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Michigan Invite Standouts

15 Apr

Here are some recaps of the talent filled days that the Michigan Invitational featured this previous weekend.

V.J. King 6’6″ 180 lbs (King James Shooting Stars 17u)- One of the most talented freshmen in the country.  The long athletic wing showed the ability to dominate in just about every phase on the offensive side of the ball.  Whether it be getting to the rim or hitting the perimeter jump shot, V.J. is a force to be reckoned with.  Already possess offers from the likes of Big Ten schools.

A.J. Harris 5’8″ 145 lbs (King James Shooting Stars 17u)- The smallest player on the court is no short of talent.  The 5’8″ point guard featured a variety of moves one would expect of a bigger guard.  A.J. has tremendous court vision and passing ability.  But defenders must be honest because he can score the ball with the best of them.  Mid major offers as of now but those will turn to higher as the aau season continues.

Darrell Davis 6’3″ 170 lbs (Reach Legends 17u)- Darrell will improve his game so much over this summer.  Davis is improving on the jump shot, but a strength is his raw scoring ability.  Davis will be no doubt by the end of the summer of the state’s elite combo guards.

Aaron Foster-Smith  6’7″ 215 lbs (Michigan Warriors 17u)- An explosive, tough forward, Foster-Smith has a variety of skills that one would not expect from a post player.  Aaron rebounds, is athletic, scores in the paint, and more surprisingly, runs the break with the ball in his hands like he is a point guard.  Many high major schools are predicted to keep an eye or two on him.

Paris Bass 6’8″ (Michigan Warriors 17u)- The long, versatile wing averaged over 20 points a game during his senior season, but is still eligible to participate in aau games.  Bass has a nice face-up jump shot that has range to three point land.  Rebounds, passes and scores.  Just plain and simple, can do it all.

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Player Profile: Lorenzo Collier

9 Apr

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Lorenzo was sometimes the forgotten piece that helped lead Pershing to a Detroit Public School League championship this season.  Lorenzo is a quality shooter that has some range to his shot.  Effective when both feet are set.  Developing an all around game, such as ball handling and ability to create for himself, to become a complete player.  Has better athleticism than most people give him credit for.  A decent finisher in transition as well.  Interest is coming from Division Three schools.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Height and position?

Lorenzo Collier: 6’3″ shooting guard

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Best game for you this year and why?

Lorenzo Collier: Flint Beecher.  It was a high level of competition, and I felt like I dominated my match up.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Players you model your game after?

Lorenzo Collier: James Harden and Ray Allen

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: How do you think this season went for Pershing?

Lorenzo Collier: It was a great season, I just feel we didn’t accomplish our biggest goal.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Is there added pressure being a Pershing Doughboy?

Lorenzo Collier: I wouldn’t call it pressure, it’s just something that expected.  Like working harder on and off the court.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some strengths and weaknesses to your individual game?

Lorenzo Collier: Ball handling is my weakness, shooting and ball pressure defense are my strengths.  I plan to get better at all of that this summer.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some schools that are interested in you and did any offer so far?

Lorenzo Collier: Earlham and Albion offered.  I won’t know the rest until after I take the test.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Eastern [Michigan], Ball State, and the Division Two Notre Dame are looking.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Any visits taken or planned?  And when do you expect to make a decision?

Lorenzo Collier: I plan to make my decision before April is over, and I will take a visit after I get accepted to Earlham and I hope Ball State comes along.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What will go into your decision about a school such as academics and a potential major?

Lorenzo Collier: Engineering.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What role would you like to have once you are on a college team?

Lorenzo Collier: Handling the ball when I have to.  Also the big thing is knocking down shots, and playing defense.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What do you see as an ideal freshmen season?

Lorenzo Collier: As a freshmen, if I work hard as I can, I think I have the ability to have a great freshmen season.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What would a team and coach be getting from a player like you?

Lorenzo Collier: Someone that plays hard and never gives up, also someone who plays solid.

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

Lorenzo Collier: I have a good personality on and off the court.

Follow me on Twitter: @mdhsathletics

Follow Lorenzo on Twitter: @lorenzocollier

 

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Plummer’s Penguins

6 Apr

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Romulus C/O 2013 wing Jalon Plummer committed to Youngstown State this weekend after visiting the school a couple of weeks ago.  It has been an outstanding season for Plummer.  Jalon missed a significant portion of his junior year, but worked hard to become an x-factor for Romulus en route to their first state championship since 1986.  Jalon told me that the school is a perfect fit for him,  “The program fit my style of play, and the coaches made me fill comfortable,” said Plummer.  Youngstown State will be getting “An extremely hard worker, great spot up shooter, rebounder, size and a kid who will only get better as the years go on,” added Romulus assistant coach Nate Schmidt.”  Jalon is expected to receive quality playing time next year for the Penguins.

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Updated Unsigned Senior Rankings

3 Apr

The top unsigned seniors in the Metro Detroit area who are yet to commit to a school.  The rankings are in no particular order.

Lorenzo Bonam 6’4″ point guard (Robichaud)- Big strong, physical point guard who uses his strength to get into the lane to score and create for teammates.  Many mid-major schools have shown interest.


Clark Bishop 6’0″ combo guard (Renaissance)- One of most athletic guards in the State of Michigan.  Not only brings the ability to score the basketball on offense, but brings a tough defender to the table as well.  Has a few GLIAC offers and mid-major interest.

Martez Walker 6’5″ wing (Pershing)- A long and lengthy build, Martez seems to find about any way to get the ball in the basket.  One of the best volume shooters in the state.  Effective coming off screens.  Not to bad a finisher in the lane.  Plays with emotion and feeds off the crowd when things are going well for his team.  Solid division one prospect with offers coming from the likes of Iowa State, Providence, Nebraska, and Temple just to name a few.

Jalen Adams 6’3” wing  (Saginaw Arthur Hill)- A highlight is on the horizon whenever Adams takes flight.  Let him get into the air and you are sure to be on SportsCenter’s top 10 plays the next day.

Jalon Plummer 6’4″ wing (Romulus)- Deadly three-point shooter when he gets his feet set.  Put him on the court with a point guard who can distribute and you got yourself and unstoppable duo.  Offers include Northern Illinois, Youngstown State, and soon to be Toledo.

Tarron Ramsey 6’5″ wing (Melvindale ABT)- Ramsey plays bigger than his size would indicate.  Has a nice body to be able to take a pounding playing inside with larger players.  A high energy type of player who could exceed at a low-major or high D2 type of school.

Kyle Steward 6’7″ power forward (Cass Tech)- Another athlete.  Steward has the ability to defend a forward or a guard on the court.  Needs to develop either a mid-range game or a back to the basket set of moves.  Offers are coming from Cleveland State and Jacksonville.

Romondo Ray 6’8″ power forward (Detroit Western)- Need a rebounder?  Bring in Romondo.  He will get you second maybe even third chances when it comes to offensive rebounding.  When it comes to offense, Ray is raw in many areas.  If given the time to work on his skills, Ray can become a legitimate forward.  Best fit for him, D2.

Miroslav Jaskic 6’10” Center (Walled Lake Western)- Hands down one of the most dominant front court players in the state.  It is pick you poison with Miroslav.  He can either go inside or hit the free-throw line jumper.  Plays with energy and emotion.  A legitimate mid to high major prospect.

Jerrell Martin 6’6″ forward (Detroit Community)- What Martin lacks in size he makes up for in toughness.  Makes you think twice about coming down the lane to put up a shot.  Solid student in the classroom as well.  Needs to develop a consistent offensive game.  A D2 prospect.

Markell Bradshaw 6’0″ point guard (Saginaw)- Undeniably the leader of the Saginaw Trojans.  A smart floor general, Bradshaw knows how to get into the lane either to create for himself or other teammates.  Excels in the open floor when in transition, pretty good finisher at the rim.  Not to bad a student, named salutatorian of his graduating class.  High D2 to low-major type of player.

Follow me on Twitter: @mdhsathletics

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2012-2013 MHSAA Basketball Season Recap

31 Mar

It is sad to say that the 2012-2013 MHSAA basketball season has come to a close. What seems to be a long four month journey through the winter ended last weekend at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. The finals brought us two back-to-back champions in Flint Beecher and the young and talented Southfield Christian Eagles. A long and deserved title came to head coach Nate Oats of the Romulus Eagles. And finally Kurt Keener and Country Day won another championship what seems to be the longest trophy case in the State of Michigan for high school basketball titles.

Michigan is hands down one of the most talented states in the country when it comes down to basketball talent. All across the great state there are great players. From Detroit, to the Mid-Michigan area to all the away across the state to Grand Rapids, no talent is lost at all. Winning the Mr. Basketball title this year and becoming the first Genesee County player to bring home the award since Kelvin Tolbert of Flint Northwestern won the award in 2001 was Flint Beecher guard Monte Morris. Morris an Iowa State signee, broke the Michigan State Spartan streak of signing the past four Michigan Mr. Basketball winners.

With the departures of talented seniors of Morris to go along with fellow Mr. Basketball candidates, Michigan commit Derrick Walton, Kentucky bound James Young, Oakland bound Kahlil Felder and Northern Illinois recruit Dontel Highsmith, Michigan high school fans have nothing to fear for next year in regards to talented players. The likes of Pershing’s Justin Tillman, Country Day’s Edmond Sumner, De La Salle’s A.J. Turner will continue to improve and get better over their respective AAU seasons and come back next year eager to lead their teams to the Breslin Center.

Follow us on Twitter: @mdhsathletics

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Quarterfinals Now Set.

17 Mar

Teams are now just one win away from reaching the Breslin Center in East Lansing Michigan, and there are plenty of Detroit area teams still out there competing for their respective titles.  Tuesday will bring many schools cheers and joys of playing in the same arena where NCAA title banners hang.  In Class A, Detroit Pershing takes on Romulus at five at UDM’s Calihan hall, while after that game, Detroit Southeastern takes on James Young and Rochester.  Class B features two local teams as well with Detroit Community taking on Jackson Lumen Christi at 7:30 at Chelsea.  Detroit Country Day will travel up to Imlay City to take on Flint Powers Catholic at 7:00.  The only Detroit area team remaining in Class C will be Consortium taking on Mr. Basketball candidate Monte Morris and defending champions Flint Beecher, tip time is 7 at West Bloomfield High School.  While Southfield Christian, takes on Climax-Scotts at 7 inside Battle Creek Central High School.

For the complete list of games and times, please visit the MHSAA boys basketball page with this link.

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Kahlil Felder’s Game Winner

14 Mar

Once again, Pershing survives a upset in the playoffs.  This time being senior Oakland commit Kahlil Felder Jr. saving the day against U of D Jesuit in the regional finals.

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Pershing’s Lefty Wing On The Rise

12 Mar

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Martez Walker might be one of the best shooters in the State of Michigan.  The lefty has the potential to go for twenty points on about any night.  Just about a near make whenever Walker gets his feet set.  Contains somewhat of a unorthodox release but the shots still seem to fall.  Martez is a big time player who plays with emotion and feeds off the crowds energy.  Evident by the game winning shot against Cass Tech.  With that being said, it has resulted in him getting some major recognition at the next level.  Martez is said to have offers from Temple, Providence, Xaver, Nebraska, Iowa State and Iowa.  Walker has also said that some schools that are still going after him are Baylor, Michigan State, Michigan, and Oakland.  Bound to make his decision a couple days after the season, Martez says that he is open to any school right now, no matter who the coaches are, as long as Martez gets quality playing time, he will consider any school right now.

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Martez Walker’s Game Winner

8 Mar

Season on the line, rematch vs. a team in Cass Tech you just crushed about two weeks in the city title, what do you do if you are Pershing?  Give the ball to one of the best scorers in the state in Martez Walker and let him go to work.

Playoff Preview (part two cont.)

4 Mar

Class B Teams That Can Make A Run

River Rouge- Rouge is now back to full strength now after getting star forward Jamal Poplar back, who had to sit out the first semester after transferring from Willow Run.  Alongside Poplar is fellow junior Terrell Crawford.  Crawford is a raw scoring off-guard who just simply can score.  Rouge starts off in the Divine Child District, where they are faced with probably meeting up with Dearborn Heights Robichaud in the finals.  If Rouge is able to get past Robichaud, I see a path at least to the quarters.

Robichaud- As above stated, will be in the same district with River Rouge.  But don’t put anything past Robichaud as long as they have Lorenzo Bonam.  Bonam is a strong, physical point guard that can make plays.  Will have to get past Rouge in the district final.

Detroit Country Day- Might be the deepest team in the entire state.  The back court is made up of Lehigh bound Austin Price, who might have the smoothest jump shot in the area.  Complementing Price in the backcourt will be lighting fast junior point guard Edmond Sumner.  Who can go from zero to full speed in about a step.  Fellow junior Mory Diane will bring more athleticism to table and a another scorer.  Down low for the Yellow Jackets will be Texas Tech football recruit Poet Thomas, and glass eater Deshawn Lewis.  The reserves for DCD don’t lack talent as well.  Star football receiver Maurice Ways and Maceo Baston make up the bench, starters at any other school expect DCD.

Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy- Now during playoff time, some teams like to give the ball to their star players and let them do the rest.  CPA will have Michigan commit Derrick Walton to give the ball to and that is not a bad idea to do.  Derrick can go for 30 points and 10 assists any given night.  CPA will need another scorer to take pressure off Derrick, and Darius Bean will have to step up if CPA wishes to make it farther than last year’s 30 point embarrassment to DCD in the regional final.

Detroit Douglass- The funny thing is, that DCD, CPA, and now Douglass, all teams that can make it to at least the quarters, will all be paired up if they get past their respective districts into the same DCD regional.  Though low on bodies, Douglass makes up for it in talent.  Led by junior point Darrell Davis, a serious D1 recruit, Douglass has a true playmaker on the court.  If paired up with DCD, the post will be won by Douglass because of junior Andre Frederick.  Frederick is quick on his feet a real shot blocker even on the perimeter.  Junior Terrell Hale will be needed for secondary scoring in order to take pressure off from Davis.

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