Coach Majerle

Coach DeKuiper

Coach Long

Coach Ouellette
VARSITY ROSTER
#
Player
Class
Ht
3
Josh Rauser
12
6.3
4
Kyle Mahoney
12
6.3
5
Zach VanSetters
12
6.1
10
Kyle Karasiewicz
11
6.0
12
Mark Russell
12
6.1
14
Nick Wendling
11
5.11
20
Seth Powell
12
5.10
22
Bryan Pasciak
10
6.2
30
Chris Haines
12
6.0
32
Mitchell Briggs
9
6.3
40
Ryan DeHaan
12
6.4
44
Bryan Anderson
12
6.5

JV ROSTER
#
Player
Ht
3
Jacob Steinebach
6.1
4
Jeffrey Henry
5.11
5
Sam Bogart
6.5
10
Taylor Shellen
5.10
12
Dan McMacken
5.7
14
Kyle Schuiterman
6.2
20
Mark Grinzinger
5.10
22
Jimmy Moerdyk
6.3
24
Jeremy Jones
5.9
30
Casey Doyle
6.3
34
Luke Gladstone
6.1
40
Derek Brower
6.3
42
Nicholas Perry
6.5


FROSH ROSTER
#
Player
10
Donny Schaner
12
Justin Bruin
14
Alex Caurdy
22
Derek Beemer
24
Kyle Cushman
32
Robert Banaszak
34
Ryan Egnatuk
40
Greg Farmer
42
Kyle Wendling
44
Andy Wilburn
50
Spencer Masiewicz
52
Zach Finlayson
54
Sam Waite

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Watch out for cats from Benton Harbor
Preseason No. 1 Tigers look ready to go back on prowl
December 3, 2004
BY MICK McCABE
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

(Season opens next week. All players seniors unless noted; 2003-04 records in parentheses.)
1. Benton Harbor (19-4). Four starters return from last year, when the Tigers lost an overtime regional final at the buzzer to eventual Class A champion Lansing Everett. Wilson Chandler, a 6-foot-7 forward who signed with DePaul, could be the premier player in the state as Benton Harbor aims to reach the state finals for the first time in 12 years. Rodney Alexander, 6-5, is rugged inside and will be the main post player. Justin Webb is a streaky shooter who also scores on drives to the basket. Larry Edwards, a heady point guard, is another three-year varsity player. Jay McCree will be the Tigers' top perimeter shooter. Joique Bell will be the team's top defender and an important jack-of-all-trades.

2. Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills (19-4). The Indians' overall quickness and solid defense could make them the top team in Grand Rapids and a contender in Class A. Jakari Johnson, who averaged 12 points last season, has improved his ballhandling and shooting. Terry Walker, 6-8, plays excellent post defense and is an intimidating shot blocker. Keven Welch, 6-6, will add rebounding and score around the basket. Paul and Saiquan Griffith transferred from East Kentwood and will add more depth. Paul can play either forward spot. Saiquan, a junior, can run the point.

3. Detroit King (18-6). Junior point guard Ramar Smith has been one of the top players in his class since he was a freshman. He will be surrounded by good size, for a change. Sheldon Lewis, 6-8, junior Deante Burgess, 6-7, and Derrick Taylor, 6-7, will form an overpowering front line. Lewis has improved greatly. Mike Tilmon, 6-5, can play inside and set killer screens. Junior Donte Sisk, 6-5, can run the point and will team with Smith in a big backcourt. Curtis Stephens will help at either guard spot.

4. Grand Blanc (19-4). This squad has a nice blend of youth and experience. Junior K'Len Morris, 6-5, has committed to Michigan and is ready to have a sensational season. He averaged 13.5 points as a sophomore. Morris' game will be helped by the presence of 6-9 Zach Gibson (13 points, 10 rebounds), who signed with Rutgers and can dominate in the post. When those two get it going, look for a breakout season from shooting guard Desmond Young (12.5 points), a four-year varsity player. Junior Erik Tucker does an excellent job distributing the ball and is a hard-nosed defender. Junior Lance Smith can also play the point and is the team's defensive stopper.

5. Detroit Pershing (11-12). Look for big improvement from the Doughboys. Junior Deshawn Sims, 6-8, averaged a double-double last year and is one of the top recruits in the country. Combo guard Andre Ricks (Western Michigan) averaged 17 points in the second half of last season. Jabari Currie (DePaul), 6-4, averaged 18 points and can play a variety of spots. William Cooper, 6-5, jumps well and is a shot blocker. Junior Kenyawn Patterson was a spot player last season and will add depth in the backcourt.

6. Detroit Rogers (22-6). A three-peat in Class D is possible for Rogers. Jalon Perryman, who averaged 20 points and 7.0 rebounds last season, will be the go-to scorer. Brian Watkins is the team's best perimeter shooter in years. The 6-9 Brandon Bryant (Weber State) is slight of build but a solid rebounder. Junior Carlos Raymore, 6-4, will help with rebounding and hit the mid-range jumper. Rodney Legion will add inside strength. Darryl Clements, 6-5, a transfer from Harper Woods Notre Dame, will run the point. The backup will be freshman Eric Evans, who distributes the ball like a veteran.

7. Saginaw (17-5). Legendary coach Marshall Thomas has stepped down, and former Saginaw all-stater Lou Dawkins has taken over a team that blends youth with experience. Junior Larry Wright, a transfer from Louisiana, will turn a lot of heads. Sophomore Joshua Southern, 6-8, will be a strong presence in the post. Emmanuel Southern, 6-4, is a powerful inside player. Twins Jamal and Jamar Hibler will play the guard spots. They are extremely quick and tenacious defensive players. Robert McDuffy is one of the top perimeter shooters in the state.

8. Detroit DePorres (16-7). Look for the Eagles to get back in the mix for the Class C state title. The 6-6 Lionel Sullivan (Bowling Green) can be a dominant player in the Catholic League. The 6-7 Chris Baugh (Jacksonville State) will be the main scoring threat in the post and an outstanding defender. Sophomore Durrell Summers, 6-4, can shoot from the wing. David Grimes, who signed with Notre Dame for football, will be a fine point guard. Larenta Showver and DaZaro Zeigler are the off-guards. Michael Hairston, 6-4, will bring energy off the bench. Junior Perron Lake is an effective backup at the point. Sophomore Taurian Washington will fill in on the wing.

9. Belleville (19-6). Only one starter returns from last year's Class A quarterfinal team, but he is quite a player: 6-4 junior Leon Freeman. Isaac Kindell played quality minutes last year and adds toughness. Josh Samarco is a fine three-point shooter. Junior Tommy Clarke, 6-4, will play both forward spots and shooting guard. Three transfers could get the Tigers back to the quarters, but they might not be able to contribute until the second semester. The 6-6 junior Michael Gibson (Country Day) will provide strength in the middle. The 6-5 DeMarcus Boone (Willow Run) will help at both forward positions. Anre Partee (Romulus) is a solid point guard.

10. Saginaw Arthur Hill (22-2). This will be one of the youngest teams in the state, but it is talented. The Hillites also don't have much size, but will run and press with their deep bench. Darquavis Tucker, 6-5, is one of the top sophomores in the state. He finds ways to get to the basket and is a good passer. So is his brother Ed, a junior who can play either guard spot. Their cousin, sophomore Tommy Pratter, can play inside and on the perimeter. Junior Greg Lawson played quality minutes at the point off the bench last season. Eddie Ramos, 6-6, is not a power player, but he is a fine rebounder and has a soft touch. Juniors DeMarcus Carroll and Craig Meredith add depth at the wings.

11. Detroit Redford (21-3). The Class A semifinalists lost junior Ramon Pettus to ACL surgery on Nov. 10. He is out for the season. But the Huskies still have solid talent, led by 6-8 Brandon Wolfe and his brother DeShaun, a 6-6 junior who will play inside and on the perimeter. Junior Jerome Hutchins will play all three perimeter spots. Sophomore Copryale Harris will run the point and is in for a big season. Sophomore Jerome Tyson can play either guard spot. Freshman Terrance Hopkins, 6-3, could start at small forward.

12. Muskegon Heights (25-2). A return to the Class B semifinals is possible for the Tigers, who should have an excellent perimeter game with these players: Arien McDaniel, who averaged 10 points off the bench last season; Anthony Sydnor, another three-year varsity player; and sophomore David Fox. Junior Edward Sanders, 6-8, made meaningful contributions as last season progressed and could be a dominating force this year. Lou Williams, 6-6, will help inside with the rebounding and can score from the outside.

13. Detroit Southeastern (11-10). This is a young team, but all of the key contributors gained valuable experience last season. Junior Eulis Stephens (16.7 points) is a leaper who scores on pull-up jumpers. Junior point guard Willie Mustin (15.3 points) has no difficulty scoring. Dennis Anderson, 6-5, is a power player inside. Junior Thomas Kennedy, 6-6, will be the main low-post scorer. Tristian Stringer is athletic and the best defender on a defensive-minded team.

14. Ypsilanti (12-13). Junior C.J. Simmons and Josh Young both averaged 16 points as perimeter players last season. Junior Woody Payne, a transfer from Inkster, is a top-notch point guard. Sophomore L.J. Frazier will provide depth at the point. Manny Richardson and Ababacar Ndoye, both 6-7, will be the main rebounders and low-post scorers. Junior Antonio Pharam and Charles White are capable of playing on the perimeter or helping inside.

15. Detroit Murray-Wright (16-2). The offense will revolve around 6-9 Anthony Sparks, a power player deluxe who will be a factor for the fourth year. Other than Sparks and 6-5 defensive stopper Terrance Watson, the Pilots will be small. Carlos Medlock will add scoring from the perimeter. Andre Washington is another quick guard. The Pilots also will rely on a pair of sophomore guards -- Reginald Cooper and Chris Davis.

16. Warren De La Salle (17-7). This team could contend for the Catholic League championship and make a long tournament run in Class A. Keith MacKenzie is a terrific shooter. John Novak can score on post moves and from three-point range. Each averaged 16 points a game last season. The 6-4 junior Cecil St. Pierre and 6-5 sophomore Andrew Tines will provide solid inside play. Jake Jakubek will swing between guard and forward and be quick to the basket. The Pilots will go eight deep. Mike Rak, sophomore Dan Fowler and Matt Lipari will all rotate in at guard spots.

17. Okemos (15-6). This could be the best team in the Lansing area. Junior guard Johnathon Jones is coming off a sensational season in which he averaged 17 points. Drew Yancey, 6-7, has inside and outside games and will be the team's top rebounder. This is only the third year Peter Sauer, 6-6, has played basketball, but he goes to the boards well and blocks shots. Sophomore Dennis Means, 6-6, will help the inside scoring, but he can also face the basket and score. The other perimeter spots will be handled by committee.

18. Ann Arbor Pioneer (17-4). Eleven players return from an outstanding team. Ladel Harris can play any of the three perimeter positions. Mike Thurmon, 6-4, and Tom Coffee, 6-6, will provide most of the inside scoring and rebounding. Junior Jimmy Boone is one of the state's top perimeter shooters. London Kelley returns at the point and will direct a well-balanced team that will run and press.

19. Flint Southwestern Academy (8-13). Look for big improvement in this team, led by 6-6 junior Quintin Woods, who has excellent hands and will solidify the middle. Thad McFadden, a transfer from Flint Central, is a scorer who will bring energy to the team. Juniors Adrien Allen and Alex Hamo transferred from Flint Powers and can play either guard spot. Junior Emanuel Sledge, 6-5, will be the team's top outside shooter. Karlos Freeman returns to run the point.

20. Birmingham Detroit Country Day (14-8). This young team has some talented underclassmen. The 6-6 junior Omar Thomas and 6-4 sophomore Alex Legion are among the best players in the state in their classes. Thomas averaged 16.3 points last season, Legion 13. Mark Coury, 6-8, will demand attention in the post, where he is an effective scorer with either hand. Junior E.J. Whitlow is a hard-nosed player who will do all of the dirty work. Sophomore Darryl Nobles will take over at the point after serving as backup a year ago.

21. Saginaw Buena Vista (21-5). The defending Class C state champion will be in the running for a repeat performance. Junior guard Tory Jackson, one of the state's best players, will make the offense go with his scoring and passing. He averaged 23.5 points last season. Junior David Richmond, BV's second-leading scorer last season at 14 points, will play a wing position and help with the rebounding. Charles Watson can be a power player in the paint. Junior Kadeem Green will add scoring off the bench.

22. Grosse Pointe North (21-3). This should be the top team on the east side. Mike Bramos (Miami of Ohio) is an excellent all-around player, and 6-6 David Klein has developed into a low-post scoring threat. Marcell Maxwell, 6-3, jumps well and can score inside, but he also has improved his ballhandling. Henry McCain adds a physical presence and can also hit the three. Andy Bennett and junior Jacob Bloomhuff will play the point. Alex Sultan is the team's most reliable three-point shooter.

23. Flint Carman-Ainsworth (22-6). The Cavaliers are longshots to advance to their third straight Class A state championship game, but they will be good. Keon Sauls will be a scoring threat inside and from the perimeter. Otis Wiley will take on more of a scoring role this season and continue to be a topflight defender. His improved ballhandling will allow him to play guard. Tramonta Isom is a speedy point guard who penetrates and passes well. Jewan Manuel is the team's utility man. He will rebound, score around the basket and fill a lane on the fast break.

24. Detroit Renaissance (27-0). Anyone who thought Renaissance would disappear after Malik Hairston and Joe Crawford graduated is sadly mistaken. The 6-6 Carson Butler (who committed to Michigan for football) will be an effective scorer inside and on the perimeter. Junior Tajuan Porter, the team's most experienced player, will run the point. Terry Shelton, a three-year veteran, will be the off guard. The Phoenix will go as far as three unusually talented freshmen will take them: 6-3 Paul Williams, 6-3 Stacey Waters and 6-7 Christopher Clarke.

25. Flint Powers (18-6). The Chargers don't have a lot of experience, but with 7-foot junior Tom Herzog in the middle they are going to be good. As usual, Powers will play excellent defense. Herzog is the best shot blocker in the state. Mike Herman plays excellent perimeter defense and can help with rebounding despite standing only 5-9. Junior Matt Wittbrodt is an experienced point guard who realizes the offense begins with getting the ball inside to Herzog.