Saginaw Arthur Hill’s Eric Davis To Announce College Decision Shortly

11 Sep

-38d8339b18da74c0It’s time for one of the best players in Michigan’s senior class to decide where he will play collegiately next season.

Saginaw Arthur Hill 6’4″ combo guard Eric Davis is a top two prospect in the state’s class of 2015, and ranked top 100 nationally according to ESPN, Rivals, and Scout.com.

Davis is scheduled to make his college announcement Tuesday, September 16th, at Arthur Hill High School around 6:00 PM.

Before settling on his list of seven, over the course of his high school career, Eric received offers from over 20 division one programs.  Colleges took notice of Eric’s ability to create his own shot from anywhere on the court, handle the ball as a point guard, and slash to basket as a scorer taking advantage of his length and athleticism.

His aforementioned list of seven schools in no particular order is Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina State, Texas, UNLV, LSU, and Kentucky. The only school not to officially offer Davis a scholarship is Kentucky, although he has took unofficial visits to the campus various instances during his recruitment.  He has also taken recent official visits to Texas and UNLV in late August/early September, to go along with multiple unofficial visits to Michigan State and Michigan during his time in high school.

Where will Davis give his verbal commitment?  Guess we’ll just have to tune in on September 16th for the answer.

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Josh Davis Pledges to Western Michigan

10 Sep

josh“It’s a great place to be in,” were the words of Detroit Henry Ford senior guard Josh Davis, “a place where I can mature and start my life with basketball and life outside of basketball.”

Davis ended his recruitment with a pledge to Western Michigan, the same school where his mom, dad, and uncle attended college.  As a junior for the Trojans last winter, Josh averaged 14 points, and seven rebounds a game.  Josh notes his greatest strength is shooting, from anywhere on the court.  At 6’5″, he has the length and athleticism to get a shot over any defender, and is particularly effective once sees one go down.

However, his off-the-court accomplishments are just as impressive as the stats he fills on the hardwood.  Davis has a reported 3.8 GPA, and is in various advanced placement classes for his grade.  College coaches love the basketball side of him, but Davis was unique because he was told “how great a teammate” and “coachable” he is.

Josh is considered to be a lead front-runner for the coveted Mr. PSL Basketball award, given to the leagues best player annually.  While individual accomplishments are nice, Davis has never been a self-gratifying type of player.  With his recruitment out of the way, Josh enters his senior campaign as one of only three seniors on the Trojan roster.  Ford competes in Class B, a division won by Milan a year ago.  In addition to the Big Reds, Wyoming Godwin Heights, Wayland, Detroit Country Day, and Detroit Consortium all have realistic possibility to capture the crown.  Henry Ford was a young, inexperienced team a season ago, combined with one of the states most respected coaches in Ken Flowers, Josh believes this is the year people will start to take note of Ford.

“I’m very excited for this upcoming season,” he said.  “I’m confident enough to say we are going to be city champs and also make a deep run in the states.”  “We have been working out all summer and everyone is buying into getting better and that winning mentality.”

 

 

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9/1-9/8 Recap

8 Sep

Walker Picks Kent State

Romulus 6’2″ shooting guard Jaylin Walker picked his college destination last week, deciding on the Golden Flashes of Kent State.  Walker’s lone offer he picked up during the Spring Evaluation Period, Jaylin was receiving interest across the MAC, A10, and even a few Big Ten Schools.  Walker is known for his athleticism.  His dunks have brought fans to their feet during Summer League and AAU only months ago.  But he’s also a quality shooter from three-point land with his feet set, with the capability to heat up quickly.  Still improving with ball skills, Walker overall is never going to back-down from anybody on either side of the court, and plays with a flare to his game.  With a big senior season for the Eagles, is Walker a dark horse in the Mr. Basketball voting?

Derek Murphy with GLIAC Offer Number 3

Warren Mott’s Derek Murphy now has Grand Valley, Ferris State, and Lake Superior State offers before his senior campaign starts.  He plans to take a few unofficial visits in the upcoming weeks, and is also gaining interest from some mid-major schools in the great lakes region.  A versatile 6’4″ wing, Murphy has the size and skill to exceed at the next level.  He’s a scorer that excels getting to the basket and either finishing or getting to the free-throw line.  Derek can also rebound the ball well for his position, and still working on a consistent perimeter outside jump shot.

Couple Big Time Visitors

Trevor Manuel took an official visit to Oregon for the football game vs. Michigan State, Henry Ford senior wing Josh Davis took a visit over the weekend to Western Michigan, and Grand Rapids Christian 2015 guard Deleon Brown took his official visit to Kent State.

Notable Transfers

Anthony Johnson, a 6’5″ wing 2016 wing formerly of Flint Beecher, has transferred down I-75 to Detroit Southeastern.  Adding depth to a team in need of impact players with the departure of a coach and two do it all seniors.

The ninth out-of-state transfer to hit Michigan was Romulus 6’4″ guard Blake Furcron to Elyria High School in Ohio after impressive showings at the Romulus Summer League.

 

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Lamonta Stone Returns to River Rouge as Head Coach

5 Sep

mi-miriverrougehighschool-letter-150Few programs across the State of Michigan have the prestige and winning pedigree as River Rouge does.  Under the direction of Lofton Greene, head coach from 1945 through 1984, the Panthers captured 12 of their 14 Class B state titles, including five straight from 1961-1965, while amassing a 739-231 overall record.

The last of the Panthers’ two titles came in 1998 and 1999, with Lamonta Stone at the helm, and guard Brent Darby, who later went onto star at Ohio State University and eventually overseas before dying of blood clot related issues.

Stone makes his return to the Panther sideline for the 2014-2015 campaign after collegiate assistant coaching stints at Eastern Michigan, Ohio State, and Bowling Green State University.

Coach Stone replaces Bobby Thompson.  Thompson decided to step-down from the program after four seasons in which he went 60 and 32 during his time at Rouge, the best season being a 19-5 record in the 2011-2012 campaign competing in Class C and losing to eventually champion Flint Beecher in the quarterfinals.

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Southfield’s Amauri Hardy Breaks Down Buffalo Offer

3 Sep

SunBB-fullNot too many freshman start for their school’s varsity team, and not too many sophomores around the state are fortunate enough to receive division 1 offers.  Class of 2017 Southfield combo guard Amauri Hardy answers yes to both of those statements, and picked up his first collegiate offer from the Buffalo Bulls of the Mid-American Conference.

“Words cant describe the happiness right now,” Hardy had to say, “but It feels real great to actually be able to pick up my first D1 offer.”  “And knowing that I am only sophomore, hopefully more opportunities should come along the road through out my high school career.”

Hardy, who played AAU this Summer for The Family and 1Nation, noted Buffalo had the opportunity to watch him play at the Brawl for the Ball in Grand Rapids, playing two levels up from the 15u to the 17u division.  According to Amauri, Bulls assistant coach, Nate Oats, who guided the 2013 Romulus Eagles to the Class A crown, has had a continuous relationship well before the Summer of 2014.

At 6’2″ and still growing, Hardy has the size needed to become a division one guard.  He’s athletic, likes to attack the basket off the bounce, and can handle to ball well.  But Hardy says college coaches like his ability of “being able to manage, to be a good teammate, and to score and pass/share the ball with others.”

Still early in the recruiting process for Amauri, Hardy noted he has heard from Central Michigan, U of D Mercy, and Eastern Michigan.  However for the time being, Hardy will focus on the upcoming 2014-2015 campaign.  Amauri shares a bright and talented Southfield Blue Jay backcourt with fellow sophomores Reme Torbert and Michael Flowers.  Expectations will be high this year at Southfield, and Amauri is ready to prove himself worthy of a division one scholarship.

“You can expect alot of wins most importantly,” Hardy had to say, ” but also excitement and entertaiment that will be showcased each game that I play this year.”

 

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Recruiting News from 8/25-9/1

1 Sep

Starting now and every Sunday/Monday, we will give a full week write up about recruiting news across the state.  From offers, to interests, and visits, check back weekly for up to the minute news.

Allread Picks up Two Offers

West Bloomfield 2015 forward Zach Allread picked up two new offers this week, one from NAIA Madonna located in Livonia, Michigan, and the other from D2 Malone from Canton, Ohio.

Big Week for Sophomore Xavier Tillman

The biggest recruiting news this week came when it was announced that Grand Rapids Forest Hill Central star forward Xavier Tillman picked up his first offer, from Purdue.  Tillman, with the departure of Donnie Tillman to Nevada, by many is considered the best forward in the rising sophomore class.  Tillman is also said to have interest from in-state powers Michigan, and Michigan State, and is also in contact with basically the whole Big Ten Conference.  The 6’6″ Tillman visited MSU on Friday for an open gym session and football game, and then quickly headed south for an unofficial visit to Kentucky on Saturday.

Various Visitors Across The Country

2016 Cassius Winston of U of D Jesuit took two unofficial visits this weekend, to MSU and Michigan respectively.  One of the hottest names in the midwest, Winston is fresh off a Summer collecting offers from Michigan, Iowa, Ohio State, Maryland, and Boston College, just to name a few, and visiting the campus’ of the previously mentioned Maryland, VCU, Georgetown, and Davidson.

Joining Winston on a visit to Michigan was AAU teammate Brian Bowen.  Bowen, the number one player in the class of 2017, has been on the college coach radar well since entering high school.  He already has an offer from Michigan, in addition to several high-major offers across the country.

Under the radar and visiting Michigan as well was rising junior point guard Justin Turner of Detroit Renaissance.  Turner isn’t as heralded as Winston or Bowen, but a standout junior season could possibly bring greater interest coming from Ann Arbor.

The number one player in 2015 point guard Eric Davis of Saginaw Arthur Hill took an official visit to Texas this weekend, number two for him visiting UNLV in late August.  It was also said Davis dropped UCLA and only to replace the Bruins with the Tigers of LSU on his list of top seven, who he plans to take an official visit to.

Also from the westside of the state, 6’4″ guard Deleon Brown took an official visit to Northern Illinois.  Although Brown just picked up a football for the Eagles of Grand Rapids Christian, basketball is more of his cup of tea.  6’6″ Brent Hibbitts of Hudsonville took an official visit to Lehigh this past weekend as well.

 

Lowell 2017 Guard Matt Beachler Player Profile

30 Aug

IMG_4036• Height, Weight, and position?
6’2”, 160 lbs., SG

• High School, Summer team and Graduation Year?
Lowell High School, Michigan Mustangs, Class of 2017

• Players you try to model your game after?
Nik Stauskus

• Important Stats
Avg 14 ppg freshman year & lead the team with 3’s made (50).

• Most memorable game in your career so far?
Beating Grand Rapids Christian for the first time in school history.

⁃ How did this past high school season go for you and your team?
Ended the high school regular season 10-10 and 3rd in the OK White Conference.

• Colleges that you would like to attend?
Undecided

• Colleges that have shown interest in you so far?
Central Michigan University, Spring Arbor University, Indiana Wesleyan University, Albion College, Northern Illinois University, Western Michigan University and Butler University.

• What makes you unique from other players at your position?
Guard that can rebound and score in a variety of ways.

• Strengths and areas you are improving in
Working on strength and speed, strength is shooting.

• How did the past AAU season go?
Very well, our Michigan Mustangs team won 5 tournaments, including the Gold bracket at the Adidas Super 64 national tournament.

• What role do you see yourself having this year for your team?
A leader on both ends of the court and scorer.

• What will a coach be getting out of you at the next level?
Hard worker, leadership and coachable.

• What will go into your decision about choosing a college?
Best overall fit for me and coaching staff.

• Most influential person in your life? Why?
My dad because he pushes to be my best every day and is a great role model to look up to.

• Legacy you want to leave at your school?
My goal is to help my team win as many games as possible and to win a conference championship for the Red Arrows for the first time in 50 years.

• Where do you see yourself in 15 years?
Hopefully to have a high quality job in the medical field somewhere.

• Highlight Tape
Run N Slam 2014
http://vimeo.com/m/94102047

• Fun/ interesting fact about you?
In my best game of the summer, I went 11/12 from the 3 point line.

• Awards, Accomplishments, other comments?
OK White All Conference Honorable Mention freshmen year

• Academic Information
3.96 GPA

• Email?
beachlermatt@gmail.com

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Detroit Allen Academy 2016 Guard Jordan Higgins’ Player Profile

30 Aug

image• Height, Weight, and position?

5’10 ,160lbs , Combo Guard

• High School, Summer team and Graduation Year?

Dearborn Heights Robichaud , Detroit Spartans 17u, Class of 2016

• Players you try to model your game after?

Nick Young and Anthony Barber

• Important Stats

14.9 ppg 4.3 ast 2.3 reb 2 stl

• Most memorable game in your career so far?

Against Edsel Ford I had 24 pts, 5ast, 3reb, 5stl

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

We struggles a lot this past season with cemistry, being disciplined , and finishing the games strong , it was the worst season we ever had at Robichaud.

• Colleges that you would like to attend?

Nebraska , Indiana, Arkansas.

• Colleges that have shown interest in you so far?

Houston College , Brevard College.

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

I’m a very hard worker on the court, move around a lot , great shooter, I find my teammates quick and easy , and a great ball-handler.

• Strengths and areas you are improving in?

I’m improving in my shot off the dribble, ball handling , and become a lockdown on ball defender.

• How did the past AAU season go?

I learned a lot this past AAU season , I had a lot of up and downs, but I learned how to adjust to 17u level well.

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

Being a great leader and helping my team to be on the same page , and being a key player.

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

A player that works harder than everyone , a great leader , and someone that’s willing to do what ever it take to improve.

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

Basically the one that fits me the most , school academics, and school background and history.

• Most influential person in your life? Why?

My mom because she taught me everything I know and to see a parent raise 5 kids on her own is tough, she gives me a lot of advice about being a student-athlete , and she is always there for me.

• Legacy you want to leave at your school?

To be one of the best out of my school, to leave a district, regional, and state championship, and to be a huge role model.

• Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

I see myself playing professional basketball getting paid

• Highlight Tape

• Email?

Jordan.higgins47@yahoo.com

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Trevor Manuel Returns To Michigan

25 Aug

812196After a Summer which saw eight high school players leave the state to pursue their playing careers elsewhere, Michigan finally received an incoming transfer of their own, and one making a return to the Great Lake State in 6’9″ power forward Trevor Manuel.

Manuel, the 89th overall prospect in the upcoming senior class according to 247 Sports, began his high school career at Lansing Sexton, and under head coach Carolton Valentine captured a Class B state title his freshman campaign, and during his sophomore year cemented himself as one of Michigan promising forward prospects averaging 12 points and nine rebounds a game.  Although he will return to Lansing, he will not attend Sexton.  Instead, he will play for cross-town rival Everett, along with three cousins of Manuel who already play for the Vikings.

Trevor decided to attend the athletic powerhouse Oak Hill Academy in the Mouth of Washington, Virginia for his junior campaign, whose alumni range from NBA All-Stars Rajon Rondo and Carmelo Anthony.  But he would later return to Michigan for the AAU campaign, competing for Nike’s The Family of the EYBL Circuit.

Perhaps Manuel’s move to return to the Lansing area indicates the possibility of potentially committing to the Spartans of Michigan State, one of his biggest suitors since Trevor started high school.  Manuel currently has double-digit division one scholarships to continue his career at the college level, including in addition to Michigan State Oregon, Kansas State, North Carolina State, Florida State, and Xavier just to name a few.

 

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Romulus 2018 Guard Rashad Williams’ Player Profile

5 Aug

Fab_Frosh_Camp_Action_LR-1830• Height, Weight, and position?

6’1, 165, Point Guard

• High School, Summer team and Graduation Year?

Romulus High School and The Family. Class of 2018

• Players you try to model your game after?

Kyrie Irving, Stephon Curry,

• Important Stats

22 points, 8 assists, and 8 rebounds

• Most memorable game in your career so far?

Winning the Detroit Public School middle school championship

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

My middle school team won the Detroit Public School championship so it was a great season.

• Colleges that you would like to attend?

Kentucky, UConn, Syracuse, Michigan, University of Detroit, and Arizona

• Colleges that have shown interest in you so far?

University of Detroit-Mercy

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

My ability to stretch the floor with my perimeter shooting and my playmaking abilities.

• Strengths and areas you are improving in?

I’m highly skilled. I dribble, pass, and shoot very well. I’m working to consistently play my hardest. I’m also looking improve my basketball IQ, athleticism, and defensively.

• How did the past AAU season go?

It went pretty well. I feel like I improved throughout the season.

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

I see myself as a playmaker and scorer for Romulus this year.

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

A coachable kid who works hard and who loves being in the gym.

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

The education that they offer, style of play, and what role they would expect me to play, and how well they could get me prepared to play on the next level.

• Most influential person in your life? Why?

My dad. He keeps pushing me and encouraging me to dream big.

• Legacy you want to leave at your school?

I want to win a state championship. I was there when they did it in 2013.

• Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

Happy.

• Highlight Tape

Video footage available on my website www.rashadwilliams.com

• Fun/ interesting fact about you?

I’m shoot right handed for basketball but I’m left handed with everything else.

• Awards, Accomplishments, other comments?

Ranked Top 100 Nationally by Middle School Elite, Detroit Pal Youth of the Year

• Academic Information

3.4 gpa

• Email?

Lajuan24@aol.com

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