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Junior Guard Darian Root Adjusting Well To East Kentwood
5 Jan
For many, the adjustment from junior varsity to varsity competition can be difficult, especially if the transition occurs in a new program.
East Kentwood junior guard Darian Root stands a slender 6’3.” He hasn’t started a game thus far, but is a key member of an undefeated Falcon team off to one of the best starts in school history, undefeated at 5-0, including a victory over defending Class A state champion Muskegon.
Darian started high school at Ann Arbor Huron, a perennial state contender. However, after his sophomore year, Darian made the decision to move to the Grand Rapids area for family related reasons.
“It was very hard to leave Huron,” Darian had to say, “the coaching staff and guys there are like family to me, and I still keep in contact with most of them. I wish them well on a great season, I know they’ll have one.”
At East Kentwood, he’s no longer the new kid. One of the players who he developed a friendship with right away was Andrew Madison, a fellow junior and starting 6’7″ center for the team. Darian said Madison was the first to introduce him to his future teammates and coaches when school began, and eased the transition for Root into a different environment.
“I’ve adjusted pretty well to East Kentwood,” Darian said. “and Coach Anima’s principles, system, principles, and teammates.”
“Their good guys and I look forward to competing for a state championship next to them.”
Darian views his individual game is based around what the team requires. He believes his greatest strength is his versatility to play three different positions, to go along with a strong basketball IQ. Whether his role is as a scorer, playmaker, or role player, he’s motivated to do whatever it takes to win.
With the early success, Root and his teammates do not intend to become complacent. Darian wants to win and has high expectations. He wants to capture conference, district, and regional titles, and doesn’t think a state championship is out of the question. Wherever the journey takes him, Darian will be motivated and driven by family members who he says have made sacrifices he intends to give back through the game of basketball.
“How hard she (mom) works to provide for me and my siblings, motivates me,” Darian added.
“She’s made sacrifices that I will never be able to repay. I intend to use basketball to put me in a position to take care of her one day so she won’t have to work/stress anymore.”
Statewide and Class Rankings January 5th
5 JanThe first set of rankings for 2015.
Statewide
1. Detroit Western
2. University of Detroit Jesuit
3. Kalamazoo Central
4. Wayland Union
5. Muskegon
6. Saginaw Arthur Hill
7. Oak Park
8. New Haven
9. Wyoming Godwin Heights
10. Clarkston
11. Detroit Henry Ford
12. Ann Arbor Huron
13. Romulus
14. Flint Beecher
15. Forest Hills Central
16. Milan
17. East Kentwood
18. North Farmington
19. Jackson Lumen Christi
20. Canton
21. West Bloomfield
22. Detroit Renaissance
23. Walled Lake Western
24. Davison
25. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central
Class A
1. Detroit Western
2. University of Detroit Jesuit
3. Kalamazoo Central
4. Muskegon
5. Saginaw Arthur Hill
6. Oak Park
7. Clarkston
8. Ann Arbor Huron
9. Romulus
10. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central
11. East Kentwood
12. North Farmington
13. Canton
14. West Bloomfield
15. Detroit Renaissance
16. Walled Lake Western
17. Davison
18. Lansing Everett
19. East English Village
20. Southfield
21. Zeeland East
22. Warren De La Salle
23. Bloomfield Hills
24. Rochester Hills Stoney Creek
25. Rochester Adams
Class B
1. Wayland Union
2. New Haven
3. Detroit Henry Ford
4. Wyoming Godwin Heights
5. Milan
6. Benton Harbor
7. Otsego
8. Yale
9. Haslett
10. Goodrich
11. River Rouge
12. Flint Northwestern
13. Detroit Consortium
14. Onsted
15. Marshall
16. Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard
17. Imlay City
18. Battle Creek Harper Creek
19. University Prep
20. Zeeland West
Class C
1. Flint Beecher
2. Jackson Lumen Christi
3. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central
4. Detroit Loyola
5. East Jordan
6. Grand Rapids NorthPointe
7. Millington
8. Michigan Collegiate
9. Vassar
10. Shelby
11. Fennville
12. Elk Rapids
13. Iron Mountain
14. Detroit Edison
15. Kalamazoo Hackett
Class D
1. Cedarville
2. Powers North Central
3. Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes
4. Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart
5. Boyne City
Great Games January 5th-11th
5 JanThe first full week of competition following the New Year.
Monday January 5th
Ann Arbor Pioneer @ Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard 7:00 PM
Tuesday January 6th
Detroit King @ Detroit Cass Tech 4:00 PM
Grand Rapids Northview @ East Kentwood 7:30 PM
Goodrich @ Flint Beecher 7:30 PM
Hudsonville @ Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills 7:00 PM
Jackson @ Jackson Lumen Christi 7:30 PM
U of D Jesuit @ Romulus 7:30 PM
Thursday January 8th
Madison Heights Madison @ New Haven 7:00 PM
Friday January 9th
Detroit East English Village @ Detroit Cass Tech 4:00 PM
Detroit Osborn @ Detroit CMA 4:00 PM
Wayland Union @ Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills 6:00 PM
Westland John Glenn @ Canton 7:00 PM
Livonia Churchill @ Plymouth 7:00 PM
Rochester Hills Stoney Creek @ Farmington 7:00 PM
River Rouge @ Allen Academy 7:30 PM
Rochester Adams @ Oak Park 7:00 PM
Saturday January 10th
Flint Hamady @ Goodrich 7:00 PM
Detroit Public Schools’ League Conference Preview
2 Jan
Few to any leagues across Michigan carry the prestige and pedigree as the Detroit Public School does with high school basketball. The 2015 campaign figures to be once again a tightly contested affair for the coveted city championship. Who are the favorites? Sleepers? Here’s the preview prior to league player beginning.
East Division 1
East English Village- The Village finished a disappointing 3-6 last year in the league, but have reloaded on talent. Warren De La Salle transfer point guard Chris Rollins has paired with 6’3″ division one shooting guard Kamari Newman to give the Bulldogs a dynamic backcourt. Fellow 6’5″ juniors Cedric Lattimore and Jaylin McFadden will control the paint for EEVP, senior guard Fred Jones will contribute experience and defense, and sophomore Greg Elliott and junior Nate Bowlware will provide depth off the bench for the Bulldogs.
Southeastern- Anthony Johnson might be the best player you haven’t heard about, the 6’4″ junior is a fluid jump shooter, and will pair nicely with juniors, Anthony Randall, and Ean Blackwell for the Jungaleers.
Cass Tech- Cass will be young, a complete turn around from a season ago. 6’3″ senior Cleveland State commit Rob Edwards and 6’4″ junior forward Darwin Hubbard are the only players to have received significant playing time on Cass’ reigning district championship, and will have to carry the load early on as junior Donnell Alexander, sophomore Leonard Silas, and freshman Gary Soloman gain experience.
King- The Crusaders and head coach George Ward are off to a 3-2 start on the season including an impressive victory over River Rouge. King will rely heavily on 6’4″ senior wing Armani Lee to compete this season. 6’0″ freshman Keyon Brown is the only freshman on the team, and is in the starting lineup for the Crusaders and figures to become a key contributor as the season progresses.
Pershing- The defending league champions lose all of one starter from last season, 6’2″ senior guard Marquel Ingram. Pershing’s greatest strength is the guard position, with sophomores Armonee Felder and Patrick Hatcher, and 5’8″ junior Troy Campbell. Height will be an issue this season for the Doughboys, as they are still adjusting junior forward transfers Charles Manson and David Syfax from Chandler Park and King respectively to the program.
West Division 1
Western- Western enters the 2015 as the number one team in the state after convincing victories over Saginaw Arthur Hill and Romulus. Second semester can’t come any quicker for Western, as U of D Mercy commits and seniors Josh McFolley and Gerald Blackshear become eligible. Blackshear will the the fourth 6’8″ forward on the roster, joining seniors Julius Palmer, Kheir Maxwell, and Antuan Smith. While the 6’0″ McFolley will add to the already talented yet junior heavy backcourt with Aramnti Tinsley, Brailen Neely, Karim Murray, and Efrain Hodby.
Renaissance- Renaissance isn’t sneaking up on anybody this year. Second year head coach Venias Jordan has one of the state’s best scorers in 6’3″ junior Justin Turner. Junior guard Richard Talley will give the Phoenix a quick, aggressive on ball defender, classmates and forwards Alaric Jackson and Mike Jacobs plan on clogging the middle, and sophomore LaRhonde Lucas could be the shooter Renaissance needs to space the floor.
Ford- The Trojans are off to an impressive 6-0 start on the season with victories over Class A ranked team Southfield and Ann Arbor Huron. 6’5″ senior and Western Michigan commit Josh Davis might win Mr. PSL this season, and 5’10” junior floor general James Towns is one the state’s most aggressive and active on ball defender. Role players include 6’5″ junior forward Antwan Johnson and 6’1″ guard Antuan Carter.
Mumford- Coach Ray Reeves went an impressive 8-1 last season in the PSL’s west division two, but transition to division one this season.
Cody- Cody went winless in the league a season ago, and the Comets’ fortunes look to be heading in the seam direction for 2015.
East Division 2
Osborn- Granted Osborn is in division two, but don’t be surprised if the Knights give a few division one teams problems in the city playoffs this year. They have the size to match up with anybody, 6’7s” Christian Littlejohn and Devin Dubois, and 6’9″ Alex Burney. 6’0″ senior point guard Nikeem Merchant will be the primary ball handler this season.
Douglass- Douglass is under the guidance of Pierre Brooks, the first year head coach led King to the 2012 city championship, and will look to leave his mark on a program that has achieved high levels of success over the past five seasons, most notably a trip to the Breslin Center last season for the Class B final four.
Denby- This season could be another disappointing campaign for the Tars, but 5’7″ senior guard Mario Hull is worth a watch.
Davis Aerospace- Anything of more than one or two wins in the league would be an accomplishment for Davis.
West Division 2
CMA- CMA is 3-2 on the young season, with their only two losses coming to Detroit Loyola and Edison by a combined total of four points. The Phoenix went 7-2 in division two last season, and will be led by the backcourt of junior John Phillips and senior Jaylin Hairston.
Central- Senior 6’5″ wing Daniel Jeffries is one the cities premier players. Jeffries is capable of scoring 20-30 point on any given night.
Detroit Collegiate Prep-Northwestern- Junior 6’2″ guard Terrance Sewell and senior Ketquan Gatewood form one of the best backcourt duos in the PSL.
West Side- Perennial bottom of the division type of team.
Taylor Kennedy’s Andia Marsh Enjoying Early Season Success
24 Dec
One goal every high school basketball player sets is to reach 1,000 career points. To reach this goal, most players would have to play three if not four years of varsity basketball. Taylor Kennedy senior guard Andia Marsh has not only received significant playing time since a freshman, he has only raised his scoring totals each of year of high school. From 11 points per game as a 9th grader, to 15 sophomore year, last season with 17 points per game, and eventually this season averaging 27 points through four games, culminating in reaching the 1,000 point club in a game against Detroit Community at the Romulus Winners’ Circle Classic.
“It feels great to know that all my long nights and early mornings in the gym have payed off and is being recognized, it’s an honor,” Marsh had to say.
“But without my coaches and teammates it would have been impossible.”
Kennedy is a member of the Downriver League. The general perception of the league is as of a football conference, in fact, the league has never won a basketball state championship. Marsh is aware the league doesn’t have the strongest competition in the state, but has produced players that can compete with anyone in the country. In particular, Marsh points to ’14 Taylor Truman graduate Aaron Foster-Smith, and Kennedy alums Aaron Hayes and Breland Hogan as players he looks up to. Foster-Smith is currently a freshman at U of D Mercy, Hayes is at Grand Valley State, while Hogan is enjoying a professional playing career in Europe.
The reputation for Marsh is a fearless competitor, and his play style resembles the worth ethic instilled to him by his parents and coaches. At 6’2″185 pounds, Marsh has pleasure in using his size to physically assert his will to the basket. He never backdowns from contact, but also exerts a high basketball IQ, and has developed into a quality on-ball defender. Not only has his scoring picked up each year, as a point guard, Marsh also has raised his assists per game each year as well. After one as a freshman, two sophomore year, five junior year, Marsh has been averaging nearly seven assists through the early portion of senior year, coinciding with scoring performances of 35, 32, and 28 respectively.
Call him cocky, but Andia is one confident kid. He views himself as a top ten player in Michigan’s 2015 class. Marsh is motivated by many overlooking and underrating his talents. Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan, and U of D Mercy are a few schools he is considering at the moment. Marsh doesn’t have any favorites he mentioned, he’s just fueled to become a college basket ball player. He wants a comfortable place where he can achieve his academic goals and graduate with a four year degree, and then focus on basketball. However, in ten years, Marsh still envisions himself playing the game he loves on some platform.
“I know I have what it takes to play in the NBA, and if not over seas.” Marsh stated. “I know the chances of paying in the NBA are slim to none, but I believe in my work ethic my parents installed in me as a kid.”
“I know the work and competition only gets harder, but I’m ready to take on that challenge and fulfill my dreams.”
His junior year, Kennedy went over .500 for the first time in Marsh’s career. The taste of success has spurred Marsh to set lofty goals for his final high school career. First, he wants to win a state championship, second, he wants to be known as the best player to ever graduate from Kennedy, and third, Marsh believes he can and is worthy of receiving the coveted Mr. Basketball Award. To accomplish these feats, Marsh is thankful to the individuals who have shaped him into the person and player he is today.
“My parents, my AAU teammates, my high school teammates, all all my coaches from Michigan United to Taylor Kennedy.”
“I want to thank every that believes and support me, I will keep working hard to achieve greatness no matter what it takes.”
Team Rankings For Week 3
23 DecStatewide
1. Detroit Western
2. Muskegon
3. University of Detroit Jesuit
4. Kalamazoo Central
5. Wayland Union
6. Hudsonville
7. Saginaw Arthur Hill
8. Oak Park
9. New Haven
10. Wyoming Godwin Heights
11. Lansing Everett
12. Clarkston
13. Milan
14. Detroit Renaissance
15. Detroit Henry Ford
16. Ann Arbor Huron
17. Romulus
18. Flint Beecher
19. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central
20. West Bloomfield
21. East English Village
22. North Farmington
23. East Kenwood
24. Jackson Lumen Christi
25. Canton
Class A
1. Detroit Western
2. Muskegon
3. University of Detroit Jesuit
4. Kalamazoo Central
5. Hudsonville
6. Saginaw Arthur Hill
7. Oak Park
8. Lansing Everett
9. Clarkston
10 Detroit Renaissance
11. Ann Arbor Huron
12. Romulus
13. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central
14. West Bloomfield
15. East English Village
16. North Farmington
17. East Kentwood
18 Canton
19. Wallled Lake Western
20. Ypsilanti
21. Southfield
22. Dearborn Heights Crestwood
23. Davison
24. Warren De La Salle
25. Jackson
Class B
1. Wayland Union
2. New Haven
3. Wyoming Godwin Heights
4. Milan
5. Detroit Henry Ford
6. Benton Harbor
7. Otsego
8. River Rouge
10. Yale
11. Haslett
12. Goodrich
13. Flint Northwestern
14. Paw Paw
15. Battle Creek Harper Creek
16. Detroit Community
17. Southfield Bradford
18. Dowagiac
19. Williamston
20. Detroit Douglass
Class C
1. Flint Beecher
2. Jackson Lumen Christi
3. Detroit Loyola
4. Monroe St. Mary
5. Allen Academy
6. East Jordan
7. Grand Rapids NorthPointe
8. Iron Mountain
9. McBain
10. Millington
11. Michigan Collegiate
12. Vassar
13. Shely
14. Fennville
15. Elk Rapids
Class D
1. Cedarville
2. Powers North Central
3. Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes
4. Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart
5. Boyne Falls
Premier Games Week 3 (12/22-12/28)
22 DecThe start of the week starts off rather slow due to school closures, but then a slew of Holiday Showcases finish out week three of Michigan high school basketball.
Monday December 22nd
Salem vs. Redford Thurston 5:30 PM @ Livonia Franklin
Melvindale ABT @ Riverview Gabriel Richard 7:30 PM
Tuesday December 23rd
Wyoming Godwin Heights @ Lowell 7:00 PM
Dearborn Heights Crestwood vs. Forddson @ Dearborn 7:30 PM
Friday December 26th
Cass Tech vs. Farmington @ Renaissance 1:00 PM
Toledo Rogers vs. Ann Arbor Huron @ Harper Woods 4:00 PM
Allen Academy vs. Detroit Henry Ford @ Renaissance 5:00 PM
Grand Rapids Christian vs. Hudsonville @ Cornerstone University 7:30 PM
Saturday December 27th
Southfield vs. East English Village @ Renaissance 5:00 PM
Lansing Everett @ Kalamazoo Central 6:00 PM
Westland John Glenn vs. Detroit Western @ Renaissance 7:00 PM
Milan vs. Warren De La Salle @ Harper Woods 9:00 PM
Sunday December 28th
Detroit Country Day vs. Ashland @ Harper Woodson 5:40 PM
Chicago Orr vs. Detroit Henry Ford @ Harper Woods 9:00 PM
SVSU’s Cardinal Classic Recap
21 Dec
The second annual Cardinal Classic on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University hosted many programs from the mid Michigan area, and featured a few teams who are realistic contenders in their respective divisions.
Game results:
Bay City Western 64 Linden 30
Yale 71 Arbor Prep 62
Davison 48 Bishop Foley 39
Goodrich 42 White Lake Lakeland 32
Flint Southwestern 80 Holly 75
Flint Beecher 72 Saginaw 60
MVP: Cody Kegley 6’0″ junior point guard Yale
The only obstacle in Kegley’s performance was a blood soaked jersey, illustrating how aggressive he played, which took him out of the contest for roughly 40 seconds, the lone time Kegley would leave the game. Kegley scored 10 of his game high 37 points in the first quarter against Class C top ten team Arbor Prep, including two of three 3s on the day. Kegley was extremely difficult for defenders to stay in front of, drawing blocking fouls whether it be a forward or guard when attacking the lane. He’s also got some flare to his game, he can handle the ball with either hand and create for either himself or his teammates. Kegley also was active on the defensive floor, he fearlessly attacked the glass against taller opponents, coming away with 11 rebounds, while also generating three steals.
Other First Team Members:
Quavon Trawick 6’0″ senior point guard Flint Southwestern
Trawick fueled the Southwestern comeback, scoring 15 of his 21 points in the second half to lead the Knights in their win over Class A Holly. Trawick has a quick first step and scored on a multitude of layups and drives to the basket, his and-one three point play sealed Holly’s fate with 6 seconds left putting Southwestern up four with six seconds left. Quavon was able to balance the opportunities when he need to score and assist, he limited his mistakes against a solid Holly backcourt, and assisted on six Southwestern buckets and rebounded four balls.
Dylan Alderson 6’4″ sophomore guard Davison
Alderson had the highlight of the Classic, a one handed throw down on the break over a helpless defender. Dylan can play all three guard positions for the Cardinals, he can facilitate and handle like a point guard, shoot off the perimeter, and use his athleticism and quick first step to attack the basket. Alderson finished with a game high 26 points, seven rebounds, and used his length to cause three steals.
Jake Daniels 6’2″ senior guard Holly
Daniels, a Saginaw Valley State signee, played on the very same court he will spend the next four years on. Daniels came straight at Southwestern, scoring 17 of his game high 24 points in the first half. He was more quiet in the second half however, but should be primed for a breakout senior campaign.
Neshua Wise 6’4″ senior guard Flint Southwestern
Aiding Trawick in the Knight comeback was classmate Neshua Wise. Wise can and will be the Knights primary scorer this season. He has the ability to hurt teams from both on the perimeter and inside. He’s long and can get defenders on his hip when driving to the basket, however, he’s also a quality three point marksman when he plays off the ball. He hit four spot up threes on the day, with two coming in the final 3:30 seconds of action to place Southwestern in position to seize victory. Wise finished with a team high 22 points and nine rebounds.
Second Team Members:
Malik Ellison 5’7″ sophomore point guard Flint Beecher
Ellison is diminutive on the court, but makes up for the lack of size with ball handling and dazzling speed. He scored 21 points in the team’s victory over Class A Saginaw.
Josh Simms 5’10” senior guard Holly
Lost in the conversation for Holly’s backcourt is Josh Simms, Simms added 19 points in the loss to Flint Southwestern. Likes to attack the rim with athleticism, and hit two threes.
Cedric Moten 6’2″ senior guard Flint Beecher
Beecher’s rotation calls on Moten to play more of a forward role, and Moten still excelled against the length and athleticism of Saginaw’s front line. Moten scored 17 points, and hauled in seven rebounds.
Aquavius Burks 6’4″ junior forward Flint Beecher
Burks looks more mobile and agile now as an upperclassmen, he’s quicker to rebounds and even quicker to challenge for loose balls. He also has a reliable mid-range game to his arsenal. Finished with 14 points.
Gary Perry 6’8″ senior forward Bishop Foley
Perry found himself in a battle against Davision 6’8″ senior Frank Vukaj. Vukaj team’s won on the scoreboard, but Perry still had 13 points, including a complicated reverse layup and hauled in nine rebounds.
Other Standouts
Javon Pratt 5’10” senior guard Saginaw
Ronquavious Southward 6’0″ sophomore guard Saginaw
Frank Vukaj 6’8″ senior forward Davison
Josh Moore 6’4″ senior guard Flint Southwestern
Isaac Casillas 6’0″ senior guard Holly
Kyle Woodruff 6’2″ junior guard Holly
David St. Aubin 5’9″ senior guard Goodrich
Austin Gentner 6’6″ senior forward Yale
Colin Casterlow 6’5″ senior forward Ypsilanti Arbor Prep
Cole Maten 6’3″ senior forward Bishop Foley
Jason Williams’ 27 Points Lead Allen Academy To 50-48 Win Over Lenawee Christian
20 Dec“I believe he’s one of the best point guards in the state,” were the words of Detroit Allen Academy head coach Craig Covington regarding junior Jason Williams.
Williams scored 27 points leading the Wildcats in their win over Class D number one ranked Adrian Lenawee Christian.
“Just been over shadowed as a freshman & sophomore by Pakiya Ellis & now by Danny Pippen, but to me he’s my best true floor leader.”
After a rugged offensive first half for both teams, Allen Academy saw themselves trail 26-22. However, as soon as the third started, Williams asserted his will. He scored the team’s first nine points of the quarter to jump start the Allen attack. The Wildcats would trail 36-35 heading into the final stanza of play.
Allen would still trail late in the fourth quarter after a Cougar three to put the Wildcats down 48-46 with one minute to go. But Williams didn’t only contribute on the offensive end, with fellow junior Danny Pippen in foul trouble much of the second half, Williams stepped up his defensive performance and came away with one of his game high 6 steals to set up a Pippen dunk knotting the game with 35 seconds left. After a Cougar turnover, Williams held the ball at the top of key with 20 seconds left, beat his man off the dribble, got into the lane, and hit a floater with 11 seconds left in what turned out to be the game winner as the Wildcats would force an arrant Lenawee shot on the defensive end.
Adrian Lenawee was led by 6’8″ junior forward Maxwell. Maxwell scored the Cougars first eight points of the game, and finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds, but only five would come in the fourth quarter. Coach Covington wanted to spread the floor and use the team’s speed against a much taller Cougar team, which happened in the games highest scoring quarter of play.
The win for Allen comes off a disappointing loss the previous week to Farmington. The Wildcats are still with the absence of important sophomores Juwan Snoody and Drequan Bell, who will be eligible in a few weeks. In a statement early season game against a team that played for a state championship a season ago, Coach Covington is optimistic about where his young, but talented team can go.
“It (this win) says that Class C is in trouble, because we are so young.”
“We’re only going to get better.”
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