State Golden Flash finished with a team high 26, including three threes, to go along with a few impressive open floor finishes.

Jason Williams (Allen Academy 5’10” Junior Guard) Down 6’7″ junior Danny Pippen with an apparent hand injury, Williams shouldered an even greater load for the Wildcats, scoring 29 of his team’s points.  Williams is extremely quick with the ball in his hands, and a good handler too.  He consistently beat his man off the dribble, and initiated contact at the rim, but also converted on several mid-range jump shots. Williams could’ve even finished with more than he had, missing five free throws on the day.  But Williams showed he has the qualities to play as true point guard, assisting on five Wildcat buckets.

Second Team

Carlo Marble (Lansing Sexton 6’3″ Junior Guard) Carlo is the brother of Roy Marble, a prep standout at Southfield-Lathrup before a successful collegiate career as an Iowa Hawkeye and eventually finding a roster spot as a member of the Orlando Magic.  Carlo is in his first year at Sexton, after transferring from Iowa over the Summer.  He play’s receiver on the football team, meaning he’s naturally athletic and agile.  On the hardwood, Marble blends his size, speed, and athleticism into a promising high school wing.  He played more off the ball on the day, but was effective when he got his opportunities, finishing in traffic with floaters, slashing to the rim, and connected on two threes on the day.  Marble scored a team high 22 points, and is a name to remember in Michigan for the next year and a half.

Jaton Gunn (Benton Harbor 6’3″ Junior Guard) Gunn, one of the state’s best deep threat, lives and dies by the three.  He has deep range, meaning NBA deep range.   Jaton took six, made four, and finished with 20 points for the Tigers.  Gunn could become an even more promising player if he could develop more off the bounce.

Drequan Bell (Allen Academy 6’2″ Sophomore Guard) Bell struggled in the first, missing the first four shots he took.  But it didn’t discourage him, he kept on letting it fly and eventually the shots started to fall.  Bell was vital in the attempted Wildcat comeback, scoring 13 of his 18 points in the second half.  Drequan has the size for the guard position, he can create his own shot, handle the ball, competes on the floor, and has the tools to become a versatile perimeter defender.  Bell hit four threes on the day, and rebounds well for a guard, with five overall.

Devon Daniels (Kalamazoo Central 6’4″ Junior Guard) Daniels looked as if he would have a career night in the team’s route of John Glenn, scoring all 13 of his points in the first half, doing what he does best, attack the rim.  Devon can finish with either hand around the rim and has the size to take contact from defenders.  However, Central built an insurmountable lead over Glenn, and the Maroon Giants decided to display their depth which might put them at the Breslin Center this season

Shayne Scruggs (Lansing Sexton 6’6″ Freshman Center) Not a typo, a 6’6″ freshman center that also plays football.  Shayne is a mobile, high-energy, long armed athlete full with potential.  He finished with 12 points, and hauled in five rebounds.  Shayne had one nice spin move in the lane, but did most of his work on tip-backs and second chance opportunities.  He could be a dominating force for years to come in the capital city.

Other Standouts On The Day

RJ Parker (Lansing Sexton 6’3″ Senior Guard) Fisty, plays fearless, and competes on both ends of floor.  Finished with 13 on the day for the Big Reds, another football member as well.

Malik Hall (Benton Harbor 6’4″ Senior Forward) Long, active, athletic, defensive presence. Hall is Benton Harbor’s tallest forward at 6’4.” He blocked six Sexton shots on the day, and scored eight points.

Curt Dawson (Benton Harbor 5’10” Junior Guard) High-volume scoring lead guard that looked to attack from anywhere on the court.  Got into trouble at times with a few charging calls where he could’ve pulled up for a floater instead.  Quick and athletic, good on ball defender.

Rog Stein (Kalamazoo Central 6’3″ Sophomore Forward) Gets the most out of his 6’3″ frame for a forward.  Finished around the rim for 13 points, and used his wide frame to carve out space for 12 rebounds.  Another member of a talented group of Maroon Giant sophomores.

Jeremiah Richard (Kalamazoo Central 5’7″ Junior Guard) Richard came off the bench and contributed 10 points to go along with three assists.  The Maroon Giant offense “clicked” more with Richard at the point.  He’s a fundamentally sound guard that isn’t going to make the dramatic play, Richard gets the ball where it needs to be and solid mid-range game.

Jordan Hunt (Kalamazoo Central 6’4″ Senior Guard) Adding to the Maroon Giant depth was Jordan Hunt.  Hunt buried his first two shots, spot up threes.  Jordan finished with 12 points, and is another weapon at the disposal of Ramsey Nichols.

Ontario Burnett (Kalamazoo Central 6’3″ Sophomore Guard) Starting to get the theme Central is loaded?  Burnett, just a sophomore, starts at shooting guard.  Burnett was very effective in transition for Kalamazoo Central, he got up for one crowd pleasing dunk, and then fundamentally ran another one to perfection, making a beam line to the rim after hitting the outlet man.  Ontario contributed 11 points and five rebounds.

Tyrikh Hunter (Westland John Glenn 6’0″ Senior Guard) Hunter led Glenn with 20 points and 11 rebounds.  Tyrikh isn’t afraid about getting his shot off, and looks to attack off the bounce any time available.

Rio Washington (Romulus 6’7″ Senior Center) For all intensive purposes, Washington did the best job he could given the situation on Muskegon’s Deyonta Davis.  Rio was in foul trouble for greater than half the game.  But when he was on the court, Rio didn’t shy away from Davis.  He went right at him with his physical wide frame, and finished against Davis at the rim for 10 points.

Lance Clanton (Ottawa Hills 5’6″ Senior Guard) Throw size out of the question when watching Clanton, he plays with poise and confidence bigger than his height.  Clanton is a three point assassin, he rained in all four of his three 3s in the first half.  He started to slow down a bit in the second, only finishing with five points, still good enough for a team high 19.  Aside from just offense, Clanton was a pesk for Everett, his on ball pressure forced five steals and run outs for the Bengals.  But as an all around player, Lance assisted on four Ottawa Hills scores and rebounded the ball the same amount as well.

Anthony McIntosh (Ottawa Hills 6’3″ Junior Guard) Loves to attack the rim off the bounce with his right hand, developing shooter. Made several trips to the free-throw line. Finished with 15 points.

 

Tags:

U of D Outlasts East English Village 76-72 in Instant Classic

10 Dec

photo-3After trailing by as many as 19 points in the first half, the Detroit East English Bulldogs never relented.  From a 7-0 run heading into halftime down 12, to a 13-4 spurt to start the second half placing the Bulldogs only down three with five minutes left to go in the third stanza.  The next ten minutes went relatively even, until junior point guard Chris Rollins hit a corner three to knot the game at 64-64 with 4:50 left in the contest.

Unfortunately for East English, the Cubs made just too many plays down the stretch, led by junior Cassius Winston’s game high 33 points.  The aforementioned Rollins fouled out with 2:37 left in the contest with his team down just one possession.  Jesuit went on to shoot well over 80% from the foul line down the stretch in the fourth quarter, with Winston totaling a 16-17 performance at the charity on the night.

“We mean business this year,” were the words of Winston at the conclusion of the day.

This was Cassius’ second straight 30 point plus performance to start the year, the other on Monday’s victory over Chicago Morgan Park.

“I’m just trying to win games, that’s all that’s on my mind,” Winston said.  “Points, assists, what needs it that’s what going to happen.”

East English, the state’s pre-season’s 15 ranked team, also has their own stud junior, 6’3″ Kamari Newman, who added 16 of his points in “just a friendly battle” according to Winston.  The Village was led by 6’4″ junior forward Cedric Lattimore, whose 17 points in the second half ignited the EEVP comeback.  Lattimore finished with 28 points and seven rebounds, while Rollins finished with 14 points.

U of D improves to 2-0 on the young season, and will have six days to prepare for defending Class C state champion Detroit Consortium.  The Bulldogs fall to 0-1.  Up next for EEVP will be a date with Detroit Edison on December 13th at the Horatio Williams Tip-Off Classic.

Tags: ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →