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Ricky Rojeski’s Inspirational Story to Madonna University

23 May

bRickyRojeski-CrestwoodThere are moments in high school sports where winning and losing are secondary, where particular outcomes are larger than the game itself.  School sports promote team work, self-discipline, and perseverance through moments of adversity.  Many athletes take playing sports for granted, however, actions that become a daily routine can easily be taken away within a moment, to anybody.

Dearborn Heights Crestwood had a outstanding 2013-2014 basketball season.  The Chargers accounted for a 22-2 record, a WWAC Red Division championship, and a MHSAA district championship.  Regardless of how many wins, or championships the team had, Crestwood’s arguably greatest achievement this year was sending two seniors to continue their basketball careers at the collegiate level.  Along with guard Bilal Abduljami, 6’5″ senior Ricky Rojeski has committed to Madonna University of the NAIA, who has certainly not had an easy road to the collegiate ranks.

In the middle school, Rojeski was dual sport star in basketball and football.  In his eighth grade year, Ricky was diagnosed with leukemia, or cancer.  According to the American research website cancer.org, the overall cure rate for those diagnosed with leukemia is only a startling 40%.

“I think that me being sick made me want to become a college athlete even more before I was sick,” Rojeski had to say.  “I wanted to show any other kids that were sick that they shouldn’t give up on their dreams.”

Once Ricky was able to participate in sports, he made the tough decision to focus primarily on basketball, although he had played football throughout his young life.  Over the course of his high school career, Rojeski quietly developed into one of Dearborn Height’s best kept secrets.  By the time his senior year rolled about, Ricky was averaging a double-double per game with 12 points, and ten rebounds, receiving interest from Schoolcraft, Adrian, Aquinas, Pine Manor, Concordia, and U of M Dearborn.

“I choose Madonna because over the last few years, I’ve built a good relationship with the coach,” Rojeski went onto say, “he runs a very tight program.”

Aside from the stats he averaged or the offers he obtained in his high school career, Ricky’s determination and journey to become a college athlete can serve as an inspiration to those who face challenges on or off the court.  It could’ve been very easy for Rojeski to give up on pursing a chance to play college basketball, but for Ricky, he had the dream ever since he could remember, and wasn’t going to let a disease take it away from him.

“Anything is possible if you really want it,” Rojeski commented.  “It might not be easy, but if you keep working hard every single day, then you will achieve your dreams.”

Ricky would like to thank his parents, coaches, and all of my teammates that have always been there to support me for getting him to where he is today.

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Barton CC Inks Two Commits from Detroit Area

15 May

th4AZD8NCMBarton Community College, located in Great Bend, Kansas, is one of the premier JUCO’s in the country.  The Cougars year-in-and-out, seemingly always finish with an above .500 record, and are in contention for a JUCO national championship.   Also, Barton has recruited the Detroit area well over the past few years, with two players from local high schools on the 2013-2014 team with Raheem Johnson, 6’9″ sophomore forward, and Rashawn Walker, a 6’8″ forward.  For the incoming class of 2014 for Barton, the Cougars will add another Romulus player, 6’1″ guard Tyron Hamby, and 6’6″ forward Damarco White of Southfield Christian.

Hamby, who took the lead role as point guard his senior year, had one division one offer during the season, from Florida A&M, but was taken away after the head coach was fired.  He was getting looked at by a fair amount of schools, but never received an offer.  Hamby says he picked Barton CC because the coaches showed the most interest out of any schools that recruited him.  Hamby will bring to Barton a smart, playmaking guard who will look to contribute right away.  He has a strong, deceptive handle which allows him to get by defenders going either way, get into the lane, and create for either himself or teammates.  Hamby overall on offense has a good feel for the game, he knows when to change speeds and keep his defender off balance.  He’s a creative finisher at the basket, and his perimeter/mid-range jump shot has improved significantly over the course of his high school career.  Tyron is also a quality defender on the defensive side of the floor, with solid foot speed an IQ.

White will look to bring versatility to the Barton program.  He projects more as a wing at the college level, although he primarily played the post for the three time defending state champion Southfield Christian Eagles.  He can handle the ball well for his size, quick feet and agility, above the rim player, and overall brings energy to the floor whenever he is on the court.

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Moneyball Shootout Recap

12 May

imagesMoneyball has not only grown into a popular clothing line in the Midwest, it has expanded into the AAU scene, putting on quality tournaments the past few years.  Moneyball provided a good mix of established teams, as well as some upcoming teams within the state.

Day One:

1Nation 17u only came for one day, but left their mark on the tournament with strong performances from juniors Josh Davis and Bakari Evelyn.  Davis, a 6’4″ wing guard, is one of the elite perimeter shooters in the state, with deep range on his three point jump shot.  However, Davis scored the ball inside in traffic a few times, and was aggressive on the boards, even coming away with an impressive tip-dunk.

Evelyn, a 6’2″ point guard, shrugged off a sluggish start to the day in the team’s 100-34 win over Judges Court.  Bakari can handle the ball with the best guards in the state, breaking down any defender, and getting into the lane.  However, Evelyn had his jump shot going in the third game, as he hit six or seven threes, some were NBA range.  With his perimeter game to keep defenders honest, Evelyn is at the top when talking about primier guards in Michigan.

Stars Basketball won the 16u section of the tournament, and it would’ve been hard to do so without the play of 6’8″ 2017 forward Donatus Eke.  Eke was forced to sit out this season for U of D Jesuit after moving from Nigeria, but has improved tremendously since open gyms in the fall.  On defense, Eke has the length  to block any shot in his area, however, he also has the foot speed and awareness to close out on shooters and deflect shots, which he did throughout the day.  Offensively, Eke is developing into a versatile forward.  He showed flashes of being able to run pick-and-roll, and then impressively hitting a perimeter jump shot.  Eke will no doubt be a force for years to come for not only the Stars, but U of D as a whole.

Reach 16u 6’3″ guard Tristan Jackson defines the term “combo guard.”  He can do it all for a team.  Score with or without the ball, rebound at a high level, facilitate the game as a point guard, or lockdown the opposing team’s best guard.  He has a IQ, motor, and a poise to be a standout guard the remaining portion of AAU and into the high school season.

Day Two:

Saginaw Top Dawgs 17u 6’5″ wing Da’Qavion Johnson played well throughout the tournament, but shined in the teams loss vs. Reach in the quarterfinals, where he had 30 points.  Johnson, has the size, length, and ball skills to attack the lane and finish around the rim.  But the ability to consistently make threes is what makes Da’Qavion an interesting prospect.  He rebounds the ball well for his position, and currently has an offer from Northwood (MI).

Michigan Playmakers 17u received a pleasant surprise from 6’5″ forward Andrae Powell L’Anse Creuse North.  Powell looked to assert himself throughout the day on offensive, playing with an added aggressiveness compared to tournaments earlier in the Spring.  The lefty played on the perimeter a bit hitting a few corner threes throughout the two games played on the day, got some and ones at the rim, and came up with a few clutch baskets (offensive putbacks) when his team needed them the most.

Michigan Mustangs- Woodruff 16u’s Qua Burks played well in team’s game vs. fellow Mustangs despite his team coming up short.  It is hard to label Burks a position on the floor, maybe his title could be athlete like in football.  At 6’3″ Qua has the size of the guard, but the body of a center.  He’s versatile due the fact he can step out shoot a three, and then bang down low for contested layup.  He rarely takes plays off, plays with a high IQ for the game, and competes with Flint Beecher heart and toughness.

Other standouts:

Andia Marsh (Michigan United 17u)

Billy Thomas (Stars Basketball 16u)

Bryce Windham (Michigan United 17u)

Brian Walker (Michigan United 17u)

Michael Edwards (Michigan United 17u)

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Grand Rapids Chrisitan 2015 guad Deleon Brown Player Profile

7 May

Deleon• Height, Weight, and position?

6’4/ 170/ Combo Guard

• High School, Summer team and Graduation Year?

Grand Rapids Christian/ SYF Players/ 2015

• Players you try to model your game after?

Stephen Curry.

• Important Stats

High School Junior year 20.2ppg/ 80% Free Throw/ 39% 3Pt

• Most memorable game in your career so far?

25 Points in a overtime game against Muskegon.

⁃ How did this past high school season go for you and your team?

Individually I feel that I had a successful season, but personally I feel that I could have done more. As far as my team I feel that we never put all of the pieces together and as a result we weren’t as good as we potentially could’ve been.

• Colleges that you would like to attend?

Any college that I personally feel will be the right fit for me both academically and as a player.

• Colleges that have shown interest in you so far?

Purdue, Akron, Kent State, Xavier , Central Michigan, University of Detroit Mercy, Western Michigan, Toledo, Ferris State, Northern Colorado

• What makes you unique from other players at your position?

The ability to consistently take my defender off of the bounce, or the ability to stop and pull up from mid-range, and knock down the deep three. Along with my aggressive defense.

• Strengths and areas you are improving in?

Getting stronger, rebounding, and assist.

• Goals for the AAU season?

To help my team make it to the Final Four of or Finals in every tournament.

• What role do you see your self having this year for your team?

I feel that this upcoming season, me as a senior my role will be vital to the team success.

• What will a coach be getting out of you at the next level?

A kid that loves the game of basketball and is a very hard worker that doesn’t leave the gym until he feels everything is right. Along with that a hard nose defender that can score anywhere on the floor.

• What will will go into your decision about choosing a college?

A program that has a high graduation rate, and that is also successful both on an off of the court.

• Most influential person in your life? Why?

I would have to say my dad. I know the recruiting process can take a toll on some parents but he’s stayed persistent throughout it all and I know that he is always someone who I can look to for advice when I’m unsure about something .

• Legacy you want to leave at your school?

I want people at my school to remember as a outgoing, and hardworking kid who was determined to reach his goals.

• Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

15 years from now I feel I will just be a year or two outside of my prime. And getting ready to plan my retirement from the NBA.

• Highlight Tape

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkhX882U9-Q

• Fun/ interesting fact about you?

In my spare time off of the court I like to go fishing.

• Awards, Accomplishments, other comments?

3 years All- State, 2 years All-Conference, 2014 West Michigan Dream Team, 2014 West Michigan Mr. Basketball Finalist, Invite to 2013 and 2014 Michigan Elite 25 Camp.

• Academic Information

2.6 GPA. 17 composite score on the ACT

• Contact Information

Email: deleonbrown.db@gmail.com

Twitter: deleonbrown_

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Interview with 2017 Brian Bowen at Spiece Run-n-Slam

5 May

One of the nations top players in the 2017 class, Saginaw Arthur Hill’s Brian Bowen is off to a fantastic start to this AAU circuit.  The 6’6″ Bowen discusses the season thus far, past high school season, and updates recruiting.

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Interview with Saginaw’s Al Eichelberger at Spiece Run-n-Slam

5 May

Saginaw High’s 2016 forward Algevon Eichelberger has seen both his game and recruiting rise over the last year.  Al updates recruiting, and talks Spring circuit with The Family 16u

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Micah Glenn Talks Wheeling Jesuit Commitment

5 May

IMG_0996Micah used to attend Detroit Country Day, however he moved to Pennsylvania to finish high school and eventually landed at the prep school IMG Academy.  Glenn has committed to Wheeling Jesuit, a division two school in West Virginia.

How does it feel to commit to Wheeling Jesuit?
Feels great. Took a while but finding the school that fits you is a great feeling.

What were some other schools you were considering?  What made Wheeling different?
Claflin Univ., Univ. of New England, St. John’s Fischer ; I chose wheeling because we have a real shot at making the tournament next season, the coaching staff was great to me and my parents and it’s only an hour away from home.

What is your relationship with the coaches there like?

My relationship is great. And I know 2 of them, they graduated from my high school a year before me.

Did you visit the campus?  What did you like about it?

Yes I did ; I liked that it wasn’t too big and that the everyone seemed to be cool with each other.

What makes you unique as a player?  What will Wheeling be getting from a player like you?

What makes me unique is that I’m a well rounded player and a pass first point who can score. I can pass, handle the ball and play defense. At wheeling they will get a strong guard who can come in and contribute.

How did your season go at IMG?

Our season was good. Playing against one of the best shooters I’ve competed with in Eric Cooper and one of the smartest point guards in Angel Rivera got me better everyday and forced me to become a better leader.

What will the coaches be getting out of a player like you?

I will bring a guard who is strong and bring more to a position they lacked this past season. Coach Sancomb was eager to get more depth at that position so I’m excited to compete in practice.

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

My parents, Coach Mastroianni from QV and Coaches Mahoney/ Vander Sluis at IMG, my brothers, and my grandmother.

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Spiece Run-n-Slam Recap: Michigan Players

5 May

Gym-Rats-LogoThe Spiece Run-n-Slam All-Star Classic in Fort Wayne, Indiana is traditionally one of the premier tournaments of the Grassroots Spring Circuit.  And while the field was loaded with talent from several states around the country, Michigan players held their own and came away with a solid week of production.

 

Day One

The Michigan Mustangs 15u- Allison team fell short in their opening pool play game to King James Shooting Stars by one point, but the Mustangs would not have been in the game at all if it was not for the play of 6’6″ 220 pound forward Xavier Tillman.  Tillman ignited the Mustang comeback with his high energy style of play when his team trailed by double digits throughout most of the second half.  At such a young age, Tillman has a skill set most forwards for his grade don’t have.  He has a variety of low post moves he can use on the block, crashes the boards looking for put backs at will, competes on both sides of the floor, and has the strength to finish through contact.  To go along with his stellar athleticism, Xavier also has a high IQ for the game.  He’s a good passer for his size, and runs the break well getting to his spot before the defense can find him.  Xavier so far has heard from a variety of Big Ten and regional mid-major schools.

Day Two

The Family 16u have themselves a stellar freshman in Saginaw Arthur Hill wing Brian Bowen.  The versatile long and lanky 6’6″ Bowen made a statement throughout the weekend as to why he is one of the top players in the 2017 class nationally.  Brian’s best games came on day two with 25 and 19 point performances.  Bowen had his whole offensive game going.  He isn’t going to overpower defenders or out-quick them yet, however, he does a nice job of picking his spots with aggressiveness and using his length to finish around the rim, and even ran the point guard a little bit and getting others involved.  Bowen also showed some skill on the perimeter, knocking down a couple threes on the day, and finishing some contested mid-range shots.  On defense, Brian has the potential to be an lockdown defender, with the ability to guard smaller guards or wings.  He currently holds 5+ division one offers.

One year of prep school has done wonders for The Family 17u guard/wing 6’7″ A.J. Tuner.  Before Turner left for New Hampton Prep, A.J. was primarily a point guard for Warren De La Salle.  While he still has the ability to handle the ball and create plays off the bounce, it has been his shooting that has improved leaps and bounds.  In a critical pool game vs. Mac Irvin, Turner turned in a 30 point (5 3’s) 13 rebound performance leading his team to a narrow one point victory.  He’s has been playing with an increased toughness since he was in a Michigan high school, and is not afraid and go get physical with taller opponents down low for rebounds.  A.J. has a total of double digit division one offers, and even more are on the horizon.

Michigan State verbal commit Deyonta Davis has been playing with Spiece Indy Heat of the Nike EYBL so far this AAU circuit.  Fresh off a Class A Championship, the 6’8″ Davis has only improved upon his game since the high school season.  Deyonta has proved it is going to be a given that he’s going to rebound at a high level and defend the rim with the best of them, however, Davis has now added a perimeter game to his arsenal.  He throughout the day made face-up mid-range jumpers (10-15 ft) and even hit a three here and there.  Deyonta is still developing as a complete player, an upside that has led some to believe he is the next Adreian Payne of MSU.

Day Three

The Family 16u have themselves a quality power forward/center in Saginaw High’s Algevon Eichelberger.  Al might be a tweaner at this point of his career, 6’7″, but for this age group he was a dominant force in the paint.  His best game was a 22 point nine rebound game in a loss to King James Shooting Stars in the gold semi’s.  Eichelberger knows how to use his wide body, and footwork to get position down low giving his guards passing lanes when he seals defenders, and using his soft hands to catch the ball and finish.  He has a few nice back to the basket moves, and throughout the day was getting to the free-throw line, and knocking them down with a nice stroke.  On defense, Al plays physical low post defense and challenges just about every shot he around without fouling.  He’s a good athlete, and has pulled in a few mid-major offers as of now.

Michigan Mustangs 15u- Allison came with the silver division championship, knocking off the Chicago Demons 69-39.  6’1″ guard Matt Beachler had 21 point, including five threes, with three coming within the first 8 minutes of the game.  He’s a spot up shooter with a quick release and solid mechanics.  Matt also has some quickness and athleticism in his game as well, making some nice moves and cuts to the basket in transition.

Other Standouts

The Family 16u received a nice addition from 6’7″ Oak Park forward Kelvon Fuller.  Fuller brings size, versatility, athleticism, and length to a primarily guard oriented team.  Fuller can score the ball a little bit on offense, but made his presence felt on defense.  He defends the post well, and blocked shots throughout the tournament from both the weak and strong sides.  On some, he was clearly beaten to the hole, but with his long arms and agility, he was able to recover and defend the rim.

Continuing on the theme of The Family, the 15u team has a name to remember for the future is 6’0″ point guard David Dejulius.  Still in eighth grade and undecided on a high school he wishes to attend, David has a unique skill set for still being in middle school.  He can create his own shot on offense in a variety of ways, either from the perimeter, or stopping in the lane or wing for a pull up jump shot.  He showed he is comfortable either playing off the ball, or running the point and getting his teammates involved.  As he continues develop his strength and grow, David will only continue to cause opposing players more stress.

Michigan Mustangs 16u- Carson have a plethora of talent, and often lost is 6’2″guard Gage Kreski.  Kreski currently has an offer from Lake Superior State, and will only gain more offers as the Spring and Summer progresses.  He has a high IQ for the game, takes pride in his defense, and is effective with his length and quick feet at the top of the Mustangs 2-3 zone.  His jump shot has come a long way since the last AAU season, but his bread-and-butter is attacking off the bounce and finishing at the rim athletically.

 

 

 

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NorthPointe Christian’s Khadim Dieng Pledges to Western Michigan

30 Apr

??????????Western Michigan is on the rise not only in the State of Michigan, but the MAC conference as well.  Steve Hawkins and his staff guided the Broncos to a share of the MAC regular season title, and clinched a trip to the NCAA tournament by winning the conference tournament.  However, the offseason thus far has provided another win for the Broncos, securing a pledge from 7 foot Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian center, Khadim Dieng.

Dieng, who transferred from the prestigious Oak Hill Academy school in Virginia during his senior summer, was deemed ineligible by the MHSAA for competition in the 2013-2014 high school basketball season.  However, Dieng had already made a name for himself to colleges prior to the season.  Dieng was a member of the Grand Rapids Storm AAU basketball club, who are one of Michigan’s most respected teams year-to-year.  Traveling across the midwest and nation to partake in tournaments nearly every weekend, it was hard for colleges not to discoever ding.  Tall, long armed, quality athlete, and a potential to only improve as he becomes more seasoned to playing basketball.  Khadim was fortunate enough to receive scholarships from schools like Seattle and UMass-Lowell, to go along with several other MAC and D2 schools.  But what made Western different according to Dieng was a sense of family, and commitment from the Bronco coaching staff.  Grand Rapids is less than an hour away from Kalamazoo, which will give his host family plenty of opportunities to watch Khadim compete in college.

“I have a good relationship with the coaches, I know they are gonna take care of me, and I like the campus too.”

Despite all the negativity and obstacles Khadim has had to overcome to get to where he is today, Khadim is grateful for Western Michigan in giving him an opportunity to play next year.  Dieng even stated that even if he was allowed to play this year, he thinks he would still have decided on the Broncos if they offered him a chance to play for their program.

Khadim relishes the day where he can be seen as just another member of team, having to sit out a year of a sport he loves was hard for him.  But now, the pressure is off, and he is now like any other college athlete, ready to prove himself worthy of competing on the division one level.

“I feel good now, I’m ready to do whatever they ask me to do.”

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Interview with Detroit Renaissance 2016 guard Justin Turner

29 Apr

Detroit Renaissance 2016 guard Justin Turner is one of the elite scorers in Michigan.  Turner, who plays with the Michigan Mustangs- Carson 16u team, talks past high school season, current AAU circuit, and gives a recruiting update at the Adidas Spring Classic in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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