Consortium coaches talk after the win against Robichaud. The first game since the death of Coach Al Anderson.
R.I.P. Coach Anderson
20 FebConsortium 82 vs. Robichaud 48- I have to say, this was the most heart warming basketball game I have ever been to. So many times in this time in this age, we here the bad things about high school sports such as illegal recruitment. But this game showed the brighter side of high school sports. On Saturday, the 16th of February, of the year 2012, the Consortium Cougars lost more than a coach, they lost a leader, a mentor, and a father. From the time Al Anderson stepped in at Consortium, he has completely turned the program around. Players like Travon Baker and Marin Mornar have all played for Coach Anderson, who not only provided them a chance to continue their basketball careers, but to get an education. Coach Anderson will be greatly missed, and I respect all the Consortium staff for not cancelling this game.
The Game
You could tell the Cougars wanted this one for Coach Al. As freshman star Josh Jackson scored the first five points of the game to put the Cougars up 5-0 within the first :30 seconds of play. The Cougars were able to extend there lead to double digits at 23-9 at the end of one. Robichaud star Lorenzo Bonam struggled throughout most of the quarter, only scoring two points. And things only got worse for Bonam. With 6:45 left in the second, Bonam went up for what appeared to be a simple two handed dunk. But on the landing, Lorenzo came down funny on his calf forcing him to depart from the game in which he never returned. By the time that happened, momentum was swinging into the hand of Consortium. They led 42-25 at half and by as much as 68-45 with 4:02 left in the fourth quarter. The key to Consortium’s success was their ability to get into transition. When you have athletic bigs such as Vince Hunter and Josh Jackson, and quick guards like Ronald Boothe, it can be deadly for any team. Hunter finished up with 25 points and 14 rebounds. Josh had 18 points and nine rebounds while also recording four blocks. Ronald Boothe also chipped in with 11 points for the Cougars.
Interview with Bakari Evelyn
18 FebBakari, just a sophomore, is a state champion. So he knows what the feeling is in March when you hoist the trophy into the air that says “Class D Champions.” This year is no different for his Southfield Christian Eagles. Bakari is capable of any night scoring twenty plus points, but at the same times is a ferocious defender. Evelyn is a quick, but smart point guards who knows how to create scoring opportunities. At times he might need to slow down a little bit and not try to take over the game. Don’t be surprised if this kid becomes a national recruit before his senior year.
Interview with Vince Hunter
18 FebVince Hunter is the heart and soul of the Consortium Cougars. The senior is a high energy type of player who demands the best out of his team. Hunter is a monster on the defensive end of the court. He makes you think twice about putting the shot up. Finishes above the rim. UTEP will be getting a player who can make an impact right away next season.
Coach Wydell Henry of Pershing
18 FebCoach Henry in his first year at Pershing has deviated from Pershing’s strong tradition of basketball excellence. His Doughboys are currently undefeated and sit number one in the State of Michigan. He talks after his game in the PSL City Championship.
Antania Hayes Interview
18 FebDePual commit Antania Hayes talks after her King Crusaders won the second city title in as many years. Hayes played a marvelous all around game, considering the fact that a few hours before the game, she attended the viewing of her brother who had recently passed away.
PSL Finals Recap
17 FebKing 45 vs. Cass Tech 38 (Girls)- The Crusaders of Martin Luther King won their second PSL Girls Basketball Championship out lasting Cass Tech in a tough hard-fought game. The Technecians came out and surprised the entire city by only allowing King two points in the entire first quarter. But in the third quarter is where King made their move. Outscoring Cass 17-9 in the quarter. In the fourth is where things got interesting. Cass was able to cut into the lead by as much as six points at 34-28. But were unable to get any closer. LaQuita Heart had 16 points for King, and senior Antania Hayes had 11 and 14 rebounds. Lauren Elliot had nine for Cass.
Pershing 80 vs. Cass Tech 61- Pershing needed to come out and make a statement after last year’s disappointing performance in the PSL Championship. And they did just that. Oakland commit Kahlil Felder nailed two-three pointers in the first two minutes of the contest setting the tempo for the rest of the game. The Doughboys lead 37-26 at half thanks to a Martez Walker three-point shot as time expired to send the teams into over time. In that second half, Pershing senior Lorenzo Collier came out and set the tempo early scoring eight of his teams first 13 points in the quarter, a deficit Cass was never able to overcome giving Pershing their 3rd city title in five years.
Notes
Game 2: For Pershing, Collier and Justin Tillman finished up with 17 points. While Martez Walker had 20 for the Doughboys. This is Pershing’s first city title for coach Wydell Henry, who replaced A.W. Canada at the beginning of the season. For Cass, it was D’Andre Johnson leading them in scoring with 13 points. The senior seemed to have no support from his teammates, resulting in him trying to take the game over and pressing a little bit. Kahlil Felder did not score many points, but you can tell that he is a big time player. When the pressure is up on Pershing, that is where Felder steps his game up. This is the one game, I have seen Pershing put together for foursolid quarters, And not wait until the second half to make their run.
Unsigned Front Court Players
15 FebUnsigned Senior Front Court Players
1. Miroslav Jaskic (Walled Lake Western)- The Canadian transfer is one of the most dominant big men I have ever seen play in the MHSAA. There is nothing he can’t do on the basketball court from a front court player perspective. A truly offensive weapon. He is effective in both the pick-and-roll, and the pick-and-pop. Some reports have that Duke is looking at him. Will attend a year of prep school after the season.
2. Kyle Steward (Cass Tech)- Kyle at times can get lost during the course of the game, but when involved he leaves his impact. The long athletic forward knows how to crash the glass from an offensive perspective, helped by the fact he got the winning tip-in against Southeastern. So far mid-major schools are showing interest.
3. Romondo Ray (Detroit Western)- Ray might be the rawest big man in the state. The one thing that I like about his game is if takes a jump shot, he beats defenders who were down low in the post to the ball. A high energy type of player. If he finds the right coaches to tweak his game up a little bit, he could be a diamond in the rough.
4. Jerrell Martin (Detroit Community)- Martin fits the definition of a grinder. A true workhorse on the court. His main skill is his defensive presence in the paint. Makes you think twice about putting the ball up. A nice D2 prospect.
5. Rashawn Walker (Detroit Midtwon Academy)
Interview with Charles Key
14 FebCharles might only be listed at 6’5″, but the way he crashes the glass would make you think is a seven footer. He is a master at tip backs and dunks in a crowd of bodies. Key is still in the process of mastering the 15-18 foot jump shot, but when he does he will be one hard load to handle for a defender. Might need to add some more weight if he wants to stick around down low in the post. But he has the raw skills that are needed for a front court player to succeed.
The Prep Ball Report 