Romulus’ Juwan Clark Interview

20 Apr

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Juwan Clark: I am a golfer.

Follow me on Twitter: @mdhsathletics

Follow Juwan on Twitter: @JuwanClark5

 

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C/0 2014 Point Guards to Watch this Summer 2013

17 Apr

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

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

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

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

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

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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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2012-2013 Basketball Dream Teams

5 Apr

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Talent in the Metro Detroit area seems abundant, so I have decided to create a few lineups of the areas elite players.  These dream teams however only have five spots, so I want you to know if a player gets left off a high team, it is not because they are not good, it is that there are so many talented kids in the area it gets hard to narrow it down to five guys.  These are not ranking for players in the state.  What I am trying to do here is make a team I believe is comprised of the players who dominate their respective positions.  You can’t have two point guards on one team .  All great squads like the one to the left had players at different positions that bring key elements to a winning team.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics Dream Team

1. Monte Morris 6’1″ point guard Flint Beecher

2. E.C. Matthews 6’4″ guard Romulus

3. James Young 6’7″ wing Rochester

4. Byron Zeigler 6’6″ wing Detroit Community

5. Vince Hunter 6’7″ forward Detroit Consortium

1st Team

1. Derrick Walton 6’0″ point guard Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy

2. Wes Clark 5’11” guard Romulus

3. Martez Walker 6’5″ wing Pershing

4. Yanta Maten 6’7″ forward Lahser

5. Miroslav Jaskic 6’10” center Walled Lake Western

2nd Team

1. Kahlil Felder 5’8″ point guard Pershing

2. Edmond Sumner 6’3″ guard Detroit Country Day

3. Jonathan Williams 6’3″ wing Southfield-Lathrup

4. Justin Tillman 6’7″ forward Pershing

5. Leo Edwards 6’8″ forward Romulus

3rd Team

1. D’Andre Johnson 6’0″ point guard Cass Tech

2. A.J. Turner 6’5″ guard Warren De La Salle

3. Marqywell Jackson 6’5″ forward East English Village

4. Keion Seales 6’7″ forward Detroit Westside Christian

5. Aaron Foster-Smith 6’6″ forward Taylor Truman

4th Team

1. Lorenzo Bonam 6’4″ point guard Robichaud

2. Nick Daniels 5’11” guard Westland John Glenn

3. Austin Price  6’3″wing guard Detroit Country Day

4. Jalon Plummer  6’4″forward Romulus

5. Romondo Ray 6’8″ forward Detroit Western

5th Team

1. Denzell Watts 5’11” point guard Flint Carmen-Ainsworth

2. Clark Bishop 6’0″ guard Renaissance

3. DeAngelo Stewart 6’4″ forward Cass Tech

4. Mory Diane 6’2″ wing Detroit Country Day

5. Kyle Steward 6’7″ forward Cass Tech

Follow me on Twitter: @mdhsathletics

 

 

 

 

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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Interview with Sam McClendon

26 Mar

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Metro Detroit High School Athletics: How do you think your season went this year?

Sam McClendon: I thought I had a solid senior season.  I averaged about 17.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and four assists.  I believed that we had what it took to  make a deep run in the State Playoffs, but we got beat in the district championship by a miracle shots.  All in all, my teammates and I came a long way from December-March.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What is your favorite memory throughout your high school career?

Sam McClendon: I have many great memories, but my favorite this season had to be upsetting U of D in OT while they were a top five team in the state.  Easily one of my most memorable wins throughout my careers.  We ended up being the only Catholic League team to beat them.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some players you try to model you game after?

Sam McClendon: I think I have the leadership of Chris Paul and the athleticism of Russell Westbrook.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What skills do you have as a basketball player and what are some areas of your game that are up and coming?

Sam McClendon: I’m more of a bigger guard, which allows me to be a great rebounder.  I have great court vision, I’m a great teammate/leader and can score.  I plan to polish every aspect of my game during the off-season and get stronger.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics; What are some schools that have offered you or have showed hard interest in you?

Sam McClendon: Central (Michigan), Cleveland State, Grand Valley (State), Lake Superior State, Wayne State, Southeast Missouri State are the standouts with various prep schools and smaller junior colleges.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What do you look for in a school as far as academics and a potential major?

Sam McClendon: Academics always come first to me.  I’ve always took pride in my education.  I plan to major in computer engineering.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What would a college be getting in a player like you?

Sam McClendon: They would get a hard worker, and one that could lead the team by example.  They will also get a player who is always striving to be the best I can be and make my teammates around me better.  They will lastly get an unselfish point guard who does what it will take to win.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics:  What role would you like to take on of a team?

Sam McClendon: I’m willing to take on anything the coach thinks the team lacks.  If he needs me to rebound, I’ll do that.  If he needs me to score/distribute, then I’ll do that.  I’m very coachable.

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What legacy or standard do you think you set at OLSM?

Sam McClendon: I think I had a great legacy that’ll live on.  I’ll never forget after our district championship loss my coach said to me, “You’ll go down as one of the best I’ve ever coached.”  It means a lot to me because of the reputation of OLSM hoops around that state and how long my coach has been coaching. (Coached Kalin Lucas)

Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Any shoutouts you would like to give?

Sam McClendon: I would just like to shoutout and thank everyone who has supported me throughout these four years.  It’s truly been a blessing to have the opportunity to be apart of such a prestigious basketball program.  I’ll never forget the memories.  More importantly, my mom.  She’s been there for me since I was a little freshman on varsity.

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

Sam McClendon: I can secretly sing but no one will ever get a chance to hear me.

Follow us on Twitter: @mdhsathletics

Follow Sam on Twitter: @Just_Doubt_Me_1

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Romulus Captures First Class A Crown Since 1986

24 Mar

Not since the time of the great Terry Mills has Romulus won a state championship, but it is safe to say that the time has come for Romulus head coach Nate Oats and the Romulus Eagles.  Oats has led the Eagles to the Breslin Center multiple times during his tenure at Romulus, but never capturing a state title.  But not winning is a hard thing to do when you have three players that a more than deserving to have been on the Mr. Basketball consideration list with E.C. Matthews, Wes Clark and Leo Edwards.  Romulus got things going right away, attacking the Southeastern defense with a 7-0 run in the first two minutes of the game, and eventually leading 19-10 after the first.  E.C. Matthews fresh off a 37 point performance in the semi-final tallied nine points in the opening quarter.  But the Jungaleers had a run of their own in the second.  Trailing by 10 with 6:57 until half, Southeastern would go on 8-2 run over the next 5:58 to only be down 24-20.  Now in the third quarter already leading by 42-27 with 2:13 to go in the quarter, things were almost about to get out of hand for Southeastern, but when E.C. Matthews took a pass from Leo Edwards and went up for one of his signature tomahawk dunks, it signaled the end for Southeastern.  Romulus eventually got the lead up to 19 at the end of the quarter at 51-32 and that was all she wrote for the Class A state title game.  Cruising to a decisive 61-49 victory.

E.C. Matthews lead Romulus in scoring with 20, and also lead the team in rebounds with ten.  Louisiana Tech commit Leo Edwards tallied 13 points and three blocks in the winning effort.  And rounding out the big three for the Eagles is Missouri signee Wes Clark, finishing up with 12 points and five assists.

Romulus lost last year to Rockford in the semifinal and trust me, these guys have used that defeat as motivation to get to where they are at right now.  Wes Clark, one of the most competitive guys in the State of Michigan, was not even a guarantee to play in their quarterfinal victory against Pershing.  The senior had to receive a shot in his knee just to be able to play.  “Last year, knowing how far we got with E.C. and Leo we could do it,” said Wes on when he knew when the team was capable of winning a state title.  “Knowing how far we got and how much work we put in.  So we took that as a motivator to use in the offseason and play off that.”  Clark will bring this winning mentality to Frank Haith and the Missouri Tigers next year.

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