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2013-2014 Season Preview: Class C Rankings

3 Dec

beecherOne of the more intriguing classes in Michigan is Class C.  Mt. Clemens, head coached by former Detroit Piston Jermaine Jackson, on paper have all the pieces to make a deep title run.  The Bathers have one of if not the best backcourts in the state, with Jermaine Jackson Jr., and deep ball threat Josh McFolley.  Mt. Clemens also returns experience from last year’s state regional final appearance, with guard Dorian Armstrong, and forward Charles Penn.  Consortium, has the number one player in the country regardless of class, Josh Jackson, but the Cougars will only go as far as his supporting cast takes them.  Look for seniors Ronald Booth and Malik Dawson to have breakout seasons.  The defending state champions, Beecher, look to reload after losing Mr. Basketball Monte Morris, sophomore Quay Burks will need to shoulder the load if Beecher hopes to make it back to the Breslin with chances for a three-peat.  A team flying under the radar in Class C is Melvindale ABT.  The Gators always seem to be a team in the hunt come March for a state title.  To get back to a 2009-2010 title season, rising junior guard Lavail Russell is a sneaky quick point guard who will be counted on the lead the team in almost every important statistical category.  Another team that will look toward a guard to win games this year is Muskegon Heights.  The Tigers have one of the best not talked about 2014 guards in Michigan, Aaron Sydnor.  A combo guard, Sydnor is capable of heating up from long range and isn’t afraid to take it to the basket as well.  Overall, Class C is wide open for multiple teams to bring home a championship.  Don’t be surprised if a team ranked below the top ten in the pre-season rankings are crowned kings in March.

Pre-season Class C Rankings:

1. Mt. Clemens

2. Grand Rapids Northpointe Christian

3. Detroit Consortium

4. Flint Beecher

5. Pewamo-Westphalia

6. Melvindale ABT

7. Negaunee

8. Detroit Loyola

9. Monroe St. Mary’s Catholic Central

10. Muskegon Heights

11. Traverse City St. Francis

12. Lainsburg

13. Ecorse

14. New Haven

15. Madison Heights Bishop Foley

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Pre-season Class of 2016 Rankings

9 Nov

images-5Arguable one of the best classes to come out of Michigan ever, the class of 2016 is ready to make an impact on the 2013-2014 MHSAA basketball season.  The class is led by consensus number one player in 2016, Josh Jackson, however, if one word can sum up 2016 in Michigan it is depth.  The class is loaded all the way down with some of the best shooters, passers, and slashers in the state.  Interest and offers from colleges are sure to increase with this group for the upcoming season.

1. Josh Jackson 6’6″ SF Detroit Consortium

2. Cassius Winston 6’0″ PG University of Detroit Jesuit

3. Algevon Eichelberger 6’7″ PF Saginaw High School

4. Devon Daniels 6’4″ SG Kalamazoo Central

5. Corey Allen 6’1″ PG Ypsilanti

6. Kelvon Fuller 6’7″ PF Oak Park

7. Austin Davis 6’9″ Center Onstead

8. Tristan Jackson 6’2″ combo guard West Bloomfield

9. D’Angelo Hanbro 5’11” PG Romulus

10. Marlo Brown 6’5″ SF Southfield Christian

11. Brailen Neely 5’8″ PG Detroit Western International

12. James Towns 6’1″ PG Detroit Henry Ford

13. Kyle Woodruff 6’2″ PG Holly

14. Justin Turner 6’2″ combo guard Detroit Renaissance

15. Michael Peterson 6’6″ SF Rockford

16. Aquavius Burks 6’3″ SG Flint Beecher

17. Kamari Newman 6’3″ combo guard East English Village Prep

18. Shae Somers 5’9″ PG Elk Rapids

19. Kevin Mckay 6’4″ SG Warren De La Salle

20. William Deuparo 5’9″ PG Lincoln Park

21. Gage Kreski 6’3″ SG St. Ignace

22. Jalen Marin 6’2″ SG Harper Woods Chandler Park

23. Ty Groce 6’4″ SF Ypsilanti Lincoln

24. Karim Murray 6’2″ combo guard Detroit Western International

25. Billy Thomas 5’11” PG University of Detroit Jesuit

26. Cedric Lattimore 6’5″ SF East English Village Prep

27. Quinn Erway 6’2″ SG Saginaw Heritage

28. Tony Poljan 6’7″ forward Lansing Catholic Central

29. Kyree Boyton 5’9″ combo guard Detroit Western International

30. Javon Lawrence 6’5″ SF Melvindale

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Pre-season Class of 2014 Rankings

21 Oct

NBA: Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles LakersAlthough the class of 2014 in Michigan has lost a few players deciding on choosing the prep school route, the class still runs deep with talent and depth.  The list contains ESPN nationally ranked players, and runs all the ways to players wanting to make a name for themselves in their last season of high school basketball.   Your’s truly and fellow rising prep reporter Jeff McKinney have compiled a list that represents the best of what the State of Michigan has to offer in terms of senior basketball talent.

1. Edmond Sumner 6’4″ PG Country Day (Verbal to Xavier)

2. Justin Tillman 6’8″ PF Detroit Pershing (Verbal to VCU)

3. Jaylen Johnson 6’8″ PF Ypsilanti (Verbal to Louisville)

4. Darrell Davis 6’4″ combo guard Detroit Douglass (Verbal to Dayton)

5. Yante Maten 6’8″ PF Bloomfield Hills

6. Marqywell Jackson 6’6″ wing East English Village

7. Aaron Foster-Smith 6’7″ PF Taylor Truman (Verbal to U of D Mercy)

8. Luke Meyer 6’9″ PF Addison (Verbal to CMU)

9. Ja’Christian Biles 6’2″ SG Oak Park (Verbal to Youngstown State)

10. Mory Diane 6’3″ wing Detroit Pershing (Verbal to Buffalo)

11. Deshawn Thrower 6’0″ PG Muskegon (Verbal to Stoney Brook)

12. Tyrone Acuff 6’6″ wing Detroit King

13. Kenny Carpenter 6’4″ wing Detroit Cass Tech

14. Mike Laster 6’4″ wing Detroit Cass Tech

15. Justice Green 6’0″ PG Flint Carmen-Ainsworth

16. Leonard Harper-Baker 6’5″ wing Detroit Southeastern

17. Rashaud Orange 6’4″ SF Grand Rapids Innovation Central

18. Darryl Bigham 6’4″ SF Detroit Southeastern

19. Jaleel Hogan 6’7″ PF Mt. Pleasant (Verbal to U of D Mercy)

20. Terrell Hales 6’4″ combo guard Detroit Douglass (Verbal to Cleveland State)

21. Jordan Nobles 6’8″ wing Canton

22. Darohn Scott 6’8″ PF Grand Rapids Christian

23. Juwan Clark 6’2″ PG Romulus

24. Martel Handley 6’1″ SF Saginaw Arthur Hill

25. Kris Clyburn 6’4″ SG Romulus

26. Khadim Dieng 7’0″ forward Grand Rapids Northpointe Christian

27. Lindsey Hunter IV 5’1″ PG Southfield Christian

28. Charles Keys 6’6″ SF Detroit Cass Tech

29. Ray Croon 6’5″ wing Livonia Franklin

30. D’Juan Williams 5’10” PG Westside Christian

Follow Jeff on Twitter: @McKinneysWorld

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Westside Christian’s Justin Green Profile

15 Sep

photo• Height, Weight, and position?

5’10, 165, point guard.

• High School, Summer team and Graduation Year?

Westside Christian Academy, Michigan Playmakers, 2014.

• Players you try to model your game after?

Isaiah Thomas (From the Bad Boys)  Gary Payton.

• Important Stats

I average a lot of assists, I only score when needed, and I like being a true point guard.

• Most memorable game in your career so far?

This summer in summer league…We had no big tallest guy was 5’11 and we still won by 30.

• Colleges that you would like to attend?

I would like to attend a HBCU I love the feel everyone college is like a family.

• Colleges that have shown interest in you so far?

Hillsdale College, Northwood, a couple of Juco’s.

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

Nobody will outwork me… Ever.

• Strengths and areas you are improving in?

I see the floor well. I can score when  needed and I have a a high IQ.  I can improve in my defense and being a vocal leader on the court.

• How did the offseason go?

The offseason went well but I was disappointed that I wasn’t able to play July session.  My high school team had a great summer league. I got stronger,faster, and my handles are better.

• Goals for the upcoming season?

My goals are to be a leader, average a double-double and stay healthy.

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

I have a big role this year I was captain last year but I didn’t have the confidence I have this year im ready to take my team to the top.

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

A coach will be getting a dedicated point guard that refuses to be outworked. I know how to get my team in the game and I can keep their confidence up.

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

Whether or not I will actually play and contribute to the team and help get wins. Also whether or not my coach has my back and won’t give up on me.

• Most influential person in your life? Why?

The most influential person in my life is my Dad because he gets it by any means. He is a Christian and the hardest worker I know that’s where I get my work ethic from.

• Legacy you want to leave at your school?

I want to be the first Student Athlete to attend a Division 1 College.  Somebody that has the grades, skill, character, and integrity.

• Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

In 15 years I see myself in the NBA or overseas a lot people probably don’t think I can but I have faith in myself and God.

• Highlight Tape

• Fun/ interesting fact about you?

I can golf.  I love classic music

• Awards, Accomplishments, other comments?

Player of game awards. Class President.

• Academic Information

Overall GPA 3.0

• Contact Information

313-627-9079-Cell

justin.green617@gmail.com

Facebook:Justin Green

Twitter: @Jrock12_

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Player Profile: Southeastern’s Leonard Harper-Baker

8 Sep

lbj•Height, weight, and position?

6’5, 200lbs, SG/SF

•High School, Summer team and Graduation Year?

Detroit Southeastern High School, Michigan Hurricanes, 2014

•Players you try to model your game after?

Carmelo Anthony/ Dwayne Wade

•Important Stats

15pts, 7 rebs, 2blks, 4ast

•Most memorable game in your career so far?

The Cass Tech Vs Southeastern in the city semi finals.

•Colleges that you would like to attend?

Syracuse or Oklahoma

•Colleges that have shown interest in you so far?

Ball State, Miami (OH), UofD, Little of  EMU

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

My ability to block shots and to defend the post as an undersized opponent. Offensively my ability to score in space and slashing to the basket.

•Strengths and areas you are improving in?

Vertical, quicker Feet , also shooting and free throws

•How did the offseason go?

The offseason was very good.  I feel I improved in areas.

•Goals for the upcoming season?

Become a better teammate and to not LOSE.

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

The leader, the role model and also the go to guy.

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

A hard worker and a great competitor. Also goes hard only if its 2 mins.

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

Which place best suits me far as education wise and playing wise.

•Most influential person in your life? Why?

Two people my mother and grandfather. My mother because she’s always believed in my no matter the sport and my grandfather because he’s the one who taught me the game and how to be a man.

•Legacy you want to leave at your school?

One of the best to walk through those doors, On and off the court.

•Fun/ interesting fact about you?

Funny person to be around can make anybody laugh.

•Awards, Accomplishments, other comments?

2 Finals 4 appearances

Started On Varsity as a Sophomore

Played against some of the best.

State Championship Finalist.

District Champion.

Regional Champion.

• Academic Information

2.7 GPA

15 Act

•Contact Information

Email-Southeasterns15@Gmail.com

Phone-1-586-604-5232

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Making a Point: Muskegon’s Deshaun Thrower

24 Aug

180While Muskegon High School is known for their football program, winning three state titles in the last ten years, their basketball program is quietly becoming a contender for Class A basketball championships . Last year, Muskegon made it all the way to the Class A quarterfinals, losing to Drake Harris and Grand Rapids Christian 64-61. However, the Big Reds this year are looking to improve on last year’s season and make it to the Breslin Center. The team returns guard Will Roberson, wing Joeviar Kennedy, and 6’8″ forward Deyonta Davis, who destroyed the AAU circuit hauling in multiple division one offers over the Summer. But the one player that will determine the success of the Big Reds’ season is senior dual sport star and one of the most underrated guards in Michigan, Deshaun Thrower.

Thrower is also currently the starting quarterback for the Big Red football team, who are one of the early season favorites to win the division two title in Michigan. And although Deshaun will choose basketball at the next level, interestingly enough, playing football for Deshaun has helped develop his skills on the basketball court.

“Football helps me in basketball with contact” Thrower had to say, “I don’t mind contact and it helps me stay aggressive, and the fact that I play quarterback and point guard helps because I need vision and awareness [on the floor].”

Playing football has certainly helped shaped Deshaun’s game when it comes to his individual skill set. You can tell that he lives in the weight room with the football team because he has the size and explosiveness that is hard in Michigan’s 2014 guard class. He can get to the rim at will putting a shoulder down and out muscling his way to the basket, and keeps defenders honest with a solid mid-range and pull-up game in transition. Thrower is one of those players that always has a constant motor running, he likes to push the ball on the break and whether he is on offense or defense, you know that he is going to give the team 110% effort.

Over the Summer competing with ACB Bankhoops 17U, one of the top AAU travel teams in the western part of Michigan, Deshaun pulled in three offers from the likes of Northern Michigan, Stoney Brook, and UIC after impressing during the July Live Evaluation Period. With added interest coming from U of D Mercy, Northern Illinois, Eastern Kentucky, and Western Michigan, all the hard work that Deshaun has spent playing two sports is starting to pay off.

“Basketball recruiting has been going well” Thrower said, “A couple offers and I hear from coaches everyday but football is ok, no offers yet but I’m sure if I have a good season they will come.”

The Class of 2014 in Michigan is a front-court dominated class with many of the state’s top players being either power or small forwards, so it is easy for a guard to slip under the radar when it comes to exposure at the next level. And to go on top of that, Deshaun knows that he must outwork his competition because of the fact that he is from Muskegon.

“I don’t think it’s fair that they overlook me because where I am from” Deshaun had to say, “I truly think if I was to live in Detroit or Saginaw [or] somewhere I would have way more offers and looks than I do now, but I mean it is what is and I’m happy with the offers that I do have and coaches that took their time to come see me play so I can’t worry on too much what I have no control of.”

We know that Thrower is an accomplished high school athlete on both the football and basketball court, and it would be easy for such an athlete to forget about where he comes from. But Deshaun wants to leave a mark on the future generations of Big Reds that attend Muskegon High School and become recognized for more than just winning games.

“I would like to win states in both sports, and be the first to go D1 in basketball from here in a while, and go on and have a good career in college and go play professional somewhere and come back a give back for everybody to remember me as a hard worker, a leader, and a winner.”

Deshaun and the Muskegon Big Red football team take the field August 30th to open the 2013 season at Grand Haven.

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Lucky Number Three for Laster

19 Aug

Mike_LasterMike Laster of Detroit Cass Tech has seen his recruitment improve drastically during the offseason as well as his individual game.

Laster recently picked an offer from Buffalo New York, his third to go along with offers already from Bowling Green and SIU-Edwardsville.

The 6’4″ Laster is a completely different player compared to his junior season at Cass Tech.  He has improved on the offensive side of floor, becoming a player who now demands attention whenever he touches the ball.  He can now drive to the basket, shoot the three to go along with an already solid mid-range game.  Good athlete with length that will transition well to the college game.

Laster also mentioned interest coming from New Hampshire, Northeastern, IPFW, and Youngstown State.  With no decision date soon, Mike is in the process of setting up visits to colleges, and will no doubt pick up a few offers before his senior season starts.

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Stewart Pledges to Hornets

12 Aug

dsc_0042After previously committing to SIU-Edwardsville before his senior season started, Detroit Cass Tech 6’6″ wing DeAngelo Stewart has decided to play college basketball next year for the Hornets of Alabama State.  Stewart is a long, left-handed athletic wing who rebounds the ball very well for his position, but is truly talented on the offensive side of the game.  DeAngelo has to unique ability to keep defenders honest with the ability to score in the paint and finish above the rim, in addition to playing on the perimeter and shooting mid to three point jump shots.  He was a vital part for Cass Tech winning the PSL West Division championship, averaging 15 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks per game.

The Prep Ball Report recently caught up with DeAngelo to talk about his move from SIU-Edwardsville to Alabama State.

“It was very hard.  I just had to stay positive.  I stayed in the gym and worked on my game.  God told me to be patient because my time was coming.  My high school coach, Coach Dixon, helped me a lot throughout this process.”

Not too many players from Michigan play down in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, and DeAngelo is eager to meet up with his future teammates and coaches and learn how he can be used in the Hornet system.

“It’s a couple of players from Michigan that play their [Alabama State].  I will meet with everybody Thursday.  Coach said I can come right away. I am just going to play my game and nothing more.”

DeAngelo played with two fellow division one players who were seniors at Cass Tech, so it was easy for him to be overshadowed when it came to being recognized as an elite player in the state.  However, Stewart wants to prove his worth with Alabama State and make a name for himself.

“They will be getting a versatile wing that can play inside and outside, on both ends of the court.  A player that will rebound the ball, and also block shots, and that is going to work his but off to be the best.”

Commitments from the 2013 class are very rare at this time of year. but DeAngelo is a late great pick up that can come in, and make an immediate impact of the Alabama State program, they are truly getting a steal.

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Follow DeAngelo on Twitter: @DELO_

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Bass Happy with U of D Decision

6 Aug

VG Paris Bass 1When the 2012-2013 boys basketball season for the MHSAA started in December, Birmingham Seaholm 6’7″ wing Paris Bass was not usually in the conversation regarding division one basketball prospects in the State of Michigan.  However, Bass quietly put up an excellent senior campaign, averaging a double-double with 25 points, 11 rebounds, to go along with three steals, rebounds and assists respectively.  But where Paris really started to make a name for himself was competing with the 17U Michigan Warriors AAU team.   “Well it was a big part of my team getting me the ball and helping my confidence,” Paris had to say for the improvement of his game with the Michigan Warriors, “but also I started to work on my game and not just be satisfied where I was.”   Traveling through the midwest and partaking in some of the most prestigious AAU tournaments the region has to offer, Paris was exposed to division one basketball coaches in the month of July where offers started to pour in for him, and the one school that stood out to him the most was U of D Mercy.

Paris had accumulated double-digit offers during the Live Period of July, where division one college coaches may attend AAU games.  Paris eventually cut his list down to five schools including the Titans, Rhode Island, Kent State, Louisiana Tech, and Eastern Michigan before deciding on U of D Tuesday.  “Basically I feel real close and comfortable with Coach Ray [McCallum]” said Bass, “and also the staff made me feel like I was at home.”  And regarding how U of D plays, Paris is excited to get on the floor because “They play my style of basketball and I also feel I can continue to improve the program.”

Paris is a unique and versatile wing that seems to cause mis-match problems wherever he steps on the floor.  Bass is a long athletic wing, that can fill the ball up in a variety of ways, off-the bounce going to the basket, facing up from the perimeter with a jump-shot, and slashing and finding wholes in the defense from the off-guard position.  The one thing that is intriguing about Paris is that he is so tall, one would not think that he could handle the ball.  But at times this Summer  with Warriors, Paris controlled the ball like a point guard out there pushing the ball after he got a rebound on the break and finding teammates for the assist.

At the college level, Paris does not what to be labeled as just being able to play one position, “Guard, post, anything I can do to help the team.”  Paris is a late great pick-up for the Titans this time of year, and is a future star in the Horizon League.

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Upcoming Camps and Showcases

3 Aug

arloNow that the July Live Period is now over, one of only ways for prospects to get their name out there is through camps and showcases.  Recruiting websites, like yours truly, will attend these camps scouting the courts for talent and writing up recaps filled with notes from the day’s of action.  I am providing a list of camps that will help the recruit improve their stock over the last couple of months before the high school season begins.  This list of camps will continue to grow as I find more camps in the state.  Although there is usually a fee to participate in these camps, players, it is important to attend these camps for multiple reasons, to get your name out to recruiting websites, two, to improve your own individual game, and three, see your competitions game and learn on what you need to be to become the best in your class.  I hope everybody has an opportunity to get out to a least one of these camps.

Bank Hoops Underclassmen All-State Mini Camp (Aug. 3 10-5 pm at The Cage in Swartz Creek)

Hype Athletics Triple Threat 2 Day Camp (Aug. 15-16, 9 am-12 pm at Hype Athletics in Dearborn Heights)

Michigan Elite 25 Camp (Aug. 17-18, Sept. 22, 29, Oct. 13, 20 at Detroit Cass Tech) *invitation Only

Inside Prep Sports Fall Super Showcase (Sept. 15 10 am-4 pm at Hype Athletics in Dearborn Heights)

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