Archive | Boys Basketball RSS feed for this section

Adidas Chicago Best Buy Classic

27 May

The Best Buy Classic in Chicago featured some of the best teams and players in the region as well as the country.  Here are a few players that stood out to me.

IMG_1114Leonard Harper-Baker (SF Michigan Hurricanes 2014)- Has Harper-Baker been working out more since the end of the high school season?  Yes.  Leonard is turning into, from what I saw a more consistent scorer and perimeter shooter compared to his high school season.  And his defense against Eric Gordon’s All-Stars was tremendous, blocking shots and causing match-up problems outside.  Expect this Southeastern Jungaleer’s stock to rise this summer.

 

 

Antonio Singleton (6’5″ F Eric Gordon All-Stars 2016)- A real matchup problem for defenders with his combination of athleticism and shooting ability.  Attacks the rim hard and finishes with ease above the rim.  Provided the crowd with a few highlight dunks.

Austin Conway ( 5’11 PG Colorado Hawks 16U 2015)- One of the quickest guards in Chicago this weekend.  A real lighting bolt in transition.  Can score and dish out assists to teammates.  Reminds me a little of Trey Burke.

IMG_1112Brandone Francis ( Combo Guard 6’5″ Florida Elite 2014)- Tough, physical off-guard that can shoot and drive to the basket.  Just an all around true basketball player that has no real weakness in his game.  Holds several high-major offers.

 

Eron Gordon ( 6’2″ SG Eric Gordon All-Stars 2016)- The best shooter I saw at the tournament.  Defenses, please, do not leave this man open from beyond the arch.  It is almost over when that happens.  And on the defensive end, it was hard for anybody get past him with long arms and quick feet.

IMG_1111De’Ron Davis ( 6’9″ F Colorado Hawks 16U 2016)- Davis dominated the down low post and the paint in several of the games I saw him play.  Rebounds, defends, blocks shots, and has athleticism.  Kind of tweener between a small forward and power forward.

 

Tags: ,

Sumner Decides on Xavier

13 May

IMG_1101

Detroit Country Day has been a mecca for high school basketball in Metro Detroit. Former greats include Chris Webber and Shane Battier, to recents who have put on the Yellow Jacket jersey such as Ray McCallum and Amir Williams. And adding a new chapter to the history of the school is C/O 2014 PG Edmond Sumner. Sumner, who competes for the EYBL team The Family, recently took a visit down to Xavier the weekend of May 4th, which pretty much put a bow on top of his recruitment with Xavier. “They have been on me the longest,” said Sumner, “and made a priority unlike other schools,” who reportedly chose between the Musketeers and the Minutemen of UMass.

Don’t think that just because Sumner is going to a smaller school means he doesn’t have game, this guy can play and had high major coaches watching. He single-handedly took over multiple playoff games in the postseason leading Country Day to a Class B crown, including a remarkable 30 point three steal performance in the semi-final victory over Cadillac. He has even continued that high level of play into the early EYBL season, averaging 12.7 points a game and dishing out 40 assists so far. Sumner wanted attend a school that fits his play style, and that school is Xavier because “At most schools they play only one point [guard], at Xavier, they play two point guards and they give them a lot of freedom.”

As far as Sumner’s game is concerned, he is hands down one of the most exciting guards to watch operate in the state. Edmond excels in the open court with great speed and court vision, with the ability to finish at the rim despite a slender frame. To go along with very quick and steady three point jump shot. All of these are skills that Xavier will need to compete in the first season for the newly formed Big East Conference.

Follow me on Twitter: @mdhsathletics

Tags: , ,

Following in His Brother’s Footsteps. Romulus’ Kris Clyburn

12 May

IMG_1096

Every year, the Romulus Eagles always have Division One college talent.  This year, it was a quartet of seniors, Jalon Plummer [Youngstown State], Leo Edwards [Louisiana Tech], Wes Clark [Missouri], and E.C. Matthews [Rhode Island].  In years past, the school has produced Ray Lee [C/O 2012 Eastern Michigan] and Justin Moss [C/O 2011 Toledo].  With all this talent comes great success!  The Romulus Eagles make it to the State Championships at the Breslin Center just about every year and this year 2013, the team captured its first state title since 1986 defeating Detroit Southeastern in the championship game.  However, there is something more than basketball at Romulus.  It’s the life lessons; such as hard work and perseverance that are instilled in the players by the Romulus coaches.  And this has had an impact on the lives of a pair of two brothers, Will and Kris Clyburn.

Going back a couple of years, Will Clyburn was a member of the 2008 class at Romulus High School.  Will Clyburn was often overlooked when scouts came into the building to watch Romulus compete, even though he averaged double-figures scoring wise each game that season.  And at the end of his senior season, Will only received one offer, from Marshalltown Community College in Iowa.  He made the best of it by working hard, a thing that Will admits to not accomplishing in the early stages of his high school career.  Will ultimately received a scholarship after two years at Marshalltown to attend the University of Utah for the 2010-2011 season.  Will had a tremendous season for the Utes!  He averaged 17 points a game  and hauled down 8 rebounds per game.  After the season ended, Will decided to transfer and sit out a year in order to play at Iowa State.  Will came back better than ever when he was allowed to play for the Cyclones.  Although his scoring went down, Clyburn was a vital contributor toward leading Iowa State to an at-large birth in the 2013 NCAA tournament.  And far as the draft goes, Will is projected by many to be a late second round selection.

Will’s pathway to college has not been easy.  But his example has taught many athletes that when you work hard, great things can be achieved.  Will is a role model to his younger brother, Kris, a rising senior at Romulus High School who competes for the Michigan Warriors AAU team.  One major thing Kris admires of his older brother is his work ethic.  “When he got to college, he worked even harder because he felt like he should prove [something to ] everybody that doubted him wrong,” said Kris whose plans include, “For the offseason, I need to live in the gym.”  The two, according to Kris, are mirror images of each other on the court, acknowledging that both are very versatile and do all the intangibles, the only thing differing is that Will is right handed.

Kris is yet to receive an offer, but has various D1 schools showing interest.  Kris can look up to Will’s arduous recruiting process for guidance during a difficult time for a any high school basketball player.  “I know what I need to do and expect to try and be a successful college basketball player,” says Kris.  Of goals he has set for the AAU season, one that will make anybody affiliated with the Romulus High School basketball team happy, is that he is going to “Practice on bringing home hardware,” for the Michigan Warriors this Summer, “because we plan on winning another State TItle [for Romulus] this year.”  A goal that can only be accomplished by hard work.  A task that is not unfamiliar to the Clyburn brothers.

Follow me on Twitter: @mdhsathletics

Follow Kris on Twitter: Kris_Clyburn21

Tags: , ,

Weekend Recap 5/6/13

6 May

It was a busy weekend this previous weekend as some of Michigan’s last few remaining  unsigned seniors decided on where they will be playing next year.

Sam McClendon 6’0″ Guard (Orchard Lake St. Mary’s)

IMG_1027

The Eaglet point guard received interest from low D1 and D2 schools before finally deciding on Mt. Zion Prep in Durham, North Carolina.  It came as a surprise to most because it looked as if Sam was going to decide on a four year school, which will have to wait another year.  Sam will bring toughness, and a floor general to Zion who could have a very good prep season next year.

Highlights

 

Clark Bishop 6’0″ Combo Guard (Detroit Renaissance)

IMG_1078

The 1,000 point career scorer held a few D2 offers before heading on a visit to Florida Atlantic last weekend.  And on that visit it was decided Clark will become an Owl.  Bishop will be reuniting with former AAU teammate and fellow Detroit Public School League standout, D’Andre Johnson, “It’s going to be a blast to play with my former teammate/high school rival,” Clark said of the duo reuniting.   Clark is a hard nosed defender on the defensive end, but can light you up on the offensive end as well.  Solid jump shot, finishes at the rim and very dangerous in transition are all skills Clark will be bringing to FAU.  “I picked FAU because of the coaching staff,” said Bishop, “Coach Jarvis really made me feel at home.”

Highlights

Jalen Adams 6’4″ Wing Guard (Saginaw Arthur Hill)

IMG_1079

When the opportunity to play D1, take it.  That is what St. Bonaventure commit Jalen Adams did this weekend when he committed to play for the Bonnies.  Similar to Clark, Jalen took a visit this weekend and fell in love with the school, “The environment and I connect with the players and the education,” were reasons for the commitment according to Jalen.  Adams is hands down one of the best and electrifying athletes in the state.  The guy is reported to have a 40 inch vertical allowing him to explode out of the gym.  Jalen uses that athleticism not only for dunks, but rebounds as well.  Don’t forget other aspects of his offensive game.  Jalen finishes at the rim and is not afraid of contact, and gets by defenders with a nice spin move.  Working on a consistent perimeter jump shot game will be a key for him this summer.  Adams told me that he expects to play more of a two guard role this coming season.

Highlights

Tags: , ,

Detroit Lefty Wing Chooses Texas

30 Apr

IMG_1068

Today, Detroit Pershing wing Martez Walker gave a verbal commit to become a University of Texas Longhorn.  Walker was recruited by schools such as Temple, Providence, Oakland, and UCF before ultimately deciding on Texas.  The lefty had a tremendous senior season, averaging a double-double en route to helping Pershing capture a City Championship.  The key turning point in Martez’s recruitment came just a couple weeks ago when Walker took a visit to Texas to tour the campus.  Walker said that the visit was fun, and enjoyed the relationship with the coaches he had while on that visit.

Walker will bring a high-volume shooter that excels in coming off any type of screen, as well as a solid scorer to Austin this upcoming season.  Some of the up-and-coming portions of his game will be to improve upon athleticism, as well as going right to create offense for himself.  No doubt Martez will have to work if he wants to receive playing time at a school that produces tremendous players like Kevin Durant.  Martez expects to work hard, play his style of game, and not try to do anything he can’t to in an attempt to impress the coaches.

As an avid supporter of the high school basketball, it makes me feel good when a kid accepts high major scholarship to continue their sport.  And this is Pershing High School we are talking about.  The school is an absolute basketball factory.  From the greats of Steve Smith to the recent products of Keith Appling and Derrick Nix, few schools in the area can compete with the Tradition of Pershing basketball.  Martez is now writing a chapter of his own to that story of success and will look to make a name of his own.

Tags: , ,

Player Feature: De La Salle’s A.J. Turner

29 Apr

IMG_1063

Currently holding over 15 Division One offers as of now, Warren De La Salle 6’7″ wing A.J. Turner has established himself as one the most coveted prospects in the State of Michigan.  A.J.’s combination of size and length makes him a matchup nightmare on both sides of the court.  “Versatility is the best part of my game,” said Turner, “The fact that I can play three positions something that comes in handy.” With the rise of tall big men that can run the point like Kevin Durant in the NBA, and Otto Porter at Georgetown, A.J. looks to be right at home with similar skilled athletes.  Turner is a quality jump shooter with a fluid high arching release that has good rotation on the ball.  A.J. with his height to look over the defenders when passing, always seems to find the open man in the right spot to score the ball.  Was also the jump ball man for De La Salle this year even though he was a guard.

With no set decision time for Turner to decide on a school, this will be a quite interesting summer for Turner.  His AAU team Dorians pride is one of the best in Michigan.  The team almost every weekend travels outside of the state to attend some of the nation’s elite tournaments.  But that is not to say that A.J. will pick just any major program that comes to offer.  Turner is looking for a school that “develops players, fits my style of play, one that I can go to and play right away, and of course I would like to play in the NCAA Tournament wherever I go.

The one player that A.J. reminds me of is a Michael Carter-Williams, both are long lanky combo guards that can score and defend the ball.  When asked about the comparison,  A.J. did acknowledge that there are some similarities, “We both are very tall and are able to play the point guard position,” and “we both make great decisions with the ball.”  A.J. will look to improve upon “being able to defend all positions” this summer, to go along with at times this season being reluctant to score the ball.  He is a great player that needs to score the ball.  Whether it is with the jump shot or getting to the lane, coaches want a kid they can put the ball in the hands of and let them go to work.  But the main thing is that he is a team player that wants to get everybody on the court and lead them to a victory.

Tags: , ,

Kyle Steward Picks Youngstown State

25 Apr

kc

Detroit Cass Tech 6’7″ forward Kyle Steward decided to commit to the Youngstown State this afternoon on the 25 of April, 2013.  Kyle was a transfer from Detroit Crockett last year after the school closed.  Instead of going to East English Village, Kyle decided to join fellow division one signees, DeAngelo Stewart and D’Andre Johnson, for his senior year in which the Technecians captured the PSL West division championship before bowing out to Pershing for the City Title.  Steward had a great season, averaging 14 points, eight rebounds and three assists per game

Kyle will be joining a 18-16 Penguin squad that finished 7-9 within the Horizon league and lost in the second round of the CIT Invitational.  Kyle had offers from various schools across the country, including Jacksonville (FL), Houston Baptist (TX), Rider (NJ), and Cleveland State in Ohio.  Kyle wanted to be a Penguin because “It was closer to home so all my family and friends could see me play.”

Other reasons why Kyle chose Youngstown is because of the connections he has within the coaching staff and the incoming recruiting class.  Steve Hall, an assistant on the team, attended Cass Tech in the late 80s before having a successful college career.  Including a couple stints in Detroit as a head high school coach.  “Coach Hall has been recruiting me since the 9th grade,” said Steward, who will have little difficulty moving into a college athlete.  To go along with a familiar coach, Steward will be joined by Romulus’ Jalon Plummer.  “Yeah that’s my guy,” Steward on Plummer, “I’ve known been knowing him basically forever.”  Steward will bring a long athletic frame, with the ability to guard multiple positions on the court, a tremendous rebounder, and a guy who can hit a perimeter shot or two.

Tags: , ,

C/O 2014 Combo Guards To Watch Summer 2013

22 Apr

Juwan Clark 5’11 (Romulus High)– Brother of Missouri commit Wes Clark.  Juwan is a streaky jump shooter, but has a nice fluid release.  However, Juwan plays with a high basketball IQ, and is always looking to get others involved in the offense.  Sees the floor extremely well and has good anticipation when a teammate is getting open.  Is one big summer away from having an outstanding senior season. Highlight link

Darrell Davis 6’3″ (Detroit Douglass)– One of the most dynamic guards in the state.  Solid in the driving portion of his game and is in the stage of developing a consistent perimeter jump shot.  Once Davis gets his left hand as deadly as his right, it will be a hard thing to stop.  Plays with high emotion.  Already with offers from Iowa and Iowa State.  But the majority of his offers coming from mid-majors. Early season highlights

A.J. Turner 6’7″ (Warren De La Salle)– Long and lanky athletic guard that can shoot, take you off the dribble, break you down on the fast break.  No slouch making plays for his teammates, delivers passes where a teammate is in a position to do something productive.  Some people compare him to a Michael Carter-Williams.  Has many MAC offers but Big Ten schools are starting to show more interest. Highlights

Kenny Carpenter 6’4″ (Cass Tech)– A long combo guard, Kenny is a quick release spot up shooter on the wing with range to three-point land.  Finishes at the rim not going away from contact.  Has a nice floater while attacking the basket as well.  Link to highlights

Mike Laster 6’3″(Cass Tech)- Nice mid-ranger shooter that can create offense for himself off a high pick-and-roll.  Working on ball-handling and a go to offensive move will be keys for him this off-season.  Highlights

Tags: , , ,

Romulus’ Juwan Clark Interview

20 Apr

IMG_1046

Juwan won a state championship in his second season on the varsity basketball team at Romulus High School.  However, played sparingly behind four NCAA Division 1 recruits.  But to be honest, Juwan would start at about just every other school in the area.  Clark is a combo guard who is a streaky jump shooter, but has a good IQ for the game and loves to pass the ball.  A big summer is on the horizon for Juwan, who looks to make a name of his own like his brother, Wes, did last year ultimately signing as a Missouri Tiger.

 

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Height, weight, position and AAU team?

Juwan Clark: 6’0″,  165 lbs, and undecided.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Looking back now, how successful was this season for Romulus and for you individually?

Juwan Clark: Very.  I mean a state championship is as good as it gets, but I wanted to do more this year.  But I can’t complain.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Was it hard for you to play behind Wes (Clark) and the others this season knowing if you went to any other school you would be starting?

Juwan Clark: Yeah of course, but they made me better everyday in practice and it’s the best school.  And I know it’s my time next year so I was mad at first but I also understood.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What does it mean to you to be on the team that won a state title for one of the most respected coaches in the state in Coach Oats?

Juwan Clark: Man it’s an honor.  Not everyone gets to experience something like that.  It’s a great feeling and we put a lot into it so to see it pay off was the best feeling.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What were some of the improvements you made from your first year on varsity to the second?  And what are some things you are still trying to work on?

Juwan Clark: My attitude and how hard I play.  I’m still trying to play better defense and be a more vocal leader.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: On the flip side, what are some strengths you bring to the team?

Juwan Clark: I know how to get people going.  I see the floor well and I can score when needed.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Do you have any schools looking at you right now and any offers?

Juwan Clark: No offers but Xavier, Rhode Island, Missouri and a couple more.  Not really sure.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What will you bring to a college team and what would they be getting out of a player like you?

Juwan Clark: I can bring hard work and dedication.  And they will be getting a solid point guard who has a high basketball IQ.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some of you off-season goals to get better for your senior season?

Juwan Clark: Live in the gym and in the weight room.  Get stronger and mentally prepared.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Where do you see yourself compare to the other elite guards in the state’s class of 2014?

Juwan Clark: I’m #1 in my book always.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Does having someone to look up to, in your case Wes (Clark), help you know to take it slow during your recruitment?

Juwan Clark: Yeah.  It helps me think to never get down because there’s no telling what can happen like when he blew up so yeah.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Do you think the current juniors, you, Kris Clyburn and (Tyrone) Hamby can rise to the standard of excellence that has been set for you by previous players at Romulus?

Juwan Clark: Yeah.  I think we are going to go beyond what is expected by far.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What can Romulus fans expect out of you next year?

Juwan Clark: Another state championship.  I’m saying at least 15 (points) and 10 (assists).

Metro Detroit High School Athletics:  What is a fun/interesting face about you?

Juwan Clark: I am a golfer.

Follow me on Twitter: @mdhsathletics

Follow Juwan on Twitter: @JuwanClark5

 

Tags:

C/0 2014 Point Guards to Watch this Summer 2013

17 Apr

Edmond Sumner 6’3″ (Detroit Country Day)- Probably the fastest guard in the state.  Edmond has the ability to score at will against opponents, which most of the time is getting around them and getting to the basket.  Do not let him get the first step on you, buy then it is just about over.

Keyon Addison 6’0″ (Saginaw)– One of the best on ball defenders in the class. Addison is a true menace on the defensive side of the ball.  Makes it hard to breath if you are playing offense.  Not a slouch on the offensive end as well.  Good driving abilities allow himself to get to the line.

Darsean Woodson 5’8″ (Detroit Pershing)– Short but quick point guard that excels in the open floor.  Capable of hitting the kick-back jump shot from the post. Will get a turn to have the ball in his hands much more this summer than when he did playing for his high school team.

Evan Kraatz 5’10” (Allen Park Inter-City Baptist)– Already Baptist’s leading scorer in school history.  Kraatz has one of the best pull-up jump shots in the area to go along with a solid catch-and-shoot game. Knows how to create offense for himself.  Was relied on so much this season to put the ball in the basket that true point guard skills were never tested.

D.J. Lazarus 5’9″ (Macomb Dakota)– Not the quickest of guards out there, but what D.J. makes up for that is his shooting ability.  Do not let this man get into a rhythm from beyond the arch, because if he does, you will be in for a long night. Excels in ball screens coming around a screener and pulling up for a jump shot.  Which ultimately opens up other aspects of his game which is penetration.

Tags:

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →