High School Basketball Bulletin Archives

Going live

bankhoops@gmail.com — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:14:24 UTC

The NCAA's summer evaluation period kicks off Monday. Here is where coaches will be watching 17-under teams from Michigan.

Adidas It Takes Five-Cincinnati
Common Bond
Detroit Fire
Detroit Stars
Michigan Mustangs
REACH
Team Pride

Hoosier Shootout-Indianapolis
Ampd Athletics
ACB
Camp Darryl
Central All-Stars
Macomb County Cougars
OAA Select
Parallel 45
Roardrunners
Shoreline Hoops
TEAM Basketball

NY2LA Next Level Invitational-Milwaukee
Grand Rapids Storm-Martin
Grand Rapids Storm-Whymer

King James Summer Showcase-Akron
Showtime

Oakland gets top three targets under one roof

bankhoops@gmail.com — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 01:34:06 UTC

Oakland University's three-day team camp concluded Sunday. At the center of the Grizzlies coaches' attention on the final day were two of its main recruiting targets, 6-foot-7 senior Cole Darling of Holt and 6-10 Corey Petros of Utica Eisenhower both played well and justified the attention, and the third of OU's top three recruits, 5-6 Arthur Hill senior Maurice Jones, also played in Rochester over the weekend.

Petros, the state's No. 2 senior center, out-played No. 1 Alex Gauna, a 6-9 MSU commitment from Eaton Rapids, on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, Darling, who had gone up against Petros on Saturday, was showing the skills and motor that make him one of the state's most gifted all-around players. He's always around the ball, and does so much to make his team better. Holt, with Darling, 6-4 senior Albion transfer Justin Edmonds and much-improved senior point guard Donlunto Jackson, looks like a championship contending team in Class A.

Darling of the U-M elite camp

bankhoops@gmail.com — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:20:18 UTC

The in-state player who helped himself the most at Michigan's Elite camp was Cole Darling, a 6-foot-7 senior from Holt. He's built like a wing, and showed that he can play the position with the way he handled the ball in the open floor, maneuvered through traffic with dribble moves, and hit shots from all over the court. He's a wiry strong defender, a team player, and it would be no surprise if the first-team Class A all-stater earns a Michigan offer.

Other standouts from the U-M camp
Lee Bailey 5-11 Jr Birmingham Country Day
Urban Bingham 6-7 Jr Birmingham Country Day
Josh Herbeck 6-3 Jr Ann Arbor Richard
Matt Kamieniecki 6-7 Sr Clarkston
Brandan Kearney 6-5 Jr Detroit Southeastern (though transferring)
Ray Lee 6-2 So Dearborn Heights Robichaud
Patrick Lucas-Perry 5-10 Jr Flint Powers
Roy Marble Jr. 6-5 Sr Southfield-Lathrup
Marlin Mason 6-5 Jr Detroit Cass Tech
Kellen McCormick 6-4 So Pontiac Notre Dame
Trey McDonald 6-9 Jr Battle Creek Central
Sultan Muhammad 6-1 Sr Grand Rapids Catholic Central
Devin Oliver 6-5 Sr Kalamazoo Central
Walter Pitchford 6-9 Sr Forest Hills Central
Julian Plummer 6-5 Sr Muskegon Heights
Sean Sheldon 6-8 So Traverse City St. Francis
Latwan Wesley 6-4 Sr Ypsilanti Lincoln

Get your basketball fix

bankhoops@gmail.com — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:44:07 UTC

There's always a step down in quality play when you go from AAU teams peaking at the end of May, to high school teams feeling themselves out to start June. But now they've got their legs, and some good ball should ensue this weekend.

It starts Thursday evening at Michigan, with U-M's elite camp, featuring some of the state's top prospects as well as Wolverine targets from across the country. It continues Friday, then U-M's team shootout is Saturday.

CMU's shootout is Friday and Saturday, featuring teams like Saginaw, Saginaw Arthur Hill, Mount Pleasant, East Grand Rapids and Bridgeport, as well as two teams that could contend in Class C, Suttons Bay and Traverse City St. Francis.

Oakland's team camp runs Friday-Saturday-Sunday, and as usual features many of the top teams in metro Detroit, like Country Day, Detroit Community, De La Salle and Roseville, as well as Flint Powers, Rockford, Holt and Saginaw Arthur Hill.

Prospects emerge at CMU, U-of-D camps

bankhoops@gmail.com — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 03:38:18 UTC

At Central Michigan University's position camp this past weekend, and the University of Detroit's elite prospect camp this week, there were a number of college prospects, established and emerging.

At CMU, three guys solidified their spots on the D2 recruiting radar. 6-foot-6 Western Michigan Christian senior Evan Bruinsma is long, wiry and versatile. If he played with more of an edge, all the time, he'd really be tough. 6-4 Bloomfield Hills Lahser senior Josh Lyle has the body of a player, and takes advantage of it as a slashing scorer. Needs to work on his shot and defensive effort. 5-11 South Haven senior Michael Walker picked up where he left off with Camp Darryl this spring, playing hard all the time and when you're as good an athlete as he is, the results are nice.

The following in-state D1 prospects were at U-of-D
Lee Bailey 5-11 Jr Birmingham Country Day
Will Bowles 6-7 Sr St. Clair Shores South Lake
Deon Butler 6-3 Jr Inkster
Bryan Coleman 6-6 Sr Southfield-Lathrup
Brandon Crane 7-0 Sr Midland
Derrick Davis 6-3 Sr Bridgeport
Chris Fowler 6-1 Jr Birmingham Country Day
Percy Gibson 6-8 Sr Detroit Southeastern
Javontae Hawkins 6-4 So Flint Beecher
LaDontae Henton 6-6 Jr Lansing Eastern
Juwan Howard Jr. 6-6 Sr Detroit Pershing
Patrick Lucas-Perry 5-10 Jr Flint Powers
AJ Mathew 6-3 Jr Ann Arbor Huron
Ray McCallum Jr. 6-1 Sr Birmingham Country Day
Demarco Sanders 6-1 Sr Flint Powers
Austin Semple 6-6 Sr Zeeland West
Amir Williams 6-10 Jr Birmingham Country Day

Staton commits

bankhoops@gmail.com — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:32:45 UTC

The only one of the top 25 2009 players who hadn't sign is now off the board. Thomas Staton, the versatile 6-foot-5 wing from Clarkston, will be playing at Gardner-Webb, a D1 school in North Carolina.

Also off Clarkston's Class A semifinalist team, 6-4 Brandon Pokley signed with Western Michigan, and 6-7 rising senior Matt Kamieniecki is currently visiting Dayton.

Whitney Young wins somber Izzo Shootout

bankhoops@gmail.com — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 05:55:43 UTC

Defending Class A state champion Detroit Pershing couldn't again conjure its Breslin Center good karma, and lost in the final of the Izzo Shootout elimination marathon to Whitney Young out of Chicago. Would've been nice to have Derrick Nix in this one.

Regardless the winner, it was difficult for anyone to find much rooting spirit given the tragic news of the previous night, that Dorian Dawkins, the rising freshman point guard and son of Saginaw coach Lou Dawkins, had died after a cardiac incident in his Friday night game. Dawkins was already a highly regarded player, and given Coach Dawkins' reach in prep basketball circles, there was a pall on what is typically one of the most enjoyable events of the summer.

Nevertheless, some of the state's best teams and players, as usual, were present.

Izzo Shootout standout performers
Keith Appling 6-1 Sr Detroit Pershing
Trey Babers 6-4 Jr Saginaw
Lanier Brown 6-5 Sr Detroit Cass Tech
Anthony Cannon 6-3 Sr Detroit King
Dan Chilcote 6-7 Jr Jackson Lumen Christi
Cole Darling 6-7 Sr Holt
Alex Gauna 6-9 Sr Grand Ledge
Josh Herbeck 6-3 Sr Ann Arbor Richard
Jon Horford 6-9 Sr Grand Ledge
Juwan Howard Jr. 6-6 Sr Detroit Pershing
Patrick Lucas-Perry 5-10 Jr Flint Powers
Ryan Majerle 6-3 Jr Rockford
Trey McDonald 6-9 Jr Battle Creek Central
Devin Oliver 6-5 Sr Kalamazoo Central
Matt Poches 6-2 Jr Hartland
Isaiah Sykes 6-5 Sr Detroit Community
Grant Tracy 5-9 Sr Petoskey
Alex Williams 6-4 Jr Benton Harbor

Guards break out from Showdown in the Valley

bankhoops@gmail.com — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 06:46:01 UTC

It was quality over quantity at the inaugural Showdown in the Valley, where Team Detroit beat Team Pride for the 17-under title. High-major talent was in abundance, including some bigs, but look closer to the floor to find some guys who really made their names, all guards.

Dwaun Anderson, a 6-foot-3 junior from Suttons Bay, had the proverbial breakout game, taking advantage of what AAU ball is designed for in Parallel 45's overtime loss to Team Detroit -- he met the larger basketball world, and it was good. This was the only game he's ever played with the 17-under team, and now he's featured on Rivals after an inspired duel with Trey Zeigler, one ultimately won by Zeigler, barely, leaving the gym buzzing. Anderson is simply the state's most talented guard in 2011, his game parts Ramar Smith, Eric Devendorf and Leon Freeman.

Another Parellel 45 guard is featured on Spartan Magazine's website, thanks to that same Team Detroit game, 5-11 St. Ignace junior Gerrit Mortensen. He's become a pass-first point guard, but had to score and came up big with a high-percentage three-point shot as well as old-fashioned three-point plays thanks to his combination of strength and quickness.

As good as Mortsensen played, he didn't have the quickness to keep up with 5-9 Flint Northern sophomore Shaquille Smith in Team Pride's elimination win. But there's not shame there, this kid is shockingly good getting to the rack. Smith needs to improve as a passer and shooter, which is saying something considering he's a point guard -- but just imagine how storng that driving ability is if he lacks the other, but is still one of the best guards in the state.

Another little sophomore guard who was just terrific was 5-9 George Goodman from Saginaw buena Vista,playing for Camp Jordan. He has a sweet shot from various points, and the ability to create and get it off. Comfortable but assertive with the ball. Doesn't get phased with his decision-making.

Unsigned hype

bankhoops@gmail.com — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:10:52 UTC

Here are the best remaining graduating seniors who have not, to my knowledge, signed or committed.

Thomas Staton 6-5 Clarkston
Shane Moreland 6-1 Flint Powers
Kimani Boynton 6-1 Detroit Southeastern
Sam Burton 6-1 Oak Park
Michael Hollingsworth 6-1 Utica
Nate Duhon 6-2 Lansing Sexton
Karriem Baker 6-6 Detroit Henry Ford
Quinn Woodhouse 6-4 Gaylord
Damon Johnson 6-7 Detroit Cody
Ken Brown 6-2 Farmington Hills Harrison
Vonn Jones 5-10 Hartland
Jeff Hines 6-4 Auburn Hills Avondale
Christian Moon 6-1 Taylor Truman
Brandyn Mungo 6-4 Detroit Renaissance

Common Bond, Team Pride make Border Battle finals

bankhoops@gmail.com — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:49:40 UTC

In the relatively bustling city of Toledo, two Michigan teams represented the Northern neighbor all the way to the gold division finals of the inaugural IPS Border Battle.

At 16-under, Common Bond ran into the best player in the tournament regardless of age, 6-foot-7 soph Anton Grady from state champion Cleveland Catholic, and his Friends For Life team beat CB 56-40. Common Bond had a quality win over a big, strong West Virginia Wildcats team in the semis. That game 6-3 A-A Huron sophomore AJ Mathew played as much pure 2 as I've seen, and was really hot from three-point range, and countered with quick and strong moves to the basket.

In 15s, Team Pride -- GR Storm Classic champion and Adidas May Classic runner-up -- again staked claim as one of the top young teams in the Midwest, losing by two in OT to All-Ohio Red 69-67. Pride missed its shot with 22 seconds to go, and All-Ohio made its buzzer attempt. Team Pride's 5-10 point guard Dorian Dawkins, an eighth-grader headed to one would assume Saginaw High given his dad is Trojans coach Lou Dawkins, played a smart and steady playmaking role for much of the tournament. But in the final he scored 28 in the championship game, and got big play inside from 6-8 Bay City Western freshman Matt Costello. Costello's lankiness and skill level scream potential. 6-3 freshman Anton Wilson from Carman-Ainsworth has a promising combination of athleticism and moves, while 6-4 Flint Hamady freshman Quinn Langston produces with hustle plays. Team Pride's best player is actually from Ohio, 6-6 Kenny Kaminski.

CMU, Concordia bolster backcourts

bankhoops@gmail.com — Thu, 28 May 2009 17:11:30 UTC

Joe Estrada, a 6-foot-3 senior combo guard from Grand Ledge, has committed to Central Michigan as a preferred walk-on. He has the size and athleticism to play eventually. CMU's starting point guard, Robbie Harman, is a former walk-on himself.

Concordia added two guards in 5-9 Fernando Hernandez from Melvindale and 6-3 Thomas Parrish from Charlevoix. Hernandez is a true pass-first, playmaking point guard, while Parrish has point guard skills and the length to play the 2 once he adds strength.

Oakland cashes in with Lansing area, again

bankhoops@gmail.com — Sat, 23 May 2009 00:01:44 UTC

The Lansing area has been kind to Oakland the last few years, with Grizzlies standouts Johnathan Jones, Derrick Nelson and Erik Kangas all hailing from various Mid-Michigan locales. Oakland has another, with the signing of Lansing State Journal player of the year Travis Bader, a 6-4 deluxe shooter from Okemos.

Bader averaged 20.5 points a game for Okemos, a top 20 Class A team, which pristine percentage numbers from all thee areas. He was ranked No. 29 overall in the 2009 class by Bankhoops.com, and was the No. 2 unsigned senior, behind Clarkston's Thomas Staton. While Kangas comparisons may ensue, in terms of talent and impact, Bader's probably more in line with Brandon Cassise.

Mott lands big-time in-state recruit

bankhoops@gmail.com — Thu, 21 May 2009 22:41:40 UTC

With three promising in-state guards already in the truck, Mott looked towards its frontcourt with the 2009 recruiting class. All the Bears have done is ink the state's best unsigned senior, 6-foot-5 Doug Anderson from Class A state runner-up Kalamazoo Central. Anderson may be the most amazing dunker ever in the Michigan High School ranks. With work, lots of it, he could become an NBA prospect.

Mott's contingent of backcourt signees consists of Demetrius Miller of Flint Central, Marshawn Norris of Napoleon and Walter Trouser of Flint Northwestern.

Another Michigan guard going the state juco route is Marquette's Brian Carter, who recently signed with Jackson CC.

'Spoon dishes it out, and takes it

bankhoops@gmail.com — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:45:42 UTC

For Josh Weatherspoon, a junior forward from Holland, the AAU season got off to a lousy start when his two front teeth were knocked out in the Grand Rapids Storm tournament. He's moved on, though, as his West Michigan Lakers squad has won 13 straight and got their second 17-under championship in as many weekends, beating the host team in the final of the Camp Darryl/Bankhoops.com Saturday at Western Michigan University. Weatherspoon was the MVP.

Bank Hoops, May 18: He's short for the post, but not undersized with his strength, motor, toughness and will on the glass. He was very good the week before against the Storm's large, agile, versatile and talented frontline. In Kalamazoo, Weatherspoon kicked the butt of every post he saw. In various ways, (large build, long arms, post scoring efficiency, storng fundamentals) Weatherspoon's game is reminiscent of recent Westside stars like Justin Keenan (Ottawa Hills/Ferris State), Matt Kinghott (Zeeland West/Cornerstone) and even a fellow Hollander and original Laker, Michael Hall (Grand Valley State). Not from West Michigan, but MIAA fans think Brandon Crawford. Could see a MAC team taking a chance, though, for a coach that wants toughness and a winner.

Lakers end Storm's amazing run

bankhoops@gmail.com — Mon, 11 May 2009 02:39:54 UTC

TEAM Basketball drew first blood from the Grand Rapids Storm, losing . Then the West Michigan Lakers gutted the Westside power in the final of the former's own tournament, playing with a double-digit lead from the opening minutes. The final was 69-59.

When clicking, the Storm aren't that far off being a top 10 team in the Midwest, with wins over the King James Shooting Stars and Derrick Rose All-Stars. There are for sure two, and if everything were to align right possibly five, D1 prospects on the team. But effort and guard play have been erratic, leaving the Storm vulnerable deep in this tournament.

I believe the last time the Storm won in the 17-under championship of the Big 3 West Michigan tournaments -- Storm, Lakers and Camp Darryl/Banhoops.com -- was to the Lakers 2007 in Grand Rapids. Lakers have often played 'em close, though, including as recently as the semis of the Storm's April tournament.

The Lakers took their lumps last weekend with an impossible schedule at the Spiece Run-N-Slam, but endured and looked the better for it, as there are some tough kids on this team. Must have won 75 percent of the hustle plays in the final. Playing well for the Lakers were 6-foot-5 Holland junior Josh Weatherspoon and his new grill, out-working 6-8 Storm star Colin Voss and playing him to a draw and maybe reminding him of the Dutch's win over EGR this past winter; 5-10 Wayland junior Wes Hudson, who hit and NBA-range 3; 5-6 Hudsonville junior Anthony Allen, the team leader at point and recepient of the Mother's Day afternoon crowd's loudest in-game cheer, after he blocked a shot (can't wait to see how he'll thrive under new Hudsonville coach Eric Elliott); 6-8 Hudsonville junior Austin Elling who got the Lakers rolling early with two quick buckets over the Storm's big frontline. 6-7 Sparta junior Jacob Plite, probably WML's best player and a matchup nightmare as sixth man; 6-6 Zeeland West junior Austin Semple, who has a strong and long first step and some tenacity as a finisher; 6-10 Zeeland West junior Shane Tiemeyer who allowed the Lakers do what few teams can, match the Storm's size off the bench; 6-3 West Ottawa junior Grant Neil, a tough defender now showing his offensive potential at his natural perimeter spot; 5-11 Allendale junior Brandon Venturini, one of the most dangerous shooters in West Michigan when he's on; and 6-2 Holland junior Taylor DeRoo, a solid all-around player who hit a big shot of his own in the championship game.