Player Profile: St. Ignace’s Gage Kreski

4 Sep

Screenshot_2013-09-04-21-21-18_resized • Height, Weight, and position?

6’2, 180, PG

• High School, Summer team and Graduation Year?

St. Ignace, Michigan Mustangs/Acb Bank Hoops, 2016

• Players you try to model your game after?

I want to be my own kind of player, however I’d say like a Brandon Knight

• Important Stats

I averaged 17pts last year on Varsity, with a game high of 22. Scoring 379 in the season. I also had 89 steals and 142 rebounds.

• Most memorable game in your career so far?

My most memorable game thus far is probably beating Cheboygan to win the conference.

• Colleges that you would like to attend?

I would really like to go to a school that has a lot of basketball hype. Such as Central Michigan, Butler, VCU, and of course the Big 10 schools which is everyone’s dream.

• Colleges that have shown interest in you so far?

University of Detroit, Central Michigan, and the local colleges like Lake Superior, and Northern.

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

What make me unique is that I try to be the most positive person on the court at all times. I’m also bigger and stronger than most of the guards on the court.

• Strengths and areas you are improving in?

My strengths are my IQ, I understand the game very well because of playing so much and I cause miss-matches in a lot of games. Also my athleticism. My weaknesses would have to shooting which I’m working on everyday and taking care of the ball.

• How did the off-season go?

My off season is when I improve the most I think. I traveled around the country working on my skills. I went to endless camps including Michigan, Central, Detroit, Toledo, Grand Valley, Lake State, pretty much every place I could go. I also went to Las Vegas which was amazing. I played with the Mustangs in the summer.

• Goals for the upcoming season?

My goals to be an even better leader and to make the people around me better.

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

A leader

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

A great attitude, a player that works very hard, and some who is skilled.

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

Wherever I fit best, I guess I’ll have to think more on that.

• Most influential person in your life? Why?

My mom, she’s one of the most positive people I’ve ever met. She’s taught me to never give up, and no matter what the situation is BE POSITIVE.

• Legacy you want to leave at your school?

That I was the best player that I could be.

• Fun/ interesting fact about you?

I love to hunt and fish, and football is huge in my household too. I am a starter on our Varsity football team.

• Awards, Accomplishments, other comments?

6th Team All-State Free Press, All U.P Honorable Mention, 1st Team All Straits Area Conference, 2013 St. Ignace MVP, 5th Team All State Bank Hoops, Mid- Season I was ranked #7 in Michigan (Bank Hoops) and Underclassmen All State

• Academic Information

4.0

• Contact Information

Gage Kreski 1-906-430-8033

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Player Profile Form: Crestwood’s Esa Abuljami

3 Sep
image-1• Height, Weight, and position?
 6’2         160lb       SG/SF
• High School, summer team and Graduation Year?
 Crestwood Highschool , Dearborn Elite,HYPE, 2015
• Players you try to model your game after?
Kevin Durant, Dwayne wade.
• Important Stats
 Averaged 17+ in high school Summer league, 18+ in my AAU national tournament.
• Colleges that you would like to attend?
 Michigan, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan.
• Colleges that have shown interest in you so far?
 None.              
• What makes you unique from other players at your position?
Quick First, can finish at the basket with or without contact,quick pull-up jumper.
• Strengths and areas you are improving in?
Ball handling, jump shot.
• How did the offseason go?
Led team to 30-0 high school summer league, became more of a dominate player!
•Goals for the upcoming season?
Give crestwood high school there first state championship!                                  
• What role do you see your self having this year for your team?
Scorer, Rebounder,Defense
• What will a coach be getting out of you at the next level?
My scoring ability, My ability to lock down the opposition best opponent.     
                                 
• What will will go into your decision about choosing a college?
The college that best fits me and that has a key role for me.
• Most influential person in your life? Why?
My parents because they’re the most ambitious people i know.
• Legacy you want to leave at your school?
Greatest player to ever come out of my school!
• Fun/ interesting fact about you?
Im funny, and I’ve heard that I’m a fun person to be around.
• Awards, Accomplishments, other comments?
MVP 8th grade year, led my freshman team to a 15-5 record, went 5-0 on jv, and was moved up in the middle of the season to varsity.
• Academic Information
                                  2.7 GPA
• Contact Information
                           My phone number: 313-948-7669
                           Address: 1346 Plainfield Dearborn heights, Michigan

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Creating a “Havoc” Pershing’s Justin Tillman

2 Sep

Justin-Tillman-photoOne of Michigan’s top prospects decided on where he will continue his basketball career over the weekend, and that is Detroit Pershing’s 6’8″ forward Justin Tillman, who gave a verbal commit to the Rams of Virginia Commonwealth.

Tillman made a name for himself on the AAU circuit competing with the Reach Legends AAU team during the July evaluation period playing in tournaments in Las Vegas, Wisconsin, and Indiana.  Justin had double-digit offers, the majority of which were mid-majors with interest coming from several Big Ten schools,  but shrunk the list to three with the schools being Iowa, Xavier, and VCU.

One of the main reasons why Justin picked the Rams was the relationship he started to build with the coaches and players on his official visit to the school just a few weeks ago.  “Just talking to the coaches and getting to know them and them getting to know me and how well it would fit me and going there seeing everything for my self.”  Tillman went onto say that he enjoyed the company of the current players on the roster, which was another bonus for VCU with his decision,  “Meeting the players on the team, they made me feel like I was apart of the team, getting to know them and them showing me around the campus, I just thought everything about VCU was great.”

Tillman is quite an intriguing prospect.  Many do not know what to position to label him as when he begins his college basketball career.  He is too tall and athletic for a small guard, but too fast and has a constant motor running for a big man.  With that being said, Justin will work excellent in Coach Shaka Smart’s “Havoc” style attack.   “I will adapt to it really fast,” Tillman said, “it will be easier for me to get comfortable and be a great player from the start as a freshmen.”

Tillman wants to make the most out his one remaining season of high school basketball at Pershing, he and his fellow Doughboys have high expectations for this upcoming season.  With the stress of recruiting out of the way, Justin has now set team goals he wants to accomplish before he graduates high school, which include winning a PSL City Championship and a Class A state championship.  Look for Justin to be a finalist for the state’s Mr. Basketball by the time March comes along.

Please follow me on Twitter: @PrepBallReport

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Player Profile: Holly’s Kyle Woodruff

2 Sep

phpK1oxOnPM• Height, Weight, and position?

6-2, 160, SG/PG

• High School, summer team and Graduation Year?

Holly Bronchos, Michigan Mustangs, 2016

• Players you try to model your game after?

I try to model different parts from different players but my favorite player is Kobe Bryant.

• Important Stats

As a Freshman I shot 43% from the three point line last year and 85% from the line.  I averaged 16ppg.

• Colleges that you would like to attend?

I don’t really have one but I want one that has high academic standards and high basketball standards with great fans.

• Colleges that have shown interest in you so far? 

Xavier, CMU, Akron, Northwood have shown the most.

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

I think I’m a better three point shooter than most players.

• Strengths and Weaknesses? 

Shooting, basketball IQ and work ethic are my strengths.  My weakness is my weakness.  I just started getting in the weight room in the last month and it has really helped.

• How did the offseason go? 

It was great.  We played a lot of very tough teams and ended with a nice trip and tournament in Las Vegas.  I improved as a primary ball handler and attacking the rim.

• Goals for the upcoming season? 

I want to win the Flint Metro League and at least a District Championship.  After the district I just want to push it as far as we can take it.

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

I will be a primary scorer and have to play great defense.

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

A player that will accept any role, has a high basketball IQ and work every day to improve.

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

I haven’t really thought that far ahead but I know it will need to be a school with high academic standards.

• Most influential person in your life? Why? 

My Dad.  He taught me about hard work and always pushes me to improve and go to another level.

• Fun/ interesting fact about you?

I’m not sure I just play basketball and go to school.

• Awards, Accomplishments, other comments?

2013 Holly Varsity Basketball MVP, 1st Team Tri-County, 2nd Team All Flint Metro, 1st Team Bankhoops Freshman All State, Only Freshman on the All Oakland County team (Honorable Mention).  Holly school record for three pointers made in a season.

• Academic Information

4.0 GPA

•Highlight Tape

• Contact Information

Kyle Woodruff (810) 962-0433

Player Profile: Billy Abduljami Crestwood

1 Sep

image

  • Height, Weight, and position?6’1, 150 pounds, shooting guard
  • High School, summer team and Graduation Year? Crestwood High School, Dearborn Elite/ Hype, 2014
  • Players you try to model your game after?Stephen Curry, Benji wilson, Victor oladepo
  • Important Stats15 points a game, 3 assist, 5 rebounds
  • Colleges that you would like to attend? Oakland University, GVSU, Akron, Toledo
  • Colleges that have shown interest in you so far?None so far
  • What makes you unique from other players at your position?I can take over a game, score the ball, and got lock down defense
  • Strengths and Weaknesses?

Strength: shooting and finishing at the basket with or without contact

Weakness: left hand work in progress

  • How did the offseason go?

Lead my team 30-0 in the summer league, became more of a dominant scorer

  • Goals for the upcoming season?

Get the first ever state championship at crestwood highschool

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

Scoring and being able to lockdown the oppositions best player

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

A complete dominant scorer and a great defender

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

The college that best fits and has a key role for me.

  • Most influential person in your life? Why?

My dad because he has been threw alot in his life and he continues to fight

  • Fun/ interesting fact about you?
    I play tennis
  • Awards, Accomplishments, other comments?

Was honored by receiving the most improved player award for my team due to hard work that I put into my game

  • Highlight Tape
  • Academic InformationCoach Bright: 313-580-4001
  • Contact InformationEmail: abduljamimuhammad@yahoo.com, phone: 313-948-7608

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Player Profile: Lumen Christi’s Hunter Page

31 Aug

hp• Height, Weight, and position?

              5’11, 160 lbs., point guard, shooting guard

• High School, summer team and Graduation Year?

             Jackson Lumen Christi, Common Bond, 2016

• Players you try to model your game after?

                        Rondo, Nash, Isaiah Thomas

• Important Stats

Averaged double-double freshman year (points, assists)

• Colleges that you would like to attend?

Any division 1 or 2 is my goal

• Colleges that have shown interest in you so far?

Setting up a visit to Holy Cross

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

Ability to drive to the basket and create my own shot.

• Strengths and Weaknesses?

Strengths are ball handling, passing, quickness,  free throw shooting,            perimeter shooting, basketball IQ.

Weaknesses are defensive shuffling, communication on defense

• How did the offseason go?

Great. Played in many tournaments and involved in many camps

• Goals for the upcoming season?

Start for the Varsity and be a contributor.

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

I believe I will be a distributor…will be involved in scoring and counted

on to play good defense…get some steals and move the ball in transition.

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

  Hard worker, hustle, leader, scorer, team player

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

 Playing time, chemistry with other players, coach, location

• Most influential person in your life? Why?

Coach Tyler Aldridge because he has taken an interest in me and believes I can do great things academically and athletically.

• Fun/ interesting fact about you?

Oldest brother of 3, Quarterback of the football team, andMVP award at the Izzo Camp.

• Academic Information

Freshman year…3.2 gpa

• Contact Information

Twitter handle – @huntpage630

Email – geopage1@comcast.net

 Highlights Tape

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Player Profile: Mohamed Bazzi

28 Aug

image• Height, Weight, and position?

5’10 160lbs PG/SG

• High School, summer team and Graduation Year?

Star International Academy, HYPE Athletics/Michigan Lakers, 2016

• Players you try to model your game after?

Monta Ellis, Steve Nash, Rajan Rondo, Derrick Walton

• Important Stats

Led the state in scoring among 2016s (18.1 ppg) 411 Points Last season

• Colleges that you would like to attend?

All the schools interested in me.

• Colleges that have shown interest in you so far?

UofD , Oakland, WMU , UofToledo, Akron, Michigan St, Bowling Green, Bowling Green State, CMU, UMass, Indianapolis

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

I can flat out shoot the rock, and get to the basket with ease, I can finish with contact, and set teammates up to score.

• Strengths and Weaknesses?

Strengths: Shooting, Tight handle on the ball, Play Making

Weaknesses: Left Hand, Quicker Feet, Consistent good Defense.

• How did the offseason go?

Training wise, it went amazing, had multiple trainers that knew the game of basketball inside and out. AAU wise, I played for HYPE athletics, didn’t go as well is I wanted it too. But more importantly I got better. AAU with the Michiagn Lakers went well.

• Goals for the upcoming season?

Bring the first ever district championship to Star, All-State Selection, All-Conference 1st Team( Had 2nd team last season), Pick up some more High-Major Offers, Lead the State in scoring.

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

Same as last year, but with bigger expectaions. Score the ball, lead by example, get everyone involved. FIND A WAY TO GET THE W.

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

A hard working players that is willing to learn, a player that can lead and score, no matter what kind of competition is on the court. A player that loves to win.

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

A family orientated university, a historic program that is known for winning, and helping it players play on the next level. A school where I can be me.

• Most influential person in your life? Why?

My parents (cant choose one), they’ve been through so much, and such strong and mentally tough individuals.

• Fun/ interesting fact about you?

I still have the Iphone 3g…

• Academic Information

3.1 Student, Honor roll student

• Contact Information

Star Inernational Academy

24425 Hass St. Dearborn Michigan

My email: mobazzi@rocketmail.com

 

Player Profile Form: Hunter Powell

27 Aug

54910• Height, Weight, and position?

6’8’’ 215 Small Forward Power Forward

• High School, summer team and Graduation Year?

McBain High School 2013, Grand Rapids Storm, Midwest Elite Prep Academy 2014, Merrillville Indiana

• Players you try to model your game after?

Kenneth Faried, Dwayne Wade, Reggie Evans, Gerald Wallace, and Denis Rodman

• Important Stats

Leads team in rebounding, scoring, blocked shots and field goal percentage.

• Colleges that you would like to attend?

Ferris State, Saginaw Valley, Grand Valley, Central Mich, Eastern Michigan,Western Mich, Michigan Tech, Valpraso, or any Mid-Major fit.

• Colleges that have shown interest in you so far?

Trine, Calvin, Northwood, Davenport, Spring Arbor, and Albion.

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

Most players don’t have the motor to come up with big rebounds at the end of games and play with the heart and emotion to win like I do.

• Strengths and Weaknesses?

Strength is my athleticisms; First step and ability to defend any position and shoot inside and out.

Weakness are, sometimes I am just content getting offensive and defensive rebounds and not being a major offensive threat so, I need to improve all around strength.

• How did the offseason go?

This offseason we got the gun going a lot putting up a lot of shots and working on ball handling everyday

• Goals for the upcoming season?

Improve ball handling, and passing, and pull up jumper

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

Big rebounds at the end of games, Nobody will crash the boards harder, Very responsible off the court with grades and staying out of trouble

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

Rich college winning tradition and fan base also the community that surrounds that college. And what type of players that team already has.

• Most influential person in your life? Why?

My dad because he never missed one of my games and took me to all of my AAU tournaments he was always there for me and taught me to play hard like I do.

• Fun/ interesting fact about you?

If I’m not playing basketball I’m probably fishing

• Academic Information

3.4 GPA 19ACT

• Contact Information

Email: hunterpowell15@gmail.com

Hunter Powell Cell Phone: 231-944-6850

McBain Coach Bruce Koopman: 231-920-9700

Making a Point: Muskegon’s Deshaun Thrower

24 Aug

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please follow me on Twitter: @PrepBallReport

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Lucky Number Three for Laster

19 Aug

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

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

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

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

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