Tag Archives: Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Sam McClendon Commits to Grand Valley State

15 Jun

IMG_1027Sam McClendon did not take the easy route to Grand Valley State.  After a successful senior season at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, McClendon decided to attend Score Academy in Raleigh North Carolina.

How does it feel to commit to Grand Valley State?

Sam McClendon: It feels great. I couldn’t be more happy and confident about my decision. I’m just ready to get started with my teammates.

What was the coaches reaction when you told them?

Sam McClendon: They were pretty excited. After recruiting me for so long, I think they were pretty happy that they could get me.

Why is Grand Valley a good fit for you?

Sam McClendon: Mainly because of the academic and athletic success. You kind of get the best of both worlds when it comes to that which is very important to me.

What were some other schools recruiting you and why did you choose Grand Valley?

Sam McClendon: Southeastern Louisiana, Radford, UNC Wilmington, Tennessee State, Coastal Carolina. I mainly chose GVSU because of their great academic and athletic success. I also felt more wanted at GVSU which played a huge role because you don’t want to sign somewhere just because they have an extra scholarship.

How do the coaches plan to use you your first year there?

Sam McClendon: I think they plan for me to make an immediate impact with losing their starting PG last year. I’m just ready to come in with a positive attitude and do whatever it takes to bring a championship to GVSU.

Talk a little about your journey to Grand Valley, going to Prep School for a year?

Sam McClendon: Prep school was a great experience for me. It allowed me to really focus on improving different aspects of my game. I had a pretty good year at prep school and it also helped me to become a better leader with playing with players from several different countries.

Did you visit GVSU, what did you like about it? And do you know any of the players all ready there?

Sam McClendon: Yes, I liked the facilities and the campus. I also got along really well with my teammates. Coach Bauer and Coach Wesley really made me feel comfortable on my visit and that played a huge role. No, I didn’t know any of the players previously, but they all made me feel comfortable on my visit there. I got along with everyone and I think we have all the pieces it takes to be successful this upcoming year.

Who would you like to thank to most for getting you to where you are today?

Sam McClendon: My mom she was always there to support me throughout the highs and lows of my recruitment. She always gave me the advice that I needed and didn’t always tell me what I wanted to hear. My old coach growing up, Lima Pereira, really helped me out a lot with weighing the pros and cons of each school and picking the school that was the best fit for me. Lastly, Coach Bauer and Coach Wesley they have recruited me since my senior season at St. Mary’s. We have developed a pretty good relationship and I know we’ll continue to have that throughout my career at GVSU.

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Hidden Gem Ted McCree Talks Junior Season at St. Mary’s

17 Feb

VG OLSM_Lahser 4Many view Orchard Lake St. Mary’s as a football power within the State of Michigan.  However, the Eaglets have quite a winning tradition on the hardwood, with six Catholic League titles since the 1998-1999 season under dual football and basketball coach George Porritt, while producing notable players such as former Michigan State point guard Kalin Lucas.  The 2013-2014 St. Mary’s squad has had an up and down season thus far, but have the potential to make a long post-season run in the Class A state playoffs, and a key player in determining if St. Mary’s has a successful campaign will be junior 6’4′ shooting guard Ted McCree.

A versatile scorer and finisher on the offensive side of the floor who models his game after Kevin Durant, McCree in the midst of a break-out junior campaign.  Averaging about 23 points a game this season (for a club that scores 52 points a game), including a phenomenal 32 points against Brother Rice earlier in the year, and hauling down eight rebounds each game as well.  

“The season is going by so fast” McCree had to say.  “The regular season was a bit rough, but we are working to smooth the edges out and get the job done.”

The Class of 2015 in Michigan is full of guards and wings that have the ability to put the ball in the basket.  He says scoring the ball is his natural talent, but in order to distinguish himself from his competitors, Ted is aware that he must bring a variety of skills to the court in order to achieve success.

“I also like to get my team involved by getting assists,” McCree notes, “and I leave everything on the floor, I play every game like my last game.”

McCree does have an official college offer as of now, however, the St. Mary’s junior does have a list of schools that keep in contact with him regularly such as U of D Mercy, Akron, Florida International, Central Michigan, and Oakland.  While he is far from making a college decision, Ted does have a few qualities he will look for in a school that will be crucial when makes his college decision.

“Somewhere where I can go and play as soon as I get there, along with a great coaching staff, great teammates, and of course, the education is most important.”

Basketball does not end simply at the conclusion of the high school season for players anymore.  The first AAU tournaments of the season are only a few weeks after the high school season closes.  And while there is still much to play for in a St. Mary’s uniform, McCree is eager to reunite with his AAU program from last season, Detroit’s own The Family.  Ted is hopeful the upcoming AAU season will help boost his recruiting situation, but at the same time, is looking forward to playing with fellow notable juniors in the state.

“I will be looking forward to the Peach Jam Tournament,” Ted had to say, “because I missed that tourney last year.”  “I played with them (The Family) in Indiana, and I had fun playing with guys like Eric Davis and Bakari Evelyn.

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Sam McClendon’s Player Profile

15 Sep

images• Height, Weight, and position?

6’1. 185. Guard.

• High School, Summer team and Graduation Year?

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Class of 2013.  Score Academy (Post Grad).  Michigan Warriors.

• Players you try to model your game after?

Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Russell Westbrook

• Important Stats:

18 ppg, 7 rbg, 8 apg.

• Most memorable game in your career so far?

Regional championship games sophomore and junior year against Catholic Central.

• Colleges that you would like to attend?

Mid-major Division One.

• Colleges that have shown interest in you so far?

ECU, St. Bonaventure, Old Dominion, Southeast Missouri State, Grand Valley, LIU Brooklyn, Kent State, Bowling Green, CMU.. More to follow.

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

My size and strength helps out a lot. I’m a lot bigger than many guards that I play against and also my athleticism.

• Strengths and areas you are improving in?

I’m looking to get stronger, improve my ball handling, and develop a more consistent jumper.

• How did the offseason go?

What offseason?

• Goals for the upcoming season?

To gain more interests and offers. To  showcase my talent on a bigger stage.

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

A leader. Being a coach on the floor, scoring and getting teammates involved.

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

A hard worker.  Someone who is always looking to get better and make people around me better. An unselfish teammate who can help the team in any way needed.

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

Academics, past success, coaching staff, location.

• Most influential person in your life? Why?

My mother. She’s always been there for me through my highest and lowest points of my life.

• Legacy you want to leave at your school?

A phenomenal player and role model.

• Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

Playing professional basketball somewhere.

• Highlight Tape

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccoNudJTV1Y , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7koYM_Espo  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3arSH69DnIc

• Fun/ interesting fact about you?

I can’t think of anything.

• Awards, Accomplishments, other comments?

Back to Back All Catholic, 2nd Team All Area, 2nd Team All County, Back to Back Team MVP.

• Academic Information

3.4 GPA, 20 ACT

• Contact Information

248-875-3355

 

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Weekend Recap 5/6/13

6 May

It was a busy weekend this previous weekend as some of Michigan’s last few remaining  unsigned seniors decided on where they will be playing next year.

Sam McClendon 6’0″ Guard (Orchard Lake St. Mary’s)

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The Eaglet point guard received interest from low D1 and D2 schools before finally deciding on Mt. Zion Prep in Durham, North Carolina.  It came as a surprise to most because it looked as if Sam was going to decide on a four year school, which will have to wait another year.  Sam will bring toughness, and a floor general to Zion who could have a very good prep season next year.

Highlights

 

Clark Bishop 6’0″ Combo Guard (Detroit Renaissance)

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The 1,000 point career scorer held a few D2 offers before heading on a visit to Florida Atlantic last weekend.  And on that visit it was decided Clark will become an Owl.  Bishop will be reuniting with former AAU teammate and fellow Detroit Public School League standout, D’Andre Johnson, “It’s going to be a blast to play with my former teammate/high school rival,” Clark said of the duo reuniting.   Clark is a hard nosed defender on the defensive end, but can light you up on the offensive end as well.  Solid jump shot, finishes at the rim and very dangerous in transition are all skills Clark will be bringing to FAU.  “I picked FAU because of the coaching staff,” said Bishop, “Coach Jarvis really made me feel at home.”

Highlights

Jalen Adams 6’4″ Wing Guard (Saginaw Arthur Hill)

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When the opportunity to play D1, take it.  That is what St. Bonaventure commit Jalen Adams did this weekend when he committed to play for the Bonnies.  Similar to Clark, Jalen took a visit this weekend and fell in love with the school, “The environment and I connect with the players and the education,” were reasons for the commitment according to Jalen.  Adams is hands down one of the best and electrifying athletes in the state.  The guy is reported to have a 40 inch vertical allowing him to explode out of the gym.  Jalen uses that athleticism not only for dunks, but rebounds as well.  Don’t forget other aspects of his offensive game.  Jalen finishes at the rim and is not afraid of contact, and gets by defenders with a nice spin move.  Working on a consistent perimeter jump shot game will be a key for him this summer.  Adams told me that he expects to play more of a two guard role this coming season.

Highlights

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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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