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CLICK HERE FOR
2009 SUMER CAMP INFORMATION
 Varsity: Coach Majerle |
 Varsity: Coach DeKuiper |
 JV: Coach Ouellette |
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VARSITY
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| Head Coach: Steve Majerle Assistant Coach: Ryan DeKuiper Student Assistant Coach: Brennan Ouellette Water Boys: Jason Majerle & Crew |
JV
ROSTER |
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| Head Coach: Tracy Ouellette Managers: Jake Schemmel, Carson Banfield |
FRESHMEN
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| Head Coach: Tim Nelligan Manager: Holden Culler |
Doughboys will let their actions do the talking
Tom Markowski / The Detroit News
DETROIT -- The Doughboys are hungry.
Detroit Pershing reached the Class A final last season and was defeated soundly by Saginaw, 90-71, last March.
As good as the road was to the Breslin Center in East Lansing, losing the way they did left the Doughboys yearning to complete the deal. Pershing (22-5), the No. 1 team in the preseason rankings, returns three starters and a handful others that were part of the 10-12 player rotation coach A.W. Canada used throughout parts of the season.
The starters returning are junior Keith Appling and seniors Derrick Nix and Dion Dismuke.
Junior Juwan Howard and senior Dennis Perry likely will make their way into the lineup to start the season, but Canada could go with senior Ben Ritchbow.
Two transfers, juniors James Mills from Detroit Allen Academy and Kiedez Foster from Detroit Crockett, would work their way in as starters as well.
"Last year's experience was good for those who were there," Canada said. "We're improving. They're willing to learn, they're willing to listen.
"This team has a clean slate. They have a totally different mission than last year. The chemistry is better and the pieces to this team are different. Last year we didn't mind giving up points. On occasion we gave up too many. Will we slow it down? It doesn't matter. We can do both."
In addition to a state championship, which is every good team's goal, the Doughboys have the sites set on the Detroit Public School League title. One of the truly great programs in this city's history, Pershing hasn't won a PSL title since 1996.
In a guard-dominated league, Pershing has the best. Appling was one of the top players in Detroit last season as a sophomore, and now he's ready to take another step forward and become a leader, not just a role player. He's 6-feet-2 and can play the shooting and the point guard positions. Dismuke is a natural point guard but when Canada goes to his bench watch for Appling to move to the point at times.
"We're a team that plays with energy and poise," Appling said. "We're aggressive. We're just going to work. The city? That's our first goal."
Much of Pershing's success, Appling says as much as 50 percent, depends on the play of Nix, a 6-9 center. Nix signed with Michigan State; Appling is expected to follow as he's given MSU a verbal commitment. The two are more than teammates and friends. They're like brothers.
Nix, at 285 pounds, weighs 15 pounds less than a year ago and said he's stronger and faster, and has more endurance.
"He's more mobile now," Appling said. "He gets up and down the floor better."
Nix agreed.
"I'm in better shape," he said. "You'll see a better team this year. We have better leadership. The coaches and us adjusted to the mistakes we made and we know what it takes to get back to the Breslin."
Other key players include Tevin Conrad, a 6-8, 290-pound senior center, and Ramon McAfee, a 6-7 junior who played on the junior varsity last season.
Other teams to watch
2. Detroit Country Day (21-5), B: Three starters return plus a point guard, Ray McCallum Jr., who transferred in from Indiana. McCallum (6-0), a junior, is the player that completes this team. Seniors Donnavan Kirk (6-10), DeShonte Riley (6-11) and Jordan Dumars (6-5) have loads of experience. Benny Fowler (6-2), one of eight players who played football, won't start until likely late December. Senior Devin Pyykkonen will start the season against Ann Arbor Pioneer (Dec. 12). Amir Williams (6-10) and Urbane Bingham (6-7) are two of five sophomores who are part of the rotation.
3. Saginaw Arthur Hill (20-3), A: Four starters return plus four others who saw significant playing time. Junior Maurice (5-8) is a three-year starter who averaged 19 points and eight assists last season. Omari Humes (6-4) is a fine athlete who's likely to play receiver in college. Mike Shaw (6-7) is being recruited for football and baseball. Junior Tyler Dwyer (6-3), a transfer from Saginaw Heritage, will start on the wing. Chris Webb (6-2) likely will start as the shooting guard, and freshman Jordan Hare (6-7) could be the top reserve.
4. Warren DeLaSalle (16-8), A: Everybody is back from a team that lost in double overtime to Detroit Finney in a regional final. Alex Marcotullio (6-2), who signed with Northwestern, averaged 16 points and is one of the state's top perimeter shooters. Kevin McCarthy (6-11) committed to Lehigh and is a force on both ends. Sophomore Sterling Johnson (5-10) moves up from the junior varsity and will start at the point. Ben Hayes (6-3) is a strong power forward and Darryl Jackson and Josh Sinagoga give the Pilots solid guard play.
5. Saginaw (27-1), A: The two-defending state champions return one starter, senior Mike Green (6-0). With four seniors Saginaw could struggle a bit early. Tommy McCune (6-8) could be the state's top sophomore. Tre' Babers (6-4) is another top sophomore, and he's the cousin of Draymond Green (Michigan State). Senior Demetrius Simmons (6-2), who could start at the point, and junior Malcolm Shaw (6-3) are former Saginaw High students who spent last school year out of state (Simmons in Texas; Shaw in Illinois). Kevin Marshall, who at 6-5 and 208 pounds has the nickname, "Tank," is one of the state's top freshmen.
6. Clarkston (23-3), A: Three starters return, including senior Tommy Staten (6-5), who will see time at point guard. Junior Matt Kamieniecki (6-7) is 100 percent following minor knee surgery (cartilage). He had 22 points and 10 rebounds in a quarterfinal loss to Saginaw. Brandon Pokley (6-3) is one of the state's top 3-point shooters. Tom Ronk (5-7) will start at the point and is one of nine seniors. Brandon Verlinden (6-0), Tyler Scarlett (6-1), a junior, and Luke Prudhomme (6-1) will all see significant playing time.
7. Oak Park, (17-6), A: Two starters return plus senior Samuel Burton (6-2), a transfer who started at Detroit Central last season. The Knights have one of the top sophomore guards in Darryl Flemister (5-10). K'allante Miller (6-4) signed with Central Michigan. He averaged 19 points and seven rebounds for a team that won a district title. Junior Jalen Crawford (6-2) is the brother of Joe (former Kentucky player) and Jordan Crawford (Indiana, Xavier). William Mines (6-5) or Jeffrey Suber (6-2), both seniors, will be the fifth starter. "It will be hard to beat us because the system is in place," second-year coach George Ward said.
8. Detroit Finney (21-4), A: The Highlanders have no seniors. Junior Ray Reeves, Jr., the son of coach Ray Reeves, is a returning starter. Junior Isaiah Sykes (6-6), a transfer from Detroit Chadsey, will switch from the point to playing on the wing. Juniors Brandon Williams (6-6) and Davon Hayes (6-7) are post players, and Terrance Jackson (6-4) can play inside or out. Sophomore Ed Brown (6-1) averaged 30 points on the junior varsity.
9. Romulus (22-4), A: One starter returns from last season's state semifinal team, but a total of four are three-year varsity players. The Eagles will be small and quick. Rashard Porter (5-11) is a shooting guard who will be counted on to score 15-to-20 points per game. Filmore Bouldes (5-8) is the point guard and he played 8-to-10 minutes a game as a junior. Valdez Green (5-10) is a wing, and DeAndre Buckley (6-3) is one of the few inside players. Derek Kinney (6-3) will play center. There are 10 seniors on the team; nine will play.
10. Flint Powers (20-8), B: The Chargers reached the Class B final and return three starters plus 6-7 transfer Rodney Anderson. Shane Moreland (6-2), one of two seniors who will start, is a three-year starter. Patrick O'Brien (6-3) will play inside along with Anderson who started as a junior for Flushing last season. DeMarco Sanders (6-1) excels from the perimeter, and sophomore Patrick Lucas-Perry (5-11) will again start at the point. The top reserves are senior Kevin Pickens (6-3) and sophomore Pierre Brackett (6-3), a transfer from Flint Hamady who won't be eligible until January.Teams to watch: Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard (22-5), B; Detroit Cody (13-4), A; Detroit Southeastern (14-7), A; Grand Ledge (14-7), A; Grand Rapids Catholic Central (18-6), B; Jackson (19-4), A; Kalamazoo Central (19-4), A; Lansing Sexton (18-3), B.
No. 1 Doughboys should net that extra win
Runners-up have two of the state's top-five players
Free Press sports writer Mick McCabe previews the top 25 teams inthe state. All players are seniors unless noted. (Last season's recordis in parentheses).
- 1. Detroit Pershing (22-5). The Doughboys are the best team in the state and should win one more game than they did a year ago when they lost in the Class A state finals. Junior Keith Appling (Michigan State) averaged 21 points as a sophomore and is one of the state's best players regardless of class. The improvement of 6-9 Derrick Nix (Michigan State) could be the biggest reason why Pershing can win the state title. He is in much better shape and more agile around the basket. Dion Dismuke is more comfortable running the point. Junior Juwan Howard, 6-5, is capable of playing every position. Dennis Perry and Ben Ritchbow will add scoring and defensive intensity. Tevin Conrad, 6-8, will bring rebounding help off the bench, and junior Raymone McAfee, 6-6, will help inside and on the perimeter.
- 2. Clarkston (23-3). There is enough experience and talent back from the team that came within an eyelash of ending Saginaw's hopes of winning a second straight state title to make the Wolves contenders. Junior Matt Kamieniecki, 6-7, averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds last season, and has worked hard to extend his range. Range is no problem for Brandon Pokley, a top-notch shooter. Tom Staton, 6-5, is excellent in transition with the ball, and how well he adjusts to running the point is paramount. Brandon Verlinden and junior Tyler Scarlett will be typical Clarkston players who find ways to contribute. Luke Prudhomme is capable of coming in and playing any spot.
- 3. Warren De La Salle (16-8). Scoring should not be a problem for the Pilots, even in the defensive-minded Catholic League. Alex Marcotullio (Northwestern) averaged 16.5 points last season and can shoot the three as well as an in-between jumper. Kevin McCarthy (Lehigh), 6-11, averaged 14 points last season but played in just seven games before suffering a broken ankle. He can score with either hand in the post. Alex Harville is another shooter and puts excellent pressure on the ball. Ben Hayes, 6-3, is a strong rebounder and will crash the offensive boards. Darryl Jackson will use his quickness to get easy baskets, and sophomore Sterling Johnson is a jet who can help Marcotullio at the point. Junior Joe Biernat, 6-4, can play both forward spots, and Josh Sinagoga and Joe Landa are perimeter shooters.
- 4. Saginaw Arthur Hill (18-3). If the Class A state championship trophy is to stay in the city of Saginaw for a fourth straight year, it might be at Arthur Hill. Don't let the size of 5-7 junior Maurice Jones (15 points, seven assists) fool you; he is a scoring point guard. Omari Humes, 6-4, is a beast inside. Mike Schaaf, 6-7, is a post player who can hit perimeter shots. Chris Webb will score from the wing and lead the defense. Jordan Hare, 6-7, is only a freshman, but he may make an impact. Sophomores Del Simon and Jalen Blan have deep range on their jumpers.
- 5. Saginaw (27-1). The big guns who led the Trojans to the past two state championships are gone, but don't count out these guys. In Mike Green and Jimmy Davis, Saginaw might have the best pair of shooters in the state. Sophomore Tommy McCune spent his freshman season on the varsity battling against Draymond Green every day in practice, so he should be prepared for a starting job. Demetrius Simmons' job will be to handle pressure and get the ball to Green and Davis. And don't forget about the perimeter shooting of Marquavius Ford, who averaged 32 points on junior varsity last season.
- 6. Birmingham Detroit Country Day (21-5). Junior point guard Ray McCallum is the missing link to a team that could be the best in the state, McCallum is a gifted player, and his approach to the game can't help but make this team better. Donnavan Kirk (Miami, Fla.), 6-8, is more fluid and better equipped to attack the basket. DeShonte Riley, 6-11, is stronger and quicker in the post, where he should be a dominating force. Jordan Dumars (South Florida), 6-6, is long-range shooter who is moving better, which will help him become a better defender. Sophomore Amir Williams, 6-10, could start for any other team in the state, and there will be no drop-off when he plays. Chris Fowler and Lee Bailey are sophomore guards who can run the show and shoot. Bennie Fowler, 6-2, is a lockdown defender who will be tough in transition.
- 7. Detroit Finney (22-4). The Highlander roster is filled with juniors, but they are capable of terrific things. Junior Isaiah Sykes, 6-5, is a transfer from Chadsey and the best-kept secret in the state -- unless you are a college coach. He is a natural point guard, but will play all five positions after he is ruled eligible. Junior Rashard Reeves will play the point when Sykes doesn't and also will play the off-guard spot. Junior Terrance Jackson, 6-4, is a tremendous leaper who will key the press. Junior Brandon Williams, 6-6, will play inside-out and can hit the 15-footer. Junior Kyle Rice, 6-5, can bang in the post. Junior Darnell Canada is a perimeter player who can shoot and help on the press.
- 8. Grand Ledge (14-6). This should be the top team in the Lansing area. Look for Junior Jon Horford, 6-8, the younger brother of Al Horford, to have a big season after averaging 12 points and 10 rebounds as a sophomore. He is an inch taller and 20 pounds heavier, and has improved his post game and perimeter shooting. Joe Estrada, 6-4, had more than 80 assists and only 45 turnovers last season. Mason Maruer, 6-5, is coming off knee surgery, but should be close to 100% by the end of the month. He will help with the rebounding and anything else that needs to be done. Steve Kingory brings a blue-collar work ethic to the team. Tony Wieber (MSU for baseball) can drill three-pointers.
- 9. Kalamazoo Central (19-4). First-year coach Mike Thomas takes over a traditionally underachieving team and has a talented group of players who can play several positions. Doug Anderson is one of the best dunkers in the state. Junior Devin Oliver is a left-hander who makes three-pointers effortlessly. T.J. Cameron may be the biggest sleeper in the state. He has a quick first step and scores in traffic. It is vital for point guard Juan Hemphill to have a solid season. Junior Dyland Hughes can hit perimeter shots, and 6-5 sophomore Darius Norman and 6-6 Nicholas Ruffin will help inside.
- 10. Flint Powers (20-8). The Class B runner-up could make another run at the state title. Shane Moreland, 6-3, averaged 19.4 points and can drill three-pointers. He has also made himself a tough defensive player. Sophomore Patrick Lucas-Perry is quicker and has improved his shot, which will make him a more effective point guard. The wildcard is 6-7 Rodney Anderson, who transferred to Powers last Christmas. He is an incredible jumper with great hands who is tough to stop around the basket. Junior Patrick O'Brien is stronger and can bang inside. Left-hander DeMarco Sanders has made a dramatic improvement with his shot. Kevin Pickens has added strength and will help inside.
- 11. Zeeland East (17-5). This should be the top Class B team on the state's west side. Korey Vandussen, who averaged 19.4 points last season, has added 18 pounds and moves to point guard. Nate Snuggerud, 6-5, has excellent back-to-the-basket moves and runs the floor well for a big man. Jace Heneveld is the do-it-all player and can guard a perimeter player or someone in the post. Brad Arendsen is another good defender who helps with rebounding. Lance Jongekrijg is a scoring option who does a good job of penetrating and finding open teammates. Sophomore Brad Horling is a valuable sixth man who can fit at several positions. Mike Raterink and Jon Houtman add defense and rebounding in reserve roles.
- 12. Benton Harbor (5-15). We may have been a year ahead of ourselves in ranking the Tigers last season, but this should be the most improved team in the state. Two 6-6 seniors -- Aaron Clayborn and Tyrone Black -- have signed with Texas Southern and will help on the inside. Clayborn also can shoot from the perimeter, and Black is a powerful force. Junior Terrell Clinton, 6-6, can drill it from the perimeter, and sophomore Alex Williams is another long-range threat. Freshman Lee Murphy will run the point and doesn't appear to be out of place playing with the big boys. Junior Tremayne Thompson, 6-7, is a transfer from Grand Rapids who will be eligible in January and has a nice touch from the outside.
- 13. Hudsonville Unity Christian (22-3). This experienced senior-dominated team is capable of making a run to Class B's final four -- if it can get by Zeeland East. Tom Snikkers is at his best when attacking the basket. Cody Van Koevering is the team's best athlete and is a dangerous shooter. Nick Holtrop is the glue that holds the pieces together and will be counted on to be the lock-down defender. To hang with the big boys, the Crusaders must have solid inside play from 6-6 centers Adam DeYoung and Reid Schreur, and junior Zach Willis must show promise at point guard.
- 14. Oak Park (16-7). K'allante Miller (Central Michigan), 6-4, is one of the most versatile players in the state, and he will lead a team that hangs its hat on defense. Miller can score inside and on the perimeter, but he also plays dynamite defense. Point guard Samuel Burton is an excellent point guard who knows how to run a team. Junior Jalen Crawford is a natural talent who also excels on defense. William Mines, 6-5, and Jeff Suber, 6-2, will concentrate on rebounding and inside defense. Darryl Flemister is one of the state's top sophomores who broke into the starting lineup as a freshman.
- 15. Lansing Sexton (19-3). This could be the year Sexton makes a long run in Class A, and leading the way will be 6-6 Drew Valentine (Oakland), who averaged 14 points and 11 rebounds last season. He suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in football season, but will be ready in a few weeks. He jumps center but also can play the point. Nate Duhon (13 points, six assists) moves from the point to shooting guard to take advantage of his range. Jordan Howenstine will take over at the point, and he does a good job of penetrating. Freshman Denzel Valentine, 6-4, will play on the perimeter, but also will help with rebounding. Junior Marcus Cain, 6-4, is a slasher, and 6-4 Jordan Major can help in a variety of ways. Junior James Suttles, 6-7, needs to have a big year inside, and sophomore Tyrin Wade is the top perimeter shooter.
- 16. Grand Haven (15-6). Austin Harper (Western Michigan), 6-3, is a talented point guard who is a fine passer and a solid on-the-ball defender. But for Grand Haven to make a long tournament run, it will need continued improvement from 6-9 junior Nate VanArendonk. The youngster is a work in progress who has good hands, moves well and is coming off a good summer. Junior Noah Veach, 6-2, is an undersized post player who is the strongest guy on the team and will battle anyone inside. Mike Rosso won't have to contribute much offensively, but his defense will be crucial. Junior Isiah Law, 6-4, is loaded with potential, and junior Jake Carter will contribute in many ways.
- 17. Detroit Southeastern (14-7). The young Jungaleers may be a year away from competing for the Class A title, and they are stuck in the toughest division in the Detroit Public School League, but don't underestimate them. Southeastern revolves around three talented sophomores -- 6-5 Brandon Kearney, 6-7 Percy Gibson and 6-9 Darren Washington.
- 18. Ann Arbor Pioneer (22-1). There is not a lot of size here for a Class A school, but the Pioneers are well schooled in fundamentals. At 6-3, point guard Nate Robertson is tall enough to see over defenses. Nick Gaird, a holdover from the team that advanced to the semifinals two seasons ago, is a fine shooter, both from three-point land and midrange. Junior Jamie Henry, 6-2, is athletic enough to guard taller post players and has added a three-point shot to his arsenal. David Metzendorf adds toughness to the lineup and another perimeter shooter. Pierce Hogan is an excellent passer and deadly shooter. Colin Shields, 6-4, and junior Rondale Turrentine, 6-3, will provide size against bigger opponents.
- 19. Lansing Eastern (10-11). Sophomore LaDonte Henton had a sensational freshman season, averaging 16 points and 14 rebounds. His ballhandling and shooting range have improved, and he can grab a defensive rebound and take the ball coast-to-coast. Rico Stewart and junior Cameron Sanchez are true combo guards. Stewart is a better scorer, Sanchez a better defender. Brian Foy Jr. will play on the wing and score on slashing moves to the basket. Takari Johnson is a blue-collar player who will take charges, run down loose balls and score garbage points -- things that help a team win.
- 20. Belleville (14-6). The Tigers will be vastly improved as long as Booker Stoudmire remains healthy the entire season. He was off to a good start last season before a fall, and staples in his head ended his season. Rick Love is as quick as any guard in the state, and he can create scoring opportunities for himself and Stoudmire. Mohamed Conde, a 6-7 junior, runs the floor well for a big man and hits 15-footers. Vinnie Boyd is a sixth man extraordinaire who finds ways to contribute. Kourea Hayes is the team's top defender. Nate Hand, 6-4, does the dirty work inside.
- 21. Romulus (22-4). Rashard Porter is the only returning starter, but the Eagles will be surprisingly good. Porter can get to the rim anytime he wants. Filmore Bouldes is a highly skilled point guard. Valdez Green is an excellent shooter. Junior DeAndray Buckley is another scorer who attacks the basket for points. Cody Barnes is capable of playing the point and is solid enough to play a variety of positions. Derek Kinney, 6-4, and Stefan Jenkins, 6-3, must hold their own inside.
- 22. Orchard Lake St. Mary's (19-6). Dion Sims, 6-6, averaged 17 points last season primarily as a perimeter player. He will take those skills into the post -- where he is needed most. His combination of size and quickness makes him a tough guy to defend inside. Junior Gary Hunter will use quickness to make him an effective point guard. Jeff Jones will play on the wing and attack the basket. Junior Mike Furlong will benefit from Sims playing in the post. If teams collapse on Sims, Furlong will kill them from the perimeter. Suave Lavallis will play good defense and earn his points taking the ball to the basket.
- 23. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (18-6). Three starters return from the regional finalist team that has a superb trio of guards. Duke Mondy (Providence), 6-3, is a terrific point guard who does everything you need a point guard to do well. Junior Sultan Muhammad is a fine shooter, and Michael Penny hits open shots ands handles the ball well. Brian Barkeley brings rebounding and defense to the inside, which will be vital to CC's success. Thomas Drews, 6-6, is another inside player, but he can hit shots from the outside, too.
- 24. Ann Arbor Richard (22-5). There will be no return trip to the Class C semifinals -- Richard is now a Class B school and could be a contender. Eso Akunne, 6-3, who was so impressive in scoring 29 points in the semifinal loss to eventual champ Kalamazoo Christian, is 18 pounds lighter. He is capable of playing every position and is a natural scorer. Junior Josh Herbeck, 6-4, has unlimited range on his shot and can take the ball to the basket. Junior Matt Jenkins, 6-4, is a heady contributor. Junior point guard Keith Mackey is lightning quick and has improved his jumper. Junior Brenden Cooper, 6-4, has a wide wingspan and will help with inside defense and rebounding.
- 25. Detroit Cody (14-3). The Comets should be the best team on the city's west side for the next two seasons. Demetrius Ford (15 points) does an excellent job penetrating and creating points for others, but he can score, too. Junior Angelo Lewis, 6-4, will be the power forward alongside 6-9 junior Jerrell Pratt, 6-9, a transfer from Detroit Northwestern. Damon Johnson, 6-8, will help at both inside spots. Junior Richard Carter can play either guard spot, and junior Aaron Johnson will provide points from the perimeter. Junior Jason Ashford will come off the bench and apply defensive pressure
...
..
Pre-pre-season team rankings
Posted by Stephen Bell <http://blog.mlive.com/highschoolbasketball/about.html> <http://blog.mlive.com/highschoolbasketball/about.html> October
16, 2008 11:42AM
Categories: Top Sports <http://blog.mlive.com/highschoolbasketball/top_sports/>
1. Detroit Pershing
Doughboys have two future Spartans, Derrick Nix and Keith
Appling, off a team which made the '08 Class A final.
2. Clarkston
Returns Thomas Staton, Matt Kamieniecki and Brandon Pokley
from squad that took eventual Class A champ Saginaw to 2OT in the
quarters.
3. Birmingham Country Day
A shocking disappointment last season will look to redeem
itself, and has help with big-time point guard Ray McCallum.
4. Saginaw
There are more state championships in the Trojans' future,
if maybe not this time around.
5. Warren De La Salle
Didn't wow in the summer, but have a good senior class,
and even better coach.
6. Saginaw Arthur Hill
Have servicable bodies to bang, and a high school star
in guard Maurice Jones.
7. Detroit Cody
Demetrius Ford and Richard Carter form one of the state's
best, if not yet mainstream, backcourts.
8. Detroit Finney
Graduated an all-stater in Kavon Rose, but replaced him
with an even more talented prospect in Chadsey transfer Isaiah
Sykes.
9. Grand Ledge
Looked great at Izzo Shootout. Jon Horford's knee recovery
will be crucial.
10. Flint Powers
Return key ingredients from team that was foul shots away
from the state title. Not surprisingly, has added some transfers.
11. Romulus
Always tough come March, because no one plays a tougher
non-conference schedule.
12. Grand Haven
Is Nate VanArendonck as good as I think he is?
13. Rockford
Has the depth of the state championship team, minus a
DI point guard.
14. Kalamazoo Central
New coach, same overload of talent.
15. Belleville
Tough senior guards, but Mohamed Conde needs to play at
a superstar level.
16. Ann Arbor Richard
Moves up to Class B, but has the horses to do it as evidenced
in Richard's Izzo Shootout championship.
17. Benton Harbor
Last season is looking like an anomaly for what is top-to-bottom
of of the state's tallest rosters.
18. Orchard Lake St. Mary's
Guard play should be much improved this year.
19. Ann Arbor Pioneer
Senior point guad Nate Robertson is one of the state's
unappreciated players.
20. Grand Rapids Catholic Central
Two high-major guards in Duke Mondy and Sultan Mohamed.
21. Oak Park
Detroit Central's North Campus.
22. Zeeland East
Loaded senior class could mirror football team's success,
and end district drought.
23. Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills
Impressed me this summer as young, unknown, raw and scrappy.
24. Detroit Southeastern
U-M fans wish Belein could recruit like Mark White.
25. Marquette
Tough senior class may miss Brian Carter's outside shooting.