On behalf of Detroit Westside Christian head coach Greg Boler, The Prep Ball Report would like to thank all schools, players, coaches, parents, and fans who participated in the first annual Coaches Against Violence Invitational. We would also like to send kind regards to our gracious hosts, Southfield Bradford Academy. From 12 AM to 10 PM, five competitive games were played and accounted for a tremendous post-holiday basketball showcase atmosphere. The defending Class C state champions made an appearance, and a new member of the 1,000 point club was admitted.
Game Results
Detroit Public Safety 38 Taylor Prep 19 (Girls)
Detroit Public Safety 62 Taylor Prep 29
Detroit Collegiate Prep-Northwestern 65 Southfield Bradford 49
Detroit Consortium 59 Farmington 49
Detroit Allen Academy 92 Detroit Westside Christian 68
Storylines:
Guards, guards, and more guards.
On the day, the Coaches Against Violence Invitational witnessed three stellar performances by guards from the City of Detroit.
The four o’clock game featured a breakout performance from Northwestern junior guard Terrance Sewell (pictured left). Sewell stands 6’3,”and already has the presence and build of a college level athlete. Terrance was not hesitant when he received a pass, he took the ball straight to the rim and finished strong with defenders repeatedly draped on him. His points either came within five feet of the basket or at the free-throw line. Yet, Sewell not once committed a charge or offensive turnover, he knows when to attack and read situations. Sewell also had the highlight of the event, a flying alley-oop which brought the fans to their feet. Sewell accumulated a game high 25 points, and nine rebounds. Defended both forwards and guards efficiently throughout the day.
In the night cap of the day, fans were treated to an entertaining showdown between two of Detroit’s best point guards, Allen Academy’s Jason Williams and Westside Christian’s DeShawn Brocks (pictured top first). For Brocks, he needed only 25 points to become a 1,000 point career scorer, and he exceeded that margin, pouring in a team high 38 points. He’s a lefty, shifty, quick yet strong ball handler, and shot creator for himself anywhere on the court. Brocks drew fouls in the paint, converted on high-difficulty isolation midrange pull-ups, and hit three threes on the day.
His counterpart, Williams (pictured left), matched his former AAU teammate with 38 points, but contributed eight rebounds, and five assists. In a span of 4:30 seconds left, Williams scored a total of 15 points, and 27 overall in the second half. Williams’ offensive game is centered around his quick first step, creating separation from defenders and getting in the paint. Many of his points came from the mid-range department, floaters, and runners. On the defensive side of the floor, however, Williams has quick hands that allow him to force turnovers, six of them on the night.
Consortium Shows Toughness In Tough Victory
The defending Class C state champions have had to adjust to two changes from a year ago, the departure of Josh Jackson, and a transition from Class C to B. Yet, the Cougars find themselves with a 6-2 record with their two losses against Class A top 25 teams U of D Jesuit and Rochester Adams.
In the Cougars’ latest victory, Consortium trailed throughout much of the game against Farmington. Coach Tobias Tuomi found his spark in 6’0″ senior Larry Williams. Williams erupted for ten second half points and five within the final 4:39 seconds of the fourth to give the Cougars the separation needed to win an old-fashioned slug out.
Fellow senior Mykel Tyson (pictured) was also effective for the Cougars. Tyson’s first basket didn’t come until deep in the second quarter, but somehow and someway, Mykel managed to finish with a team high 16 points and six rebounds, including the go-ahead score midway through the fourth. Tyson is currently one of Michigan’s best remaining low-post senior options.
Junior point guard Charles Figueroa connected on four free throws to end hopes of a Falcon comeback.
Public Safety Shows Promise In Onslaught Of Taylor Prep
Detroit Public Safety is in their second season of varsity competition. The Class D charter school sits in the city’s historic Corktown neighborhood, with an enrollment of barely 150. With no senior on the roster, let alone a senior class in the school, the Eagles are a primarily a sophomore/junior laden team. 6’0″ junior shooting guard DeMario Sanders led the Eagles with 18 points, including three threes. 6’4″ sophomore guard Michael Smith had been averaging double figure scoring totals in games prior, but recorded only eight points. Regardless, Smith found other ways to succeed. He’s long, lanky, and a reliable facilitator with size for the position. Smith corralled a team high 12 rebounds, assisted on four scores, and stole three Tiger passes.
DPSA had at least six players score six points. Aside from Smith, the most complete stat line went to Eddie Rhodes, a 6’4″ powerfully built junior. Rhodes tallied six points, 11 rebounds, three blocks, three steals, and two assists.
DPSA will not be eligible for playoff contention in 2014-2015. However, with a young nucleus that will have played with each other for at least three years, the Eagles are a program to take notice next year and in the future of Detroit city basketball.
Other Individual Standouts On The Day
Jordan Graham (pictured) 6’4″ guard Farmington- Smooth and skilled wing. Gets to the basket off the bounce, and solid mid-range game. Promising defender. Scored 14 points, and recorded seven rebounds.
Jawan Snoddy 6’3″ guard Allen Academy- Snoddy had arguably the best game he played all year for the Wildcats, with 15 points, and nine rebounds. Often the tallest player on the court for Allen, it will be interesting to see when Snoody transitions to his more natural position of wing when 6’7″ junior Danny Pippen returns from injury.
Kylard Shipp guard Northwestern
Marvin Stewart guard Westside Christian
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