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Allen Academy’s Jason Williams has had quite the high school career, 1,000 points before his senior season. Here, Williams reflects the past regular-season, goals for the upcoming AAU campaign, and talks recruiting.
Interview With Jason Williams of Allen Academy
26 AprWarren Mott’s Derek Murphy Takes Extended Spring Break. Commits to Florida Tech
23 Apr
Warren Mott does not strike the ear as a perineal basketball power on the east side of the state, but with two consecutive years of producing division one players, perhaps something is changing in Marauder land.
Derek Murphy, a 6’5″ senior guard, decided to continue his college career at Florida Institute of Technology, in Melbourne, Florida.
Murphy said he knew the school was right for him when he toured the campus.
“I fell in love with the campus when I visited, ” stated Murphy. “When I played up and down with them I really felt it was the right place. Coach Mims is a great coach but a better person, and I feel he will guide me to the next level and help elevate my game.”
Strength is a vital aspect of Murphy’s game. Derek thrives when attacking defenders downhill to the rim. So where does his strength come from?
“The weight room and vertimax have been my best friends as I feel I attack the rim aggressively and covert a lot of 3 point plays,” Murphy said.
Murphy established himself as one of the premier players in Macomb Country this past-season, averaging 20 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists per-game despite returning as the team’s lone returning starter.
Derek joins friend and ’14 teammate Kenny Goins to continue their careers on the collegiate level. Goins eventually walked-on at Michigan State, but when the two played together, Mott enjoyed one of the best seasons in school history, 21-5, and a spot in the Class A quarterfinal. The team did take a step-back however for Murphy’s final year, 9-12 overall.
“Kenny and I have spent countless numbers in the gym to get where we are today,” Murphy mentioned. “That has motivated me a lot. Just to see people that I have personally dominated in games, practices or camps get so much recognition.”
With the high school portion of his career concluded, Murphy can lay claim to calling himself the winningest Marauder in school history. However, he still plans and strives on doing plenty of winning in college.
“I plan on making a name for myself,” Murphy added of his endeavors at the next-level. “Be one of the best players to ever come out, win freshman of the year, and become an All-American.”
Nike Spring Showdown Day One Recap
11 AprEvery Michigan team won on day one of action at the Nike Spring Showdown. Here are a few standouts.
Playmakers 17u Shine in Season Opening Debut
The Michigan Playmakers received one of the state’s most coveted point guard prospects, Renaissance 6’3″ junior Justin Turner. Turner did not look phased or flustered given a new situation or team. As the team’s primary scorer, Turner displayed he can both shoulder a scoring load and facilitate a game. He connected on three three-pointers, attacked the rim with trips to the free-throw line, and scored in the mid-range section en route to finishing with 18 points overall. However, Turner is not self-oriented and plays with poise not too many have for a high school level guard. He looks to create plays for others before himself. Justin likes to make good shots better shots individually and for teammates.
Turner was complemented in the team’s 53-30 win against Playground Elite by Southfield 6’5″ wing Miguel Priest (pictured). Priest was highly active on the night. Miguel is a unique combination of size, athleticism, grit, and hustle. He powerfully plays above the rim, and nearly had an impressive tip-in put-back slam that nearly brought the court down. However, Miguel is a plus rebounder for a wing, offensively and defensively. The powerfully built lefty is a menace in transition and semi-halfcourt, attacking and was repeatedly rewarded with free-throw line trip opportunities. Priest is surely one to watch for in the Spring session of the circuit.
Other 16u Playmakers Standout
Trenton Temple 6’4″ Southfield Christian
Temple led the team in a 36-26 victory against Quad City Elite with 10 overall points. Aside from scoring the most points, it was his overall activity that led Temple to standout. He isn’t the primary ball-handler, facilitator, or shooter, but he just seems to be around the ball and makes the right plays. Playing the passing lanes well for deflections, scoring on offensive rebounds, and finishing around the rim with either hand.
Tre Orr 6’7″ Detroit King
Orr continues to progress in the early Spring session. Orr gained confidence last week at the Michigan Invitational and gradually improved his play as the tournament went along. Friday Orr made a statement against a vertically superior Quad City Elite team. Orr showed flashes of scoring in the paint, completing an impressive drop step crossing the lane to the right side of the rim for the layup. And as his team’s tallest player, most importantly for a George Ward led team, defended without fouling, only one on the night. It seemed opponents grew tired of receiving Orr’s physicality. On one play, Orr stood directly in-front of on-coming attacker, stepped out the way, and the offensive player was so stunned he blew a wide open two points.
Baylor Basketball/TMT Sportz
2014-2015 Game Winners Vote
8 AprWe all love clutch plays. Fortunately I was able to capture four game winners on the year, and received a few user submitted entries. Go vote for which one you think was the best.
Detroit Loyola’s Dequan Powell half-court winner vs. Notre Dame Prep:
Detroit Allen Academy’s Jason Williams jumper against Grand Rapids Union:
Chandler Park Academy’s Jalen Martin winner against Warren Mott:
U of D Jesuit’s Cassius Winston’s lay-up vs. Clarkston:
Vote
Southfield Bradford game winner:
Ann Arbor Pioneer’s D’jon Dudley against Bedford:
Detroit Henry Ford’s Josh Davis’ tip-in at the buzzer against Southfield:
Southfield’s Michael Flowers with the game winner:
Rochester Adams’ Joey Ziniti with the fall-back jumper:
View below
Saginaw ’13 Graduate Markell Bradshaw Commits To Claflin University
6 Apr
Two years ago, Markell Bradshaw adamantly stated his desire was to play division one college basketball. The then Saginaw High senior had reason to believe so. He was a member of the Trojan ’12 state championship team, and starting point guard for the ’13 Class A final four team.
According to the NCAA, only 3.4% of all high school basketball players will continue their careers collegiate, and one percent in division one.
Markell had just one scholarship offer following high school, Livingstone College (NC). Bradshaw had hopes of receiving quality playing time, unfortunately for Markell, he did not achieve his goal. Markell did not suit for a single game.
“It was hard being under the radar in high school knowing you were good,” Bradshaw said. “Then going to a D2 and sitting out was hard. I chose to sit out, but it was still hard not playing and watching everyone you graduated with playing.”
Immediately following his freshman year of college, Markell returned home. Just in time.
Delta Community College, located in nearby University Center, Michigan, had just hired a new coach, Kyle Blackburn. Desperate for players, Coach Blackburn reached out to Markell and offered him a spot on the team.
Delta felt like home to Bradshaw. Blackburn had recently hired Carlos McMath, a long coach of rival Saginaw Arthur Hill on the coaching staff, and Markell’s long-time friend and teammate Julian Henderson, Saginaw ’13, joined Delta after a year at a community college in Illinois. Given the comfortable environment, Markell thrived.
Bradshaw doubled as the team’s leader in both points-per-game and assists, 15.8 and 4.6 respectively. He gradually worked his way into the starting lineup as the season progressed, and guided the Pioneers to a 19-13 overall record, and NJCAA District 10 championship game. Earning MCCAA Eastern first team, and All-Freshman first team honors along the way.
With his success on the court, and in the classroom (he was the salutatorian of his ’13 graduating class), Markell earned and accepted a scholarship with Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina.
“I decided to go with Clafin due to how the coach (Ricky Jackson) recruited me,” said Bradshaw. “He showed me a lot of love and we built a relationship, and I am able to walk right in and play.”
Bradshaw is confident as he begins classes at Claflin in the fall the school is the best personal fit for him. He has grown and changed his perceptions on colleges during his two year journey. He is thankful for the lessons it has taught him, and has a message for younger athletes who, once like him, were fixated on playing division one.
“Because a lot of them (high school players) go just because it’s D1 and never play. I learned to go where the coach is going to show you the most love.” “Guys from D2 get a chance at overseas and the NBA too.”
“If you ball, they will find you.”
Photo Credit: Delta College
Stats as of 2013-2014 NCAA survey.
Michigan Invitational Day Two Recap
5 Apr
Championship Saturday action of the Michigan Invitational hosted by Reach.
Michigan Mustangs 15u Roll On
It’s not too often the time a 15u team has the combination of size and skill the Mustangs have. With four legitimate future division one prospects in the lineup, the Mustangs won all five of their games by at least twenty points, and captured the gold title.
First off, the Mustangs run through 5’8″ Carman-Ainsworth point guard Ja’Kavien Lewis. Lewis is a pass first guard, as he can make plays in both the full and half-court with stellar court awareness, passing ability, and presence. Complimenting Lewis in the backcourt is Roseville 6’4″ wing Zavon Godwin. Godwin is a consistent above the rim athlete at such a young age, he easily skied for rebounds on both ends with ease against helpless opponents. However, Godwin is versatile as well. Zavon can handle the ball, shoot, and pass for guard of his size. He should be able to guard multiple positions, and play the passing lanes due to his freakish length.
For as much talent there is in the back-court, the front-court of the Mustangs is as talented with 6’8″ Thomas Kithier and 6’4″ Jalen Tobias. Tobias is the more athletic of the two. He gets up and down the court well for a big, and similar to Godwin, is an above the rim finisher. Jalen’s length indicates more growth in the future for Tobias, which equals more rebounds and high-flying dunks.
Kithier is already built like a college-level big, but he does not compromise skill level and feel for the game. Thomas is more often in the right spots on the court than not, defensively for rebounds and offensively for easy buckets. Kithier is the low-post presence the Mustangs will rely on to win multiple tournament championships in the coming months.
Even more Mustang players, Goliath Mitchell is a 5’8″ point guard that received quality minutes for the Goodrich Martians. With Mitchell, he sparks instant energy off the Mustang bench. He can create for himself and teammates, but more importantly, he adds depth to in the early going the top 15u team in the state.
The Playmakers
The 16u Michigan Playmakers were a late add to the Michigan Invitational. And after a mediocre first day of 1-1, the team rallied to win three straight tournament contests against Reach, Detroit Spartans and Common Bond to capture the 16u Gold title.
5’8″ point guard Jesse Scarber is the leader of the playmakers, with his play and vocally. Jesse is responsible for most of the ball-handling and decision-making of the team. He’s strong with the ball, gains separation off a quick first step, and sees the floor well. But where Scarber made his greatest impact on the tournament was on the defensive end of the floor. If you’re going to play for George Ward during the high school season and travel season, than you better play defense. Jesse drew the assignment of shadowing the opponent’s best offensive player, and all three we’re held well below their normal outputs. You’d be hard-pressed to find another guard that takes pleasure in drawing charges, but that’s Jesse. Scarber reacts one play ahead of opponents on the defensive end, and results in extra possessions for his team.
Jesse is also not shaken with pressure. As he connected on crucial free-throws in both the quarterfinal and championship games to salt both away.
Scarber is relatively unknown at this point in the state, but with repeated MVP caliber performances in the future as he did at the Michigan Invitational, expect Jesse to hear from colleges soon.
Scarber is joined in the backcourt by King teammate Keyon Brown. Brown, a 5’10” freshman, plays up one level, and during flashes does not look phased by older players. Brown’s best performance came in the championship against Common Bond, 20 overall points, however it was the timing of the points that stood out. The Playmakers led up until the last two minutes, and the largest deficit was five. Desperate for points, Brown calmly knocked down a three to get the margin down to two. Then less than 30 seconds later, Keyon took an outlet off a steal, then finished an and-one to regain the lead for the Playmakers for good.
Brown overall is a combo guard, but with Scarber on the floor thrives more off the ball. He’s a confident plus shooter in the mid-range and three-point departments.
Other Standouts:
Armani Tinsley 6’0″ Guard Reach Legends 17u
Tinsley scored the game winning three-pointer in the team’s semi-final against the rival Michigan Warriors. Tinsley is fresh-off a state championship with Detroit Western, and continues to play confidently in the early spring circuit. Tinsley is a quality three-point shooter from beyond the arch, but also has some flare and creativity to the game. He can play both on and off the ball, but his best attribute is defense. Armani takes just as much pride in locking up his opponents as he does scoring on them. He’s laterally quick, has fast hands, and just an overall nuisance on defense.
Eric Williams 6’1″ Guard Michigan Playmakers 16u
Williams overall had a solid weekend of production. The St. Clair sophomore guard’s greatest individual output was against the Spartans where he scored 17 overall points. Eric did his damage off the ball, his coaches like to place him in the middle of the key because he can create for himself and others. Williams has great footwork in the paint when he sees taller defenders, and despite a slender frame, finished through multiple and-ones on the weekend. He’s improving defensively, but that shouldn’t be the problem with more practice and games under head coach George Ward.
Leonard Silas 5’10” Guard Detroit Spartans 16u
Quick, shifty, and athletic describe Silas. Leonard gets into the paint at will when he wants to. Silas competes with a high-motor and tenacious effort on both ends of the court. Graceful finisher at the rim. Fearless, aggressive, and opportunistic defender.
Michigan Invitational Day One Recap
4 Apr
Less than a week past the high school season, the travel circuit has commenced. With less than one week until the first NCAA live period of the Spring, teams look to find continuity among one another prior to viewings from college coaches.
What’s The Hype About?
The opening of every team’s travel season begins with optimism, Hype Athletics is no different. Team Hype has found a new 17u head coach, local legend Mike Talley. Talley’s team went 2-0 on the day, with an impressive victory against the traditional respectable Michigan Warriors. 6’5″ forward Jaylin McFadden (pictured) completely dominated the game, pouring in 28 points. Jaylin has always thrived in the open-court and in transition with his athleticism, but McFadden also expanded his range beyond the arch on the night. Combined with high-motor and effort, McFadden is going to be one to watch in the travel circuit.
McFadden will pair well with Ypsilanti ’17 5’10” point guard Marlin Talley to give Team Hype a reliable front and back-court presence.
Reach 17u Reloads
Reach every year is one of the premier programs in Michigan, and ’15 is no different. Reach went 2-0 on the evening in pool play, and appeared unstoppable at times. The Legends are led by dual-sport star Trishton Jackson. The versatile 6’3″ guard is just as much a problem on the grid-iron as on the hardwood. Jackson is complimented by guards Armani Tinsley, and Karim Murray in the backcourt, two competitive Detroit Western Cowboys fresh-off a state championship. 6’3″ Terrance Sewell has a nose for the basket and initiates contact at the rim, and Churchill’s Joan Andoni will be a reliable three-point shooter Reach will use to space the floor.
Up front, Reach could be mistaken for All-State football squad. 6’3″ Jalin Martin, and 6’6″ Alaric Jackson. Martin, Chandler Park, is a division one prospect at wide receiver, but finishes above the rim on the court and rebounds well. The 6’6″ Jackson clogs the lane defensively, and can face-up offensively, shoot from the perimeter, and find open teammates from the post.
16u Section Loaded
The 16u division is the most competitive at the Michigan Invitational.
Common Bond has three to four 6’2,” 6’3″ guards/wings they use in their rotation, notably the Huron combination of Alec Anderson and Lawrence Rowley. The two are highly athletic and active on both ends of the court. Rowley and Anderson finish above the rim, rebound, and alter shots defensively due to length.
While the front-court for Common Bond is Huron, the back-court is Pioneer. Cedric Benton and Deric Murray are two guards primed to a big circuit. Benton is a 6’2″ guard that enjoys attacking the rim in both the half-court and transition, while Murray is an aggressive point guard with a quick first-step to blow past defenders and get into the paint.
The Michigan Warriors have a guard and a forward on the 16u level as well.
Kelvon Merriweather is a freshman, but plays up an age level. Physically, he does not look reminiscent of a ninth grade, 6’2,” wide shoulders. Merriweather competes relentlessly with a high-motor and the competitiveness that has become a staple of a Romulus guard. He should be able to defend both guard positions, and his ability to finish above the rim should bring Merriweather attention from the next level.
6’5″ John Glenn forward Daijon Parker is the anchor of the Michigan Warriors defensively. Parker moves well laterally for a young post, as he blocked numerous weak-side shots on the night. Parker isn’t the quickest to get off the floor, but is very methodical with his positioning on the glass.
Other Standouts
Jesse Scarber (Michigan Playmakers 16u)- A joy to coach on the floor. Only 5’8,” but plays with a bigger heart. He’s a quick and athletic point guard that does most of his work defensively. Scarber can defend the opponent’s best offensive player and stay in-front without fouling the length of the court. In one game, Scarber came away with five steals. Jesse dives on the floor for loose balls, and anticipates errant passes well.
Derek Jamerson (Michigan Soldiers 17u)- Jamerson continues off a strong high school season at Cornerstone. At 6’5,” Jamerson is a knock-down catch and shoot three-point assassin. In one game against Reach, Jamerson connected on three-straight beyond the arch attempts to keep his team within striking distance. He just needs to see one go through before he catches momentum.
Terrance Bowens (Michigan Playmakers 16u)- A lanky 6’3″ wing, Bowens showed flashes at times of developing into a promising scorer. Put a smaller defender on him, and he’ll rise up off the mid-range for two. Put a bigger defender on him, and he use his dominant left hand to put it on the floor and get to the rim. His footwork hasn’t caught up to his body yet, but should improve as time goes on.
2015 AAU Season Preview
2 AprThe high school season has concluded, off to AAU.
Initial teams to watch for before the first weekend. More to come.
17u
The Family
1Nation
Michigan Mustangs
Reach Legends
Grand Rapids Storm
Michigan Warriors
Michigan Playmakers
Team Basketball
Detroit Showtime
Michigan Soldiers
16u
Michigan Mustangs
Detroit Stars
Reach Legends
1Nation
Common Bond
The Program Elite
The Family
Tripe Threat
Detroit Spartans
Michigan Playmakers
15u
Michigan Mustangs
The Family
Michigan Warriors
1Nation
Reach Legends
All-State and Awards Teams Announced
30 MarAnother year of Michigan High School basketball is in the books. Reporter Jeff McKinney and I hand out individual awards to conclude the season.
Players of the Year
Senior: Trevor Manuel 6’10” center Lansing Everett
Junior: Cassius Winston 6’0″ guard University of Detroit Jesuit
Sophomore: Brian Bowen 6’7″ wing Saginaw Arthur Hill
Freshman: Foster Loyer 5’10” guard Clarkston
Overall Player of the Year
Trevor Manuel 6’10” senior center Lansing Everett
Defensive Player of the Year
Deyonta Davis 6’10” senior center Muskegon
Rookie of the Year
Foster Loyer 5’10” guard Clarkston
Coach of the Year
Derrick McDowell Detroit Western
Most Improved Player of the Year
Jason Williams 6’0″ junior guard Detroit Allen Academy
Sixth Man of the Year
Tabin Throgmorton 6’4″ junior guard Clarkston
Newcomer of the Year (First year on new team)
Dmonta Harris 6’4″ senior guard New Haven
Overall All-State First Team
Cassius Winston 6’0″ junior guard University of Detroit Jesuit
Eric Davis 6’3″ senior guard Saginaw Arthur Hill
Brian Bowen 6’7″ sophomore wing Saginaw Arthur Hill
Deyonta Davis 6’10” senior center Muskegon
Trevor Manuel 6’10” senior center Lansing Everett
Overall All-State Second Team
Latin Davis 5’10” senior guard Milan
Jaylin Walker 6’2″ senior guard Romulus
Josh Davis 6’4″ senior guard Detroit Henry Ford
Xavier Tillman 6’7″ sophomore forward Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central
Nick Perkins 6’7″ senior forward Milan
Senior All-State First Team
Eric Davis 6’3″ guard Saginaw Arthur Hill
Deyonta Davis 6’10” center Muskegon
Josh Davis 6’4″ guard Detroit Henry Ford
Nick Perkins 6’7″ forward Milan
Trevor Manuel 6’10″center Lansing Everett
Senior All-State Second Team
Latin Davis 5’10” guard Milan
Jaylin Walker 6’2″ guard Romulus
Seth Dugan 7’0″ center Otsego
Joeviair Kennedy 6’3″ guard Muskegon
L.J. James 6’7″ forward Wayland
Senior All-State Third Team
Jerald Booker 6’0″ guard Walled Lake Western
Josh McFolley 6’0″ guard Detroit Western
Jeron Rogers 6’7″ forward North Farmington
Xavier Cochran 6’5″ wing Ann Arbor Huron
Mike Edwards 6’9″ forward Westland John Glenn
Senior All-State Fourth Team
LaMonta Stone 5’10” guard River Rouge
Delaney Blaylock 6’3″ Wyoming Godwin Heights
Marquel Ingram 6’2″ guard Detroit Pershing
Marcus Bailey 6’4″ forward Walled Lake Western
Gerald Blackshear 6’8″ forward Detroit Western
All-State Senior Fifth Team
Andia Marsh 6’1″ guard Taylor Kennedy
Bryce Windham 6’0″ guard Monroe St. Mary
Dmonta Harris 6’4″ guard New Haven
Brent Hibbits 6’7″ forward Hudsonville
Brad Brechting 6’10” center Cedar Rapids
All-State Junior First Team
Cassius Winston 6’0″ guard University of Detroit Jesuit
Kamari Newman 6’3″ guard East English Village
Devon Daniels 6’4″ wing Kalamazoo Central
Brailen Neely 5’11” guard Detroit Western
Austin Davis 6’10” forward Onsted
All-State Junior Second Team
Justin Turner 6’3″ guard Detroit Renaissance
Trishton Jackson 6’3″ guard West Bloomfield
Jason Williams 6’0″ guard Detroit Allen Academy
James Towns 5’10” guard Detroit Henry Ford
Kevin McKay 6’4″ forward Warren De La Salle
All-State Junior Third Team
Corey Allen 6’2″ guard Ypsilanti Community
Spencer Littleson 6’3″ guard Rochester Adams
Dylan Carl 6’9″ forward Alma
Ty Groce 6’7″ forward Ypsilanti Lincoln
Innocent Nwoko 6’10” center New Haven
All-State Junior Third Team
Marlo Brown 6’3″ guard Southfield Christian
Chris Rollins 5’10” guard East English Village
Alaric Jackson 6’6″ forward Detroit Rennaisance
Tabin Throgmorton 6’4″ guard Clarkston
Braden Burke 6’10” center Stevensville-Lakeshore
Junior All-State Fifth Team
Jaton Gunn 6’2″ guard Benton Harbor
Curtis Dawson 6’0″ guard Benton Harbor
Stephan Umfress 6’4″ guard Monroe St. Mary
Maxwell 6’8″ forward Adrian Lenawee Christian
Andrew Madison 6’6″ forward East Kentwood
Sophomore All-State First Team
Jermaine Jackson Jr. 5’9″ guard Macomb Dakota
Matt Beachler 6’3″ guard Lowell
Brian Bowen 6’7″ wing Saginaw Arthur Hill
Xavier Tillman 6’7″ forward Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central
Jaron Faulds 6’10” center Holt
Sophomore All-State Second Team
Ronquavious Southward 6’0″ guard Saginaw
Malik Ellison 5’8″ guard Flint Beecher
Armonee Felder 5’10” guard Detroit Pershing
Jamal Cain 6’4″ wing Detroit Cornerstone
Dylan Alderson 6’4″ guard Davison
Sophomore All-State Third Team
Brock Washington 6’2″ guard Southfield Christian
Michael Flowers 6’0″ guard Southfield
Drequan Bell 6’2″ guard Detroit Allen Academy
Isaiah Livers 6’7″ forward Kalamazoo Central
Greg Eboigboden 6’9″ forward University of Detroit Jesuit
Sophomore All-State Fourth Team
C.J. Wilson 5’10” guard Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
Tariq Derrickson 6’0″ guard Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
James Beck 6’7″ forward Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills
Donatus Eke 6’9″ forward University of Detroit Jesuit
Jack Ballantyne 6’7″ forward Warren De La Salle
Sophomore All-State Fifth Team
Christian Rodriguez 5’10” guard Wyoming Godwin Heights
Diego Robinson 6’4″ guard Lansing Everett
Patrick Hatcher 6’0″ guard Detroit Pershing
Ontario Burnett 6’4″ guard Kalamazoo Central
Will Weems 6’7″ forward Detroit Edison
Freshman All-State First Team
David Dejulius 5’10” guard Detroit Edison
Foster Loyer 5’10” guard Clarkston
Jalen Tobias 6’4″ forward Detriot Renaissance
Zavon Godwin 6’4″ guard Roseville
Brandon Johns 6’7″ forward East Lansing
Freshman All-State Second Team
Pierre Mitchell 5’10” guard Detroit Loyola
Elijah Collins 6’0″ guard University of Detroit Jesuit
Davion Williams 6’0″ guard Belleville
Quinn Blair 6’4″ guard Divine Child
Thomas Kithier 6’7″ forward Macomb Dakota
Three Out Of Four. Beecher On Top Again In Class C
29 Mar
Mission accomplished. Beecher completed their journey of winning three of the last four Class C state titles. The latest, a 78-52 onslaught of Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian.
The game was decided in the opening eight minutes. The Bucs outscored the Mustangs 28-9 in the first quarter, and the lead would never shrink down below single digits.
Three state titles in four years. What’s the key to Beecher’s success? Preparation.
“We don’t think about losing,” said Beecher head coach Mike Williams. “We prepare to win, and we don’t prepare to lose. We set a standard that we want to win championships. It’s important that these kids know how to set goals.”
It has been a playoff run of pure dominance by Beecher. The single closest game in the post-season was 18 points. A key to the Bucs’ ability to obtain large leads is their half-court press, which was used again today. Not only does the press effect teams in the back-court, but if opponents are fortunate to break the press, it stifles their game plan offensively. NorthPointe shot just 26.7% in the first half, and 30.9 percent in the game, 17-55 overall.
“Pressuring the basketball and putting them (NPC) in situations they haven’t been in before,” Williams added. “I didn’t see where they got pressured a whole lot, not for an entire game. I felt comfortable us throwing to the first punch, getting in their face, and not allowing them to come down and do what they wanted to do.”
Williams held high praise for Mustang senior guard Preston Huckaby. Huckaby serves as NPC’s primary ball handler and scorer. Preston scored 26 points the game prior in the semi-finals. Against Beecher, 3-8 for 10 total points.
“Other guys were going to have to make decisions that weren’t use to making decisions,” Williams said. “So that’s what we wanted to do.”
The Bucs concluded with advantages in the paint, 44 points, off turnovers 18-6, second chance points 14-9, and fast break points 12-0. Beecher received just six points from their bench, but who needs a bench when your starting five is as a cohesive starting five in the state regardless of class.
Cedric Moten led the way with 24 points, Samuel Toins was 5-10 from beyond the arch for 17 points, Aquavius Burks added 15 points and 11 rebounds, sophomore forward LeVane Blake and six points and 10 rebounds, and sophomore floor general Malik Ellison contributed 10 points and four assists.
Arguably the best player in Buc history was ’13 point guard Monte Morris, winner of two state titles, and currently a starter for Iowa State. When Morris graduated, the question was, who will be starting at point guard? The answer, a freshman, 5’7″ Malik Ellison. With Monte in the stands for the final game and keeping tracks on the season, Malik delivered.
“I take my hat off to Malik,” Williams had of his point guard. “To step in as a freshman, after Monte Morris. And he struggled at times last year, in the quarterfinal game I sat him down. But I never gave up on him and this year he improved so much, and the one things I challenged him to do was do something Monte didn’t do, win a state championship game as a sophomore, lead your team, set the table. I’m so proud of him the way he has matured, and he’s just a joy to coach.”
Factually speaking Beecher is a community just north of Flint, with a separate school district of their own. Although the community is not technically Flint, Beecher is often thrown under the same fire when discussing the issues that have plagued Flint for years and Michigan overall. With the program’s sixth state title, Williams is optimistic about what the future holds for both the program and community, for example simple things like a track for the high school.
“It’s a big old family,” Williams said of the community. “And it really trickles down to the team.” “It (title) means everyone to the community. We just built a track, Beecher hadn’t had a track in 40 years, and I like to think our success had a little bit to do with that.”
With three of five starters returning for next years, the Bucs will be the odds on favorite to repeat. But Williams doesn’t look ahead nor does he want his kids to. He tries to instill life-long messages of positivity into his players to prepare them not only on the court, but in life.
“The one thing they get from me, that end of discipline, that end of structure. In life it’s going to be competition, you have to be ready to compete, you have to know how to prepare,” Williams said. “You got to have to have an edge, you got to have a chip on your shoulder, that’s they way I prepared these guys.”
The Prep Ball Report 