Tag Archives: Cass Tech

Cass Tech ’13 Graduate DeAngelo Stewart Commits to IPFW

26 Mar

GUswCuNQCollege tends to change people, whether personally or athletically.  For DeAngelo Stewart, it was both.

The 6’5″ ’13 graduate of Detroit Cass Tech’s road to college is not the typical route of a college athlete.  Stewart was originally committed to SIU-Edwardsville following his high school senior season.  Just before the start of his freshman year, DeAngelo de-committed, and chose to attend Alabama State University.

Alabama State was not the right fit either for Stewart.  In his one year at ASU, DeAngelo had difficulty in receiving consistent playing time and an overall feel of comfort with the program.

DeAngelo’s third college was Northwest Tech Community College in Goodland, Kansas.  In his one year at Northwest Tech, Stewart was a vital component of a Maverick team that won 20 games.  On an individual standpoint, Stewart averaged 16 points, and seven rebounds per-game.  Northwest Tech was the right culture for Stewart to change not only as a basketball player, but as a person.

“I changed my attitude on and off the court,” Stewart said.  “I became more mature also on and off the court.  I also changed my motor and body language.”

Focusing on those aspects brought greater interest and opportunities to play on the next level.  His stellar play landed DeAngelo interest from various mid-major institutions across the Midwest.  However, Stewart decided the final destination in his collegiate career will be at IPFW in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

“It feels good,” Stewart had to say about his commitment.  “I’m back in the Midwest where I belong.  I have been waiting on this moment ever since I arrived on campus for my JUCO season.”

“It’s a blessing to get another chance at the D1 level.”

Stewart said he chose IPFW because his relationship with the program was “different.”  DeAngelo admires the up-and-down tempo the Mastadons deploy. He also has a special relationship with one current Mastadon, sophomore guard Mo Evans, the Summit League sixth man of the year.  Stewart plans on bringing a sense of versatility next season to IPFW.

“They (IPFW) plan to use me on the perimeter,” Stewart added.  “And in the post to post up smaller guards.”

DeAngelo’s journey to division one college basketball has left a profound impact on him he will carry whenever his playing days are done.  Three schools in three years is not something Stewart would recommend.  However, it’s what was learned that has helped Stewart change the outlook on his career.  From playing “in the middle of no where in Kansas,” to division one college basketball, Stewart is thankful for the changes he has endured the past two years.

And so fittingly, Stewart strives on receiving the Summit League’s “Newcomer of the Year Award.”

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Prep Ball Review Episode Number Two

14 Jan

The Prep Ball Review’s second episode podcast features an interview with Cass Tech senior and Cleveland State commit Rob Edwards, recap of last week’s game, a PSL discussion, and predictions for this week.

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Cleveland State Strikes Twice In Michigan

14 Nov

clst-11-panelnavbox-logo3Cleveland State head coach Gary Waters is no stranger to Michigan.  The Highland Park native attended Detroit Mackenzie High School, before playing at Ferris State University.  After coaching stints at Ferris State, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, and Rutgers, Waters inherited the Viking program in 2006 and formed Cleveland State into a perennial contender in the Horizon League.  Amassing 20 victories in five of nine season, and reaching the postseason in some form as many times as well.

Coach Waters has utilized the Detroit connection to Michigan when looking for future Vikings.  Currently, Cleveland State has three players from the Detroit Public Schools League on their 2014-2015 roster.  Detroit Frederick Douglass’ Terrell Hales (freshman), and Cass Tech Technician alums Kenny Carpenter (freshman) and Marlin Mason (senior).  For his 2015 class, Waters has inked two Metro-Detroit players in the Fall recruiting period, Detroit Cass Tech’s Rob Edwards, and North Farmington Jeron Rogers.

Both Rogers and Edwards were members of the Reach Legends AAU basketball program for the past couple of seasons.  At 6’2,” Rob can play both guard positions, rebound, and finish above the rim with his athleticism and strong frame.  The 6’7″ Rogers is a stretch-four forward that can shoot the perimeter jump shot, finish around the basket, handle the ball to create his own offense, and rebound at a high level.

For the mean time, the two can shift their full attention the the upcoming high school campaign.  Rob headlines a Technecian team coming off a 18-7 season which included a district championship.  While Rogers leads a hungry Raider team into the new season after bowing out to eventual Class A runner up Bloomfield Hills in the district semi-final.

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Cass Tech’s Carpenter Commits to Cleveland State

3 Apr

kenny-carpenter-43d72e72793f57f7Cleveland, Ohio is home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.  Various bands who have roots from the Motor City have been lucky enough to have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.  And not to far from the Hall of Fame is the campus of Cleveland State, where another Detroiter will have his opportunity to rock on with his college career.

Cass Tech senior Kenny Carpenter, a 6’4″ guard/wing, has decided to continue his basketball playing career collegiately for the Vikings.  Cleveland State is no newcomer when it comes to finding prospects in the Metro Detroit area.  CSU boosted three players from Michigan on their 2013-2014 roster, most notably for Kenny, former Technecian forward Marlin Mason, currently a junior for Cleveland State.  Carpenter is also not the only player from Detroit in the Viking’s 2014 recruiting class, Detroit Douglass guard Terrell Hales committed to the Vikings earlier this past summer.

“We’re cool,” Kenny had to say about Hales.  “Been playing against him for a while, it’ll be fun to play with him.”

Another major selling point for Carpenter on Cleveland State was the relationship and comfort level he has built through the recruiting process with the basketball program.  CSU’s head and associate coach both have coaching ties to Michigan.  Carpenter feels his role as a complete guard, one who can score, facilitate, play defense, and rebound, will best serve him as his college career begins to develop.

“It (Cleveland State) fits me,” Carpenter went onto say, “I feel comfortable there.”  “I fit in with the players, and I like their system.”

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Southeastern Remains Undefeated in PSL. Top Cass Tech 57-51.

30 Jan

The last time the Jungaleers of Detroit Southeastern traveled to Cass Tech to take on the Technicians was in last year’s city semi-final, where SE had their hearts broken on a controversial last-second tip-in by future Youngstown State commit Kyle Steward.  Eager to exercise the demons of that loss, Southeastern took the rematch on Wednesday by a 57-51 decision.  The Jungaleers came out and set the tempo early, leading 16-8 after one.  In the second quarter, emotions started to run high on both squads as one technical foul a piece was granted, Cass eventually led 29-27 at the half.  Moving to the fourth quarter, the last CT lead would come with 6:00 left in the fourth after senior Kenny Carpenter nailed a three to put the Technicians up 47-45.  However, it would be the last lead Cass would have for the rest of the game, as the senior trio of Leonard Harper-Baker, Darryl Bingham, and D’Cari Charleston stepped up their play in the final minutes of the game to score just enough to outlast CT.  Cass would eventually have the ball left down three with 11.8 seconds to go, but Kenny Carpenter turned the ball over, giving the ball back to SE to put the game away at the charity stripe.

Darryl Bingham paced Southeastern with a game high 19 points, and ten rebounds.  Fellow senior D’Cari Charleston stepped with 16 big point for the Junagleers and wing Leonard Harper-Baker chipped in with 13 points, including two threes.  CT was led by Kenny Carpenter with 17 points, and both Sharif Black and Mike Laster chipped in with 9 points.

With the win, Southeastern improves to 6-0 in the PSL’s East Division, with a huge game looming at Pershing on January 31st.  Cass Tech now falls to 4-2 in the West Division, one game behind leader Renaissance at 5-1.  And interestingly enough, the two teams play for superiority in the West on the 31st as well.

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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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Cass Tech’s Laster Talks First Offer from BGSU

30 Jul

Mike_LasterDetroit Cass Tech rising senior Mike Laster has seen his recruiting gain more attention during the July Live Period. Laster, a 6’4″ wing and shooting guard, played for the Reach Legends AAU team, traveling to some of nation’s prestigious grassroots basketball tournaments. And it was at the Las Vegas Fab 48 where Mike received his first division one offer coming from the Falcons of Bowling Green.

“It feels good that they want me to come play with them” Laster said on the Bowling Green offer. “Its location and how close it is to home” is what Mikes likes about the school.

Laster has emerged as a much more dependable offensive player in the Summer compared to his junior high school season at Cass Tech. He has the rare mid-range jumper that is a forgotten art these days and can still shoot from three-point land, to go along with nice size, length, and athleticism for a division one wing prospect. He has also added aggressiveness and playmaking ability to his game, with improving ball handling and defensive skills.

Mike is also being recruited Southern Illinois, Youngstown State, Cleveland State, Bucknell, Northeastern and plans to take visits to Florida Atlantic and IPFW. Laster said he wants “A good program that develops it’s players well.” And “Somewhere where I’ll be in a good situation.

Follow me on Twitter: @mdhsathletics

Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeLaster_24

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Top Power Forwards in the Area

13 Jun

The 2014 class is loaded with quality talent at the forward position.  The Metro Detroit area contains big men that can shoot, reb0und, defend, and pass.  The majority of these kids all ready have offers, so it is not like they are sneeking up on anybody.

9258651. Jaylen Johnson (Ypsilanti/ Dorians Pride) 6’9″ 210 lbs- Mr. Johnson’s stock has risen to another level this offseason.  Coming into the high school season, only regional schools knew about him.  But after dominating the Spring portion of AAU and the highly prestigious Pangos All-American Camp, Jaylen has hauled in offers from Oregon, North Carolina State, Iowa State, and Maryland, just naming a few.  The smooth moving forward controls the glass with outstanding athleticism, but what makes college coaches drool is his ability to control the paint.  Look for Johnson to gain in more high-major offers as the Summer goes on.

11865862. Justin Tillman (Detroit Pershing/ Reach Legends) 6’8″ 190 lbs – Justin missed more than half of the high school season due to a foot injury.  But looks to be making up for the missing time this past Spring.  Justin is super athletic, finishing above the rim with highlight reel dunks are put back tip ins, and can step out to the perimeter to make a couple of jump shots.  On the defensive end, Justin makes opponents think twice about putting the shot up, and hauls down rebounds in bunches.  Justin so far has received seven mid-major offers, including the likes of Bowling Green, Toledo, Oakland, and Indiana State.

Jamal Poplar3. Jamal Poplar (River Rouge/ Michigan Mustangs) 6’8″- Jamal transferred from Willow Run this past season so he had to sit out the first portion of the season.  But came back strong, which has transitioned nicely into the AAU season.  Poplar has the ability to play all five positions on the court.  Jamal can shoot up to the three point arch, get to the basket off the dribble from the perimeter, handle the ball in the open court, and finish through contact at the rim.  Jamal will be a solid high major prospect by the time high school season get under way.

yante4. Yante Maten (Lahser/ The Family) 6’8″ 210 lbs- Yante has a variety of skills on the basketball court he can use to beat a defender.  Maten can stretch you to the three point line, use his athleticism to go over you, or seal you off creating angles to use with his back to the basket.  Yante so far has offers from Oakland, U of D, Kent State, and Eastern Michigan.

5. Isaac Bowles (Cass Tech/ Judges Court) 6’7″ 215 lbs- Simply put, a rebounding machine. Isaac, before transferring to Cass Tech the second semester from Cezar Chavez Academy, had 38 rebounds in a game, good enough to be put in the state record books.

6. Andre Frederick (Detroit Douglass/ Michigan Hurricanes) 6’7″- What stands out to me about Frederick’s game is that he is a very active defender with quick footwork that is used to block shots.  Even if you are a guard on the perimeter, you better watch out for Frederick.  Andre is very good around the basket finishing with either hand, and uses his big body to carve out space down low.  Andre has a couple MAC offers as of now.

Follow me on Twitter: @mdhsathletics

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Kyle Steward Picks Youngstown State

25 Apr

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Detroit Cass Tech 6’7″ forward Kyle Steward decided to commit to the Youngstown State this afternoon on the 25 of April, 2013.  Kyle was a transfer from Detroit Crockett last year after the school closed.  Instead of going to East English Village, Kyle decided to join fellow division one signees, DeAngelo Stewart and D’Andre Johnson, for his senior year in which the Technecians captured the PSL West division championship before bowing out to Pershing for the City Title.  Steward had a great season, averaging 14 points, eight rebounds and three assists per game

Kyle will be joining a 18-16 Penguin squad that finished 7-9 within the Horizon league and lost in the second round of the CIT Invitational.  Kyle had offers from various schools across the country, including Jacksonville (FL), Houston Baptist (TX), Rider (NJ), and Cleveland State in Ohio.  Kyle wanted to be a Penguin because “It was closer to home so all my family and friends could see me play.”

Other reasons why Kyle chose Youngstown is because of the connections he has within the coaching staff and the incoming recruiting class.  Steve Hall, an assistant on the team, attended Cass Tech in the late 80s before having a successful college career.  Including a couple stints in Detroit as a head high school coach.  “Coach Hall has been recruiting me since the 9th grade,” said Steward, who will have little difficulty moving into a college athlete.  To go along with a familiar coach, Steward will be joined by Romulus’ Jalon Plummer.  “Yeah that’s my guy,” Steward on Plummer, “I’ve known been knowing him basically forever.”  Steward will bring a long athletic frame, with the ability to guard multiple positions on the court, a tremendous rebounder, and a guy who can hit a perimeter shot or two.

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C/O 2014 Combo Guards To Watch Summer 2013

22 Apr

Juwan Clark 5’11 (Romulus High)– Brother of Missouri commit Wes Clark.  Juwan is a streaky jump shooter, but has a nice fluid release.  However, Juwan plays with a high basketball IQ, and is always looking to get others involved in the offense.  Sees the floor extremely well and has good anticipation when a teammate is getting open.  Is one big summer away from having an outstanding senior season. Highlight link

Darrell Davis 6’3″ (Detroit Douglass)– One of the most dynamic guards in the state.  Solid in the driving portion of his game and is in the stage of developing a consistent perimeter jump shot.  Once Davis gets his left hand as deadly as his right, it will be a hard thing to stop.  Plays with high emotion.  Already with offers from Iowa and Iowa State.  But the majority of his offers coming from mid-majors. Early season highlights

A.J. Turner 6’7″ (Warren De La Salle)– Long and lanky athletic guard that can shoot, take you off the dribble, break you down on the fast break.  No slouch making plays for his teammates, delivers passes where a teammate is in a position to do something productive.  Some people compare him to a Michael Carter-Williams.  Has many MAC offers but Big Ten schools are starting to show more interest. Highlights

Kenny Carpenter 6’4″ (Cass Tech)– A long combo guard, Kenny is a quick release spot up shooter on the wing with range to three-point land.  Finishes at the rim not going away from contact.  Has a nice floater while attacking the basket as well.  Link to highlights

Mike Laster 6’3″(Cass Tech)- Nice mid-ranger shooter that can create offense for himself off a high pick-and-roll.  Working on ball-handling and a go to offensive move will be keys for him this off-season.  Highlights

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