Styles3 Elite Showcase:Report

This report is a little overdue, but nonetheless here it is. On October 17-18, I ran the Styles3 Elite Showcase, in honor of my younger brother Dorian Dawkins. The talent in Midland, MI at Northwood University was tremendous. Many thanks have to be sent out to the awesome staff that kept the event going, and the coaches were amazing; without them the event wouldn't have been impossible. Below is my observations from the weekend:

-Dwaun Anderson, the 6'3 SG from Suttons Bay (MI) could very well be the best player in the loaded class of 2011 in Michigan. He is stupid athletic, has a nice shot from outside, gets in his opponents chest on D, and is extremely intense. He went at it hard in the drills as well. Would like to see him play in a game setting. High major all the way.

-Tommie McCune, the 6'8 F from Saginaw (MI) has potential for days. Now he's starting to turn that potential into production. The mid-range jumper is money. The 3-ball is feathery, and he's as athletic as ever-and will dunk on you with ease. Once he becomes quicker, he will be a full-time SF, being able to guard the wing is something he needs to work on. High major, and another who could claim the #1 spot in 2011 in Michigan.

-Matt Costello, the 6'8 PF from Bay City Western (MI) is a coaches dream. He plays hard, he plays smart, he converts on everything he is supposed to, and he's not a project. This kid is good right now. One of the best shot blockers in the state, and his range is extending to the three point line now. His potential is crazy, could be the most productive big man in Michigan this year. Top 2 in 2012 in Michigan.

-Tommie McCune gets all the credit in 2011 from Saginaw High, but don't sleep on, 6'2 G Marquavis Ford, 6'6 Wing Trey Babers, and 6'0 G Evellis McGee. All are D1 prospects, and all played well at camp. Ford is the best shooter in Michigan for 2011, Babers gets better and taller every day, and McGee is a killer, coming to take your heart out every game.

-Detroit Pershing will be loaded again, if 6'7 Sr Juwan Howard (Western Michigan), 6'7 Sr PF Raymoan McAfee, 6'0 Sr G Kiedez Foster, and 6'3 Soph G Sherron Dorsey-Walker continue to play like they did in camp. Walker is someone who hasn't seen a shot he didn't like, but he makes a good amount. Howard is as confident as they come, and is Michigan's #1 trash talker, but he backs it up, McAfee is a major sleeper and is a D1 kid, and Foster can fill it up from deep.

-Isaiah Sykes, the 6'5 Wing from Detroit Denby is a high major talent. Does he have high major skill, that remains up for debate, but he gets the job done, and I'd be surprised if he didn't go high major when its all said and done. He can handle the rock, and pass very well for his size, and he's athletic. When he fine tune the J, look out.

-Michael Hundley, the 6'9 PF from Detroit Renaissance, will be a high major. He is another kid in 2011, who is a major sleeper but he is good. He's long, plays hard, blocks shots, rebounds, and converts down low. If he can just get stronger, he will be a beast. His high school coach, Cameron Nichols, gets the job done, and his travel team coach, Tim McCormick, is one of the best in the business. Don't be surprised to see him shoot up the rankings. Another Renaissance player, Chene Phillips, a 6'2 Sr played extremely well, and I wouldn't be surprised if he makes First Team all PSL this year.

-Sleeper alert: Derrick Barden. The 6'3 Wing from Detroit Denby is one of the best 2010 wings in the state. Before camp, I had never even heard of him. The MAC schools in Michigan, should be all over him. He's tough as nails, rebounds, scores, defends, he does it all. Mix him in with Isaiah Sykes, and Denby will be tough. 6'7 SR Brandon Williams, also was a beast all day long Saturday. Low D1s, and D2's should be beating down Brandon's door.

-Alex Gauna, the 6'9 (and growing) PF from Eaton Rapids, is as laid back as they come. But few face up 4's in the Midwest can shoot like him. The 2010 Michigan St commit will be a great addition to the 2010 MSU recruiting class because he's a guy that will play for Tom Izzo and blossom. He's not the toughest right now, but Izzo will bring it out of him, he has the skills.

-Young guns: Watch out for these 4 2013 prospects: 6'3 Wing JD Tisdale of Flint Northern, 5'10 PG Richie Lewis of Flint Northern, 5'9 Charles Tucker of Lansing Eastern, and 5'10 Derrick Walton of Chandler Park Academy. Tisdale may be the least known right now, but may have the most potential of the 3. Tucker and Walton already have big reps across the circuit, for being elite PG's; and they didn't disappoint at the camp. Lewis will benefit everyday in practice by playing against BOTB's #2 PG in 2011 Shaq Smith of Flint Northern, and to be honest, Lewis is good enough now, that Smith will benefit as well.

-Kellon McCormick, the 6'6 2012 Wing from Notre Dame Prep, may not be as big as his dad Tim right now, but expect him to keep growing, and getting better. McCormick is already one of the top 2012 Wing's in the state, and one of the elite shooters. He launches the 3 ball with ease, and more often than not, he's money. Watch out.

More to come soon.


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Brandan Kearney...headed to...

-From all the information I have gathered the past week or so, I would be very surprised if Brandan Kearney, a 6'5 JR G from Detroit Southeastern doesn't select Michigan State tomorrow. According to sources close to the situation, Kentucky made a late push, to try to delay the commitment of Kearney but the Wildcats didn't offer. Michigan, was once the leader for Kearney, but when Carlton Brundidge, a 6'0 JR G from Southfield committed to the Wolverines, things changed. Ohio State has also offered, and Kearney is also considering Georgetown and Minnesota. Stay tuned for more info!

Payne to...MSU?

-In the last 20 minutes, two very informed sources have told me they feel Adreian Payne, the 6'9 C from Dayton, OH/Jefferson will go to Michigan State. Word is another staff in the running also feels he will go to Michigan State. Now, none of this may correct, and tomorrow he may end up committing to West Virginia or Kentucky, but right now with the info I've gathered, I'm feeling pretty good about saying he'll be a Spartan. If I'm right, Payne who has the potential to be a pro, will help the Spartans down low next year. He's super athletic, very long, can run, jump, just has to put it all together. And that's something Tom Izzo, Bob Huggins, John Calipari, or Sean Miller, would help him do. Payne is a Top 20 2010 player nationally by BOTB. Stay tuned for an announcement tomorrow.

-In other news, 6'7 Kenny Kaminski from Medina, OH/High was offered by Ohio State last weekend. Third big ten offer for the elite 2012 forward prospect.

-My Styles3 Elite Showcase report will be posted soon. Have gotten sidetracked lately.

Styles3 Elite Showcase

There was an abundance of talent at my Styles3 Elite Showcase this weekend! Numerous players were discovered, and many top ranked name guys came out over two days! Expect a report soon! Dwaun Anderson, the 6'4 Wing from Suttons Bay in the 2011 class proved, there isn't a better wing prospect in Michigan in 2011 and he's a Top 5 player statewide, and that may be being modest!

Updates

I have been extremely busy putting together the Styles 3 Elite Showcase, which will be held October 17, 18 at Northwood University in Midland, Michigan. This will be a truly fantastic event. A few nuggets will be put on the blog this week, and when the camp report is finished, I will get back to posting more info. Here is a few things for today:

-Michigan State is the new leader for 6'5 2011 G Brandan Kearney from Detroit Southeastern. Kearney was recently in Colorado this past weekend for the USA U16 National Team Practice, Kearney has the potential to be a impact player at the next level. More will come on Kearney.

-Michigan will have two big time D1 wings on campus this weekend. 6'7 2010 Wing Devin Oliver from Kalamazoo Central, and 6'4 Wing Dwaun Anderson of Suttons Bay. Schools like Utah, Oakland and others have offered Anderson, and Oliver is being recruited by high majors, mid majors, and low majors.

-A list of players for the Midnight Madness festivities will be released soon (Wed or Thurs) by BOTB, for numerous schools.

-Central Michigan, picked up a big commitment today from 6'7 2010 PF Colin Voss from East Grand Rapids (MI). Voss is a beast inside, and will be a factor at the MAC level, in my opinion. If CMU can add Trey Zeigler from Mt Pleasant to go along with Voss, and 6'1 PG Derek Jackson from Cleveland Benedictine, the Chippewas will be a force in the MAC, and will put itself in contention to seriously recruit 6'4 Dwaun Anderson from Suttons Bay (MI) in the 2011 class.

More to come very, very soon.

Recruits at MSU/UM Game

The MSU staff had two recruits on hand for the premier Michigan football game of the year, that were on official visits in 6'2 Keith Appling from Detroit, MI/Pershing and 6'10 man child Adreian Payne from Dayton, OH/Jefferson. If Payne ever got a killer instinct he would be a one and done type talent.

Other recruits:

Jeremiah Davis 6'2 PG Muncie, IN/Central 2011
Tommie McCune 6'8 F Saginaw, MI/High 2011
Patrick Lucas-Perry 5'10 PG Flint, MI/Powers 2011
Kenny Kaminski 6'7 Wing Medina, OH/High 2012
Matt Costello 6'8 PF Bay City, MI/Western 2012
Marquavis Ford 6'2 G Saginaw, MI/High 2011
Trey Babers 6'6 Wing Saginaw, MI/High 2011
Brandan Kearney 6'5 SG Detroit, MI/Southeastern 2011
Percy Gibson 6'8 PF Detroit, MI/Southeastern 2011
Amir Williams 6'10 C Detroit, MI/Country Day 2011

Updates

-Maurice Jones, a 5'7 PG from Saginaw Arthur Hill, committed to USC. Jones overcame his size limitations to reach the high-major level. Jones committed to USC after taking a official visit there this weekend. Jones is the #2 PG in the 2010 class in Michigan by BOTB.

-Michael Gilchrist, the #1 JR in America by BOTB, was on the Michigan campus this weekend. Gilchrist is thought to be a Kentucky lean with Villanova in the running as well. This is a pretty nice step for the Wolverines getting Gilchrist on campus, Gilchrist recently visited the Rutgers campus as well.

-Matt Costello, the #1 2012 prospect in Michigan by BOTB visited Ohio State yesterday for the football game. Ohio State is picking up their interest in the big man, who will have a heated recruitment. Costello isn't expected to decide until his Sr year.

-Ray Lee, the #1 PG in the 2010 Class State in Michigan recently transferred from Robichaud to Detroit Cass Tech. Robichaud was a good team with Lee, and Cass Tech will also benefit because of the transfer. Cass Tech was expected to be a top team in the PSL this year along with Pershing, Denby, and Southeastern, and expect this transfer to help even more. Cass Tech which has a stronger 2010 class, will add Lee after the second semester.

-Two Saginaw High JR's 6'8 Tommie McCune and 6'6 Trey Babers have seen continued movement in their recruitment. Indiana, Kansas and others are expected in open gym today to see McCune, and Babers visited Bowling Green yesterday, and their staff loves him. McCune recently picked up a offer from Providence.

Updates

-Maurice Jones, a 5'7 PG from Saginaw Arthur Hill, committed to USC. Jones overcame his size limitations to reach the high-major level. Jones committed to USC after taking a official visit there this weekend. Jones is the #2 PG in the 2010 class in Michigan by BOTB.

-Michael Gilchrist, the #1 JR in America by BOTB, was on the Michigan campus this weekend. Gilchrist is thought to be a Kentucky lean with Villanova in the running as well. This is a pretty nice step for the Wolverines getting Gilchrist on campus, Gilchrist recently visited the Rutgers campus as well.

-Matt Costello, the #1 2012 prospect in Michigan by BOTB visited Ohio State yesterday for the football game. Ohio State is picking up their interest in the big man, who will have a heated recruitment. Costello isn't expected to decide until his Sr year.

-Ray Lee, the #1 PG in the 2010 Class State in Michigan recently transferred from Robichaud to Detroit Cass Tech. Robichaud was a good team with Lee, and Cass Tech will also benefit because of the transfer. Cass Tech was expected to be a top team in the PSL this year along with Pershing, Denby, and Southeastern, and expect this transfer to help even more. Cass Tech which has a stronger 2010 class, will add Lee after the second semester.

-Two Saginaw High JR's 6'8 Tommie McCune and 6'6 Trey Babers have seen continued movement in their recruitment. Indiana, Kansas and others are expected in open gym today to see McCune, and Babers visited Bowling Green yesterday, and their staff loves him. McCune recently picked up a offer from Providence.

Updates

-Maurice Jones, a 5'7 PG from Saginaw Arthur Hill, committed to USC. Jones overcame his size limitations to reach the high-major level. Jones committed to USC after taking a official visit there this weekend. Jones is the #2 PG in the 2010 class in Michigan by BOTB.

-Michael Gilchrist, the #1 JR in America by BOTB, was on the Michigan campus this weekend. Gilchrist is thought to be a Kentucky lean with Villanova in the running as well. This is a pretty nice step for the Wolverines getting Gilchrist on campus, Gilchrist recently visited the Rutgers campus as well.

-Matt Costello, the #1 2012 prospect in Michigan by BOTB visited Ohio State yesterday for the football game. Ohio State is picking up their interest in the big man, who will have a heated recruitment. Costello isn't expected to decide until his Sr year.

-Ray Lee, the #1 PG in the 2010 Class State in Michigan recently transferred from Robichaud to Detroit Cass Tech. Robichaud was a good team with Lee, and Cass Tech will also benefit because of the transfer. Cass Tech was expected to be a top team in the PSL this year along with Pershing, Denby, and Southeastern, and expect this transfer to help even more. Cass Tech which has a stronger 2010 class, will add Lee after the second semester.

-Two Saginaw High JR's 6'8 Tommie McCune and 6'6 Trey Babers have seen continued movement in their recruitment. Indiana, Kansas and others are expected in open gym today to see McCune, and Babers visited Bowling Green yesterday, and their staff loves him. McCune recently picked up a offer from Providence.

Updates

-Maurice Jones, a 5'7 PG from Saginaw Arthur Hill, committed to USC. Jones overcame his size limitations to reach the high-major level. Jones committed to USC after taking a official visit there this weekend. Jones is the #2 PG in the 2010 class in Michigan by BOTB.

-Michael Gilchrist, the #1 JR in America by BOTB, was on the Michigan campus this weekend. Gilchrist is thought to be a Kentucky lean with Villanova in the running as well. This is a pretty nice step for the Wolverines getting Gilchrist on campus, Gilchrist recently visited the Rutgers campus as well.

-Matt Costello, the #1 2012 prospect in Michigan by BOTB visited Ohio State yesterday for the football game. Ohio State is picking up their interest in the big man, who will have a heated recruitment. Costello isn't expected to decide until his Sr year.

-Ray Lee, the #1 PG in the 2010 Class State in Michigan recently transferred from Robichaud to Detroit Cass Tech. Robichaud was a good team with Lee, and Cass Tech will also benefit because of the transfer. Cass Tech was expected to be a top team in the PSL this year along with Pershing, Denby, and Southeastern, and expect this transfer to help even more. Cass Tech which has a stronger 2010 class, will add Lee after the second semester.

-Two Saginaw High JR's 6'8 Tommie McCune and 6'6 Trey Babers have seen continued movement in their recruitment. Indiana, Kansas and others are expected in open gym today to see McCune, and Babers visited Bowling Green yesterday, and their staff loves him. McCune recently picked up a offer from Providence.

Updates

-Maurice Jones, a 5'7 PG from Saginaw Arthur Hill, committed to USC. Jones overcame his size limitations to reach the high-major level. Jones committed to USC after taking a official visit there this weekend. Jones is the #2 PG in the 2010 class in Michigan by BOTB.

-Michael Gilchrist, the #1 JR in America by BOTB, was on the Michigan campus this weekend. Gilchrist is thought to be a Kentucky lean with Villanova in the running as well. This is a pretty nice step for the Wolverines getting Gilchrist on campus, Gilchrist recently visited the Rutgers campus as well.

-Matt Costello, the #1 2012 prospect in Michigan by BOTB visited Ohio State yesterday for the football game. Ohio State is picking up their interest in the big man, who will have a heated recruitment. Costello isn't expected to decide until his Sr year.

-Ray Lee, the #1 PG in the 2010 Class State in Michigan recently transferred from Robichaud to Detroit Cass Tech. Robichaud was a good team with Lee, and Cass Tech will also benefit because of the transfer. Cass Tech was expected to be a top team in the PSL this year along with Pershing, Denby, and Southeastern, and expect this transfer to help even more. Cass Tech which has a stronger 2010 class, will add Lee after the second semester.

-Two Saginaw High JR's 6'8 Tommie McCune and 6'6 Trey Babers have seen continued movement in their recruitment. Indiana, Kansas and others are expected in open gym today to see McCune, and Babers visited Bowling Green yesterday, and their staff loves him. McCune recently picked up a offer from Providence.

Updates

-Maurice Jones, a 5'7 PG from Saginaw Arthur Hill, committed to USC. Jones overcame his size limitations to reach the high-major level. Jones committed to USC after taking a official visit there this weekend. Jones is the #2 PG in the 2010 class in Michigan by BOTB.

-Michael Gilchrist, the #1 JR in America by BOTB, was on the Michigan campus this weekend. Gilchrist is thought to be a Kentucky lean with Villanova in the running as well. This is a pretty nice step for the Wolverines getting Gilchrist on campus, Gilchrist recently visited the Rutgers campus as well.

-Matt Costello, the #1 2012 prospect in Michigan by BOTB visited Ohio State yesterday for the football game. Ohio State is picking up their interest in the big man, who will have a heated recruitment. Costello isn't expected to decide until his Sr year.

-Ray Lee, the #1 PG in the 2010 Class State in Michigan recently transferred from Robichaud to Detroit Cass Tech. Robichaud was a good team with Lee, and Cass Tech will also benefit because of the transfer. Cass Tech was expected to be a top team in the PSL this year along with Pershing, Denby, and Southeastern, and expect this transfer to help even more. Cass Tech which has a stronger 2010 class, will add Lee after the second semester.

-Two Saginaw High JR's 6'8 Tommie McCune and 6'6 Trey Babers have seen continued movement in their recruitment. Indiana, Kansas and others are expected in open gym today to see McCune, and Babers visited Bowling Green yesterday, and their staff loves him. McCune recently picked up a offer from Providence.

Ohio Player Updates

BOTB's Ohio Correspondent Kurt Stubbs supplied us with the following info:

Adreian Payne (6’10/2010) of Dayton Jefferson is down to five schools including Michigan State, West Virginia, Arizona, Kansas, and Kentucky. Payne will take an official visit to each school before making any decisions.

Stevie Taylor (5’9/2011) point guard of Gahanna Lincoln High School has offers from Akron, Miami (OH), Ohio University, George Mason, and Montana State.

Taylor visited Akron this past weekend for the Indiana football game.

Chane Behanan (6’7/2011) power forward of Bowling Green High School (KY) has offers from Cincinnati, Western Kentucky, and Oklahoma State. He is currently a soft verbal to UC.

Behanan visited Western Kentucky two weeks ago and took an unofficial to the University of Kentucky this past weekend. According to sources, Behanan was blown away by the trip to Lexington.

He is receiving strong interest from Mississippi State, West Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Penn State, Purdue, Xavier, and Ohio State.

Bob Huggins of WVU was in yesterday along with Travis Ford of Oklahoma State, and Rick Stansbury of Mississippi State will be in Bowling Green today.

Aaron White (6’8/2011) wing forward of Strongsville High School has offers from Akron and James Madison. White is also receiving strong intrigue from Wisconsin, Penn State, and Butler.

White will be visiting Butler this weekend.

Paul Honigford (6’8/2011) wing forward of Sugarcreek Garaway has offers from Michigan State and Ohio University. Honigford took an unofficial to Ohio State the weekend of the OSU/Navy football game.

Trey Burke (5’11/2011) point guard of Columbus Northland High School has offers from Butler, Ohio University, Akron, Miami (OH), Cleveland State, Kent State, Stephen F. Austin, and James Madison.

Burke visited Notre Dame this past Saturday for the ND/Michigan State football game adding to visits taken to Ohio University, Cincinnati, and Penn State.

Kyle Molock (6’1/2012) point guard of Dublin Coffman has offers from Akron, Florida International, Georgia State, Ohio University, and St. Joseph’s.

Molock is also earning heavy interest from Ohio State, Notre Dame, Wake Forest, and Purdue.

Purdue will be at Coffman today to watch Molock work out, Michigan State and St. Joseph’s will be in tomorrow, and Notre Dame was in last week.

Jalen Robinson (6’7/2012) power forward of Columbus Northland has offers from Ohio University, Kent State, West Virginia, James Madison, and Akron.

Robinson has taken unofficial visits to Ohio State and West Virginia.

Updates

-Maurice Jones, a 5'7 PG from Saginaw, MI/Arthur Hill got his first high major offer today as USC offered him tonight. Jones will take a official visit this week to USC. Kevin O'Neil of USC came to watch Jones in an open gym today in Saginaw. Jones is the #2 PG in Michigan by BOTB, and a Top 5 player in Michigan's 2010 class. Jones is also looking at St. Bonaventure and Duquesne. 

-Tommie McCune, a 6'8 PF from Saginaw, MI/High attracted Al Skinner head coach of Boston College and John Beilein head coach of Michigan today, as well as assistants from St. Bonaventure and Detroit. Kansas will be coming to see McCune in an open gym this week.

-Trey Babers, a 6'6 Jr Wing from Saginaw, MI/High is very close to picking up a offer from Duquesne. Babers is also receiving recruiting interest from Michigan, Iowa, Cleveland St, Dayton, Toledo, and a host of other schools.

-Brandan Kearney's top schools at this point includes Michigan, Ohio State, Michigan State, Syracuse, Notre Dame, Kentucky, and Georgetown. He will be visiting Kentucky soon. Kearney is a 6'5 Jr SG.

-Iowa and Providence have been in open gym to see 6'8 Jr Dan Chilcote of Jackson, MI/Lumen Christi. Chilcote is one of the more skilled forwards in Michigan, and has a chance to be really good.

-Ryan Majerle, a 6'4 Jr Wing from Rockford will attract Wisconsin Green-Bay, Western Michigan, Central Michigan, Ball state, Oakland, and Valpo in an open gym this week. Majerle would be a mid-major steal.

-Carlton Brundidge, a 6'1 Jr G from Southfield, MI/High is said to be favoring Michigan, and may be committing soon. Brundidge is one of the elite guards statewide in the 2010 class.

-Junior Lomomba, a 6'5 Wing from Madison, WI/Memorial and one of the top players in the country for the 2012 class already has offers from, Marquette, Florida, Baylor, Illinois, Oklahoma, Iowa, Florida State, and Indiana State. Junior is a Top 25 player in America for the 2012 class. 

Kaminski Update

-6'7 2012 Wing Kenny Kaminski from Medina, OH/High will have Thad Matta from Ohio State and Bob Huggins from West Virginia to watch him play today. Kaminski holds offers from Michigan State and Indiana. Kaminski is one of the elite sophomores nationally, and his game is steadily improving. 

Updates

-6'8 Soph Big Man Matt Costello has recieved an offer today from Greg Kampe and staff at Oakland. Oakland is Costello's first offer. This is a very good move by the Golden Grizzlies staff, as although Costello will be a high major player, it doesn't hurt to get in early and try to recruit him. Costello is also recieving interest from high major schools all across the Midwest. Purdue will be up for an open gym soon.

-6'8 Jr F Tommie McCune from Saginaw High will have Providence and Minnesota at Saginaw High tommorow to watch him play in a open gym. McCune is getting interest from a school in almost every high major conference. McCune is the #1 Jr in Michigan by BOTB.

-6'5 Freshman Wing Steven Haney, Jr will visit Michigan this weekend for the football game. Haney is a freshman at East Lansing High, and will be one of the better freshmen in the Midwest. Haney has recently visited Michigan State, and is the nephew of the greatest point guard of all time, Magic Johnson.

-6'1 Soph PG Ray Lee recently met with Tom Izzo and Mark Montgomery recently and they also watched him workout in an open gym. Lee is picking up heavy interest from the Spartans. Lee is the #1 PG prospect in the state for the 2012 class. He will be recruited by high majors from all across the Midwest. More info on Lee to come.

-Expect some big news stories to come from BOTB soon!

Open Gym Updates

-Saginaw High has had tons of visitors in their open gyms this week. Some of the schools that have visited include Michigan State, Michigan, Xavier, Iowa, Purdue, Cleveland State, Bowling Green, Western Michigan, Central Michigan, Dayton, Saginaw Valley, and others. All schools have come away extremely impressed by 6'8 F Tommie McCune from Saginaw High. Tommie has the skill package, athleticism, length, jump-shot, and defensive ability not found in too many Juniors across America. You would be hard pressed to find another 2011 player in Michigan who is better. 6'5 Jr Wing Trey Babers, cousin of Michigan State's Draymond Green is also receiving increased interest from Toledo, Bowling Green, Cleveland State, and Iowa. Expect Iowa to come hard on this one, he's a sleeper. Saginaw High's football players cant play yet, but when they get out there, expect the Trojans open gyms to be even more intense. 

Amir Williams Recruitment Update

Michigan's #1 Center in the 2011 class at this point by BOTB is Amir Williams. Williams is a 6'10 C from Detroit Country Day, who plays with aggression and is a very adept shot-blocker, and rebounder. He can also score when he gets the ball down low on the post. Williams visited Ohio State this weekend for the football game against USC, and according to Williams it was a great visit. According to Williams he currently holds offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Miami-FL, Arizona, Providence, Wake Forest, Notre Dame, and Cincinnati. Williams currently doesn't have a favorite. Expect this to be an intense recruitment for the big fella. 

Recruits at Michigan v Notre Dame Game

The Michigan vs Notre Dame football game, showcased two legendary programs, and two that are getting back to how good they used to be. It was a very exciting game, and the Michigan staff hosted tons of elite players:

Trey Zeigler Sr 6'5 G Mt. Pleseant

Casey Prather Sr 6'5 Wing Jackson, TN/South Side

Tim Hardaway, Jr Sr 6'4 SG Miami, FL/Palmetto U-M COMMIT 

Tom Droney Sr 6'4 G Sewickley, PA/Academy

Brandan Kearney Jr 6'5 SG Detroit Southeastern

Percy Gibson Jr 6'8 PF Detroit Southeastern

Ed Brown Jr 6'3 Wing Detroit Southeastern

Trey Babers Jr 6'5 SG Saginaw High

Tommie McCune Jr 6'8 PF Saginaw High

Markus Crider Jr 6'5 Wing Wayne, OH/Huber Heights

Justin Gant Jr 6'8 PF Terre Haute, IN/North Vigo

Carlton Brundidge Jr 6'1 G Southfield High 

Ray Lee Soph 6'1 PG Robichaud

Cameron Fowler Soph 6'0 PG U-D Jesuit

Kellon McCormick Soph 6'7 F Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Austin Burgett Soph 6'8 PF Avon, IN/High

Gary Harris Soph 6'3 PG Hamilton Southeastern-IN

Jacoby Bledsoe Soph 5'10 PG Hamilton Southeastern-IN

RJ Hunter Soph 6'2 PG Indianapolis, IN/Pike

Yogi Farrell Soph 5'10 PG Indianapolis, IN/Park Tudor

Denzel Watts Fresh 5'10 PG Flint Carman-Ainsworth

 

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Updates

-Detroit Southeastern which features one of the best 2011 contingents in Michigan had Michigan State, Michigan, Syracuse, and Cleveland State in their open gym yesterday. The high majors where there to see 6'5 Jr G Brandan Kearney and 6'8 Jr PF Percy Gibson. Cleveland State was also in looking at 6'3 Jr SG Ed Brown, who recently transferred in from Detroit Finney. 6'5 2010 Sr Wing Johnny Lindsay also should be a factor for Southeastern this school year. Lindsay is extremely athletic, but needs to improve on skills. Lindsay will be recruited by D1s, and D2s.

-6'9 2011 Jr C Darren Washington will visit Penn State tomorrow. Washington is one of the elite big men in the 2011 class statewide by BOTB, along with 6'10 C Amir Williams of Country Day, 6'9 C Trey McDonald of Battle Creek Central, 6'9 PF Michael Hundley of Detroit Renaissance, 6'8 Jr PF Percy Gibson of Detroit Southeastern, 6'9 Jason Pretzer of Jenison, and 6'8 Jr PF Jalen Reynolds of Livonia Clarenceville. Washington was at Detroit Southeastern last year, but has now transferred to Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard. 

-Although at this time BOTB may rank Amir Williams as the #1 C in the 2011 class statewide and Percy Gibson at the #1 PF statewide, don't be surprised if Trey McDonald and Jalen Reynolds take over that spot in the near future. Both McDonald and Reynolds are high majors. Reynolds holds an offer from Dayton, and other Midwest schools are on him as well. A recruiting update on McDonald and Reynolds is forthcoming. 

-Casey Prather, the 6'5 Wing from Jackson, TN/Northside will be in on his official visit to Michigan this weekend for the Notre Dame game. Prather is one of the top athletes in the country and would be a great addition to Michigan's 2010 recruiting class if they can lock him up. Prather is a Top 70 player nationally by BOTB. Other visitors for Michigan's game will be released soon, but I have confirmed players from a few states to be there. One 2012 kid who I think will be bigtime from Indiana, but is a sleeper right now, will also be up for sure. More info coming soon. 

-Trey Babers, the 6'5 2011 wing from Saginaw High is starting to get some increasing recruiting interest. Michigan is recruiting him intensely and he will visit the campus on Saturday to see the Notre Dame game. Saturday morning Babers will also visit Toledo along with Saginaw High's other D1 recruits in the 2011 class, 6'8 F Tommie McCune and 6'1 G Marquavis Ford. Schools like Iowa, Purdue, Central Michigan, and others have also shown interest.

Player Recruitment Updates

-Maurice Jones, BOTB's #2 PG in the state for the 2010 class in Michigan, had Toledo, St. Bonaventure, Oakland, and Ball State at Arthur Hill today for a open gym. The 5'6 PG gets it done on the court despite his size, and will be a very good college player at whichever school he chooses. If he was 6'0 he would be able to write his ticket. Jones will visit St. Bonaventure tomorrow on a official visit. The Bonnies may be in the lead according to sources, Jones has already proven he can play with anybody in the country, one of the highlights of the spring was when Jones dropped 30+ on the Boo Williams Summer League team at the Hensley Memorial in Ft. Wayne. Jones led the undermanned Reach Legends against a Boo Williams team that featured two North Carolina commits, a Duke player, and a Wake Forest commit. 

-Kenny Kaminski, the 6'7 Wing from Medina, OH/High has officially received a offer from Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans today. Kaminski is one of the youngest players since Izzo has been at the helm for the Spartans to receive a scholarship offer this early, Kaminski is a member of the 2012 class. Kaminski will also receive a offer Friday, from former Izzo staff member, Tom Crean, and the Indiana Hoosiers. Izzo and assistant Dwayne Stephens will be in Medina, OH tommorow to visit Kaminski and family. The Spartans could lock this one up early, Izzo was supposed to visit the Kaminski's Friday, but pushed it up a few days, which obviously shows Kaminski is a highly-regarded recruit. Indiana should be in Medina, Friday. West Virginia, Ohio State, and Michigan have also been in contact with Kaminski, as well as others. 

-Coach Tom Izzo and the Spartan staff  were out today as this was the first day that staff members from D1 schools could be on the road again, and visited arguably the top player in the state for the 2010 and 2011 class in Michigan, in 6'5 Sr Trey Zeigler of Mt. Pleasant and 6'8 Jr F Tommie McCune of Saginaw High. Both having Michigan State on their lists, and you could say the Spartans, are in the lead, or one of McCune's top schools. Toledo also visited McCune today, and Indiana, Xavier, Purdue, Ohio State, and others are expected to watch him play in open gyms soon. This weekend McCune will visit Toledo in the morning on Saturday, and then take in the Michigan/Notre Dame football game Saturday afternoon. 

-C.J. Barksdale-a Top 75 player nationally in the 2011 class is being heavily recruited by high majors. Barksdale, a 6'7 PF from Danville, VA/George Washington is being recruited by Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama, and Oklahoma according to his travel team coach Tony Squire of the Richmond Squires. At this time Barksdale has no leader, Barksdale is a beast inside, who finishes everything down low. If he grows another inch or so, his stock will only continue to go up.

-Don't be surprised to see two commitments very soon from two of the top 10 PG's nationally in the 2010 class, by BOTB. I'm talking about, 5'10 Joe Jackson of Memphis, TN/White Station to Memphis and 5'10 Trevor Releford from Bishop Meige High School in Kansas to Alabama. Head coaches Josh Pastner of Memphis and Anthony Grant of Alabama both visited the two PG's today, and appear to be the strong leader for both. Watch out on those two!

-Bradley Beal, BOTB's #4 player nationally in the 2010 class, from St. Louis, MO/was visited today by Bill Self of the Kansas Jayhawks. Kansas seems to be firmly in Chaminade  the thick of things for Beal. One thing is for sure, if they add Beal, Kansas will only improve, Beal is one of the more efficient scorers in the high school ranks today and he can kill you from mid-range, long range, or driving. When I saw him in Orlando playing up for the St. Louis Eagles at the Super Showcase, I was convinced he was a Top 5 guy in the country for the 2011 class, he flat out gets the job done. 

Michigan State's Important Visitors this Weekend!

Michigan State will be hosting two of the elite prospects in the country this weekend for the 2011 class, in Wayne Blackshear a 6'5 SG from Chicago, IL/Morgan Park and 6'8 Mike Shaw from Chicago DeLa Salle. Both have just left off a visit to Louisville, who has a chance to put together a recruiting class of Blackshear and Shaw, the top PG in the 2011 class nationally, Marquis Teague of Indianapolis Pike, Teague is a 6'1 phenom, and they have already locked up three commitments in 6'10 C Zach Price from Lakewood St. Edward's in Ohio, 6'10 C Michael Chandler and Ryan Taylor a 6'6 beast, both from Lawrence North in Indianapolis. All three of Louisville's commitments are Top 100 players, with Chandler being Top 20. 

Blackshear and Shaw are a definite package deal, and Blackshear has been quoted saying Louisville is his leader. Michigan State, will try their best to change that this weekend. Blackshear is a Top 20 talent nationally, and Shaw is a Top 50 player nationally in BOTB's latest rankings. Blackshear and Shaw both play for the Mac Irvin Fire program, coached by Nick Irvin, who will accompany the two on their visit to Michigan State.

Dwaun Anderson, a 6'4 Wing from Suttons Bay High in Michigan will also unofficially visit Michigan State. Anderson is under the radar nationally but he is definitely a high major talent. The ultra athletic wing is a terrific slasher, and he has the potential to be a lock up defender and good scorer at the high major level. Anderson is a Top 5 player in Michigan's loaded 2011 class. Subscribe to BOTB for updated Michigan rankings!

Zach Price Verbals to Louisville

Zach Price, the 6'10 2011 big man from Lakewood St. Edwards out of Ohio, the same school that produced Michigan State's Delvon Roe, former North Carolina player Jawad Williams, former PF for Henry Bibby at USC, Sam Clancy, and one of Bob Huggin's best PG's that he has coached Steve Logan who starred at Cincinnati, has committed to Rick Pitino and Louisville.

Don Anderson, of the King James Shooting Stars, Price's travel team stated by text that, "Zach felt like it was the right fit, and his parents did also,". Anderson also mentioned, Michigan State was scheduled to see him workout this Thursday, Price also was being recruited by Ohio state, Wake Forest, Wisconsin, Indiana, Miami (FL), Florida, and Xavier.

While Price gets a ton of notoriety and is a member of most services national Top 50 rankings, the best player out of Ohio in the 2011 class may end up being Jakarr Sampson, a 6'8 F from Akron, OH/St. Vincent St. Mary's. Anderson told BOTB that, Michigan State, Ohio State, Xavier, Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron, Pittsburgh, Washington and Miami (FL) are showing big time interest. Ohio State is expected to offer when Anderson and Sampson visits the campus in the near future. Sampson was at the Michigan State/Montana opening football game, along with Anderson and his parents and Jakarr reportedly loved the visit and loves everything about MSU. According to Anderson, Jakarr has the hunger to get better, and it was evident as he and Jakarr went through a individual workout in the MSU practice facility after the football game last Saturday. 

Continue to follow BOTB as we will continue to give our readers great updates. For more rumors, excellent recruiting info, player rankings, player interviews, team previews, and event reports, subscribe to our newsletters on the side!

Ben Darling speaks

Ben Darling, the father of Holt High School star Cole Darling gave a few reasons why his son Cole committed to Wright State today. During the phone interview with BOTB one thing was clear, the visit the Darling family took to Wright State, blew them away. The elder Darling stated that "Oakland was the leader for much of the recruitment, until we visited Wright State. We really like the Oakland staff, their players and facilities, but we really felt that Wright State was the right fit,". He continued to explain " A lot of times coaches, players, etc talk about the right fit, committing when things feel right, when you have the right fit, and Wright State was totally the right fit,". "We sat down as a family as well as with extended family, and when it came down to it we felt as if Wright State was the place to go,". 

The family took a visit to Northeastern last week, and they were also heavily in the running as well as Western Michigan, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Detroit, and of course Oakland. 

Oakland is still heavily recruiting Saginaw Arthur Hill Sr PG Maurice Jones.

2012 Michigan Players Receiving Interest

Two of Michigan's Top 5 players in the 2012 class are already receiving high major interest. 6'8 Matt Costello, who is the #1 2012 player in Michigan by BOTB, is receiving interest from Michigan St., Michigan, Iowa, Purdue, Ohio State, Cleveland State, Penn State, Marquette, Norte Dame, Detroit, and Providence. Costello and his family have already visited Michigan St, Ohio State, Cleveland State, and Purdue. Expect numerous high major schools to check out Costello in open gyms this week as colleges are now able to check out players workouts. High major offers should follow quickly.

Michigan's sleeper in the 2012 class is 6'5 SG Anton Wilson of Flint Carman-Ainsworth. Wilson was a killer for Team Pride's loaded 15u team the entire year. Wilson already holds a offer from Cleveland St, as they offered after seeing Wilson play in Louisville at the Kentucky Hoopfest in July. Michigan and Iowa are also showing interest. 

Two Michigan Players Pick Schools!

-6'7 Sr Wing Cole Darling of Holt committed to Wright State, over Northeastern, Oakland, Central Michigan and others. 5'11 Jr PG Jorddan Myrick of West Ottawa committed to Central Michigan, Jorddan was just on a unnofficial visit to Michigan last weekend. More to come on the two commitments, with quotes from those players, as well as their coaches.

Labor Day Updates

-Isaiah Sykes, a 6'5 Sr G, Rashad Reeves, a 6'1 Sr G, and Brandon Williams, a 6'7 Sr F, will all transfer to Detroit Denby. Detroit Finney, was supposed to be a force in the PSL this year, with the seniors leading the way, but after the school shut down last year, and Coach Ray Reeves, Rashad's father, going to take the head coaching position at Detroit Community, it has sent a ripple effect through the entire PSL as players from the 2008-2009 Finney team have now joined other teams, and should help them a great deal this year. Sykes is a player who has schools like South Florida and Dayton recruiting him. Expect Denby to be much improved this year!

-Indiana picked up a commitment from Victor Oladipo from Dematha Catholic in Maryland. Oladipo was a do-everything player for the Team Takeover 17u squad who won the AAU Supershowcase in July this year. The 6'4 Wing is extremely athletic and is a very efficient slasher. Oladipo's name would be in most peoples National Top 150 list, but while he may not be ranked the highest, Oladipo is the kind on player you win with at the D1 level.

-Don't be surprised to see Big Ten powers, Michigan St. and Indiana throw out a official offer to 6'7 Soph Wing Kenny Kaminski from Medina, OH/High in the very near future, the Spartans have definitely turned up the heat on Kaminski, and he and his family met with Tom Izzo this weekend at the Montana State game. This will be a Big Ten battle regarding his recruitment as Ohio State, Purdue, and Iowa also tracked Kaminski's Team Pride 15u this July. Kaminski is a Top 30 type talent nationally in the 2012 class and with continued improvement, could go higher. 

-Charles Tucker, Jr, who some consider the top 2013 prospect in Michigan, will attend Lansing Eastern high school according to Tucker. "Cha-Cha" as he is affectionally known struggled with his high school decision all summer. He actually played at the Tom Izzo Spartan Shootout in June with the Eastern team under Coach Rod Watts. I wouldn't be surprised to see Tucker start at PG from Day One at Eastern, and make a good one-two punch with 6'5 Jr F LaDante Henton, a Top 10 player in Michigan's 2011 class.

-James McAdoo, a 6'9 PF from Norfolk,VA/Christian committed to North Carolina this weekend. McAdoo is a player who is a beast on the boards, a terrific shot-blocker, and an efficient scorer down low. The sky is the limit for McAdoo, who is a Top 5 player in the country by BOTB. McAdoo plays in the summer for the loaded Boo Williams Summer League program.

-CVD 

BK Video

Brandan is one of the elite 2011 prospects in Michigan. He visited MSU this weekend and

will visit Michigan next weekend to take in the Norte Dame game. Should also be visiting

Kentucky in the near future to take in the Florida game. Brandan will play for new coach,

George Ward at Detroit Southeastern, who may have the top 2011 class in Michigan will,

Brandan, 6'8 Percy Gibson who has high major offers, 6'0 Davonte Carter, and 6'2 Ed

Brown, a transfer from Detroit Finney.

-CVD

Prospects flock to East Lansing

The fall college football season started this weekend at Michigan St, and the MSU basketball staff opened up in a big way, bringing in many of the elite prospects in the state. Below are some of the elite players they brought in:

Trey Zeigler 6'5 Sr G Mt. Pleseant

Alex Gauna 6'8 Sr PF Eaton Rapids

Russell Byrd 6'6 Sr Wing Blackhawk Christian

Tommie McCune 6'8 Jr F Saginaw High

Jakarr Sampson 6'7 Jr F Akron St. Vincent St. Mary's

Alex Williams 6'3 Jr SG Benton Harbor

Brandan Kearney 6'5 Jr SG Detroit Southeastern

Percy Gibson 6'8 Jr PF Detroit Southeastern

Patrick Lucas-Perry 5'10 Jr PG Flint Powers

Javonte Hawkins 6'4 Soph Wing Flint Powers

Gary Harris 6'3 Soph PG Hamilton Southeastern (IN)

RJ Hunter 6'2 Soph PG Indianapolis Pike

Jacoby Bledsoe 5'10 Soph PG Hamilton Southeastern (IN)

Kenny Kaminski 6'7 Soph Wing Medina

Chris Harrison-Docks 5'10 Soph PG Okemos

Matt Costello 6'8 Soph PF Bay City Western

Steven Haney, JR 6'5 Fr Wing East Lansing

Charles Tucker, JR 5'9 Fr PG Lansing ?

Denzel Watts 5'11 Fr PG Flint Carman-Ainsworth

More info to come later about the game...

CVD

Updates September 1, 2009

-Players, coaches, fans, everyone-visit my events website at www.loydenterprises.com. Living Out Your Dreams Enterprises, will take the circuit by storm this spring/summer as we have the camps, coaching clinics, conferences, and tournaments on the horizon for the 2009-2010 year! Living Out Your Dreams Enterprises, will take part in numerous business ventures and basketball is the first thing we are putting efforts into. Our first event will be the Styles3 Elite Showcase, held at Northwood University in Midland, MI, the event will be held October 17-18 and will have some of the top 2010-2013 players in the country at the event! We will have a great staff, the camp will be directed by Lou Dawkins, head coach of perenial powerhouse Saginaw High School, and will have other elite high school head coaches from around Michigan and surrounding states as well as travel team coaches and colleges coaches (non D1) working the camp as well. Tim McCormick, former McDonald's All American, All American at Michigan, and NBA Player, who is now the director of the NBA Top 100 Camp, travel team coach, college basketball analyst, and motivational speaker will be the camp's guest speaker. The top player in every high school class (2010-2013) in the state of Michigan has already registered for the camp! In order to register click on http://loydenterprises.com/Styles3EliteShowcase.html, you can now pay online. Scouting services that have commited to attend include Rivals Hoops, ESPN.com, Bank Hoops, Inside Preps, MSU Scout.com, Next Generation Sports, and of course Best of the Best Scouting, others will also confirm soon. This will truly be a big time event! The camp is filling up fast!

-BOTB National Rankings for classes of 2010-2013

2010
1. Harrison Barnes Ames High-IA 6'7 Wing
2. Jared Sullinger Northland-OH 6'8 PF OHIO STATE
3. Brandon Knight Pinecrest Prep-FL 6'2 PG
4. Kyrie Irving St. Patrick's-NJ 6'2 PG
5. Will Barton Brewster Academy-NH 6'6 Wing

2011
1. Michael Gilchrist St. Patrick's-NJ 6'7 Wing
2. Austin Rivers Winter Park-FL 6'4 G
3. Marquis Teague Pike-IN 6'2 PG
4. Bradley Beal Chaminade-MO 6'5 SG
5. James McAdoo Norfolk Christian-VA 6'9 PF

2012
1. Andre Drummond St. Thomas More-CT 6'11 C
2. Dajuan Coleman Jamesville-Dewitt-NY 6'9 C
3. Shabazz Muhammad Bishop Gorman-NV 6'4 Wing
4. LJ Rose Second Baptist-TX 6'2 PG
5. Justin Anderson Montrose Christian-MD 6'5 Wing

2013
1. Peter Jok Des Moines, IA 6'5 Wing
2. Julius Randle Plano, TX 6'9 PF
3. Aaron Harrison Houston, TX 6'5 Wing
4. Nigel Williams-Goss Findlay Prep-NV 6'2 PG
5. Derrick Fenner Springdale, MD 6'5 Wing

Michigan Rankings coming soon, Full Rankings only sent to subscribers! Subscribe Now!

-Christian Vaughn-Dawkins
loydenterprises@hotmail.com

3 Team Pride products visit Purdue, participate in Elite Camp

-Team Pride, arguably the top travel team in Michigan, had a great July and coaches from all over the country have begun to track Pride prospects. Basically every school in the Big Ten are now recruiting Pride players. Purdue, has been one of the most aggressive. Purdue is heavily recruiting BOTB's #1 player in the state for the class of 2011 and 2012 in Tommie McCune the 6'8 F from Saginaw High and Matt Costello the 6'9 PF from Bay City Western who runs the court like a deer. Saginaw High's 6'5 Trey Babers a Jr Wing is also getting Purdue interest as well as interest from Iowa and Michigan.

All three played very well at camp and the Purdue staff will continue to monitor their progress and recruit them diligently. BOTB will keep you updated on these and other players recruitment!

-Christian Vaughn-Dawkins

Loydenterprises@hotmail.com

Recent News

-BOTB Is Back! We will be transitioning a lot coming up! We will have a new website, with videos, articles, rankings, etc. We haven't been posting on here, but we have been keeping up with the basketball world while we have been gone. Expect big things coming soon!

-In Michigan high school basketball news- Richaud Pack from Birmingham Seaholm committed to Isaiah Thomas and Florida International. Isaiah is bringing in a very good class headlined by 2010 high major type players 6'9 Domoniqu Chatham e Ferguson of, VA/Hargrave Military and 5'9 Phil Taylor of Marietta, GA/Wheeler. Pack played on the Team Detroit 17u squad this July that featured Ferguson in Las Vegas. Pack is a dead-eye shooter that will be a definite zone buster in college. The 6'2 SG was getting mid major interest.

-According to Friends 4 Life Coach Eugene White, he and Anton Grady, a 6'7 F from Cleveland, OH/Central Catholic visited Michigan State last weekend. The interest seems to be there for both parties, and White said MSU is a great school! Grady is ranked low by our competitors, but he is easily a top 50 player nationally and the top 2011 kid in Ohio. 

-CVD

Showdown in the Valley Report

17u Champion-Team Detroit Over Team Pride MVP:Trey Zeigler
16u Champion-Saginaw All or Nothing Over Team Pride MVP: Marquavis Ford
15u Champion-Team Pride Over Parallel 45 MVP: Kenny Kaminski
14u Champion-Team Pride/Superfriends Over Saginaw All or Nothing MVP:Steven Haney
13u Champion-Team Pride Over Flint Affiliation MVP:Malik Hamilton
12u Champion-JRich Ballers Over Team Pride
11u Champion-Flint Affiliation
10u Champion-JRich Ballers Over Saginaw Panthers

Top Players Over the Weekend

Team Detroit 17u:

Trey Zeigler 6'5 G Mt. Pleseant
Walter Pitchford 6'9 C Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central
Corey Petros 6'10 C Utica Eisenhower
Maurice Jones 5'7 PG Arthur Hill
Richaud Pack 6'2 SG Birmingham Seaholm
Percy Gibson 6'7 PF Detroit Southeastern

Team Pride 17u:

DMarco Sanders 6'2 G Flint Powers
Derrick Davis 6'2 G Bridgeport
Darvin Ham 6'5 Wing Bridgeport
Tommie McCune 6'8 F Saginaw High 2011
AJ Thomas 5'7 PG Saginaw Heritage
Taveon Whitson 6'3 Wing Saginaw High

Parallel 45 17u:

Dwaun Anderson 6'4 Wing 2011 Suttons Bay
Garrett Mortenson 5'11 PG 2011 St. Ignance

OAA Select:

Thomas Lovachis 6'1 Wing Stockbridge
Mitchell Vallie 6'4 Wing Goodrich?

Team Pride 16u:

Christian Vaughn 6'1 G Saginaw High 2010
Tommie McCune 6'8 F Saginaw High
Shaquille Smith 5'9 PG Flint Northern
Trey Babers 6'5 Wing Saginaw High
Tink Sherman 5'10 PG Saginaw High 2010
James Johnson 6'4 Wing Saginaw Heritage 2010

Team Detroit 16u:

Ray Lee 6'2 G Robichaud 2012
Percy Gibson 6'7 PF Detroit Southeastern
Urban Bigham 6'6 PF Country Day
Lee Bailey 5'10 PG Country Day

All or Nothing 16u:

Marquavis Ford 6'2 G Saginaw High
Evellis McGee 5'10 PG Saginaw High
D'Vario Gaines 6'6 F 2012 Saginaw High
Bryant Epperson 6'0 G 2010 Saginaw High

Saginaw FOH:

Jaylen Bland 6'2 G Transferring to California
Kevin Marshall 6'7 PF 2012 Saginaw High
Dre Wiley 5'8 PG Saginaw High

Camp Jordon:

George Goodman 5'9 PG Saginaw Buena Vista

Team Pride 15u:

Kenny Kaminski 6'7 Wing Medina(OH)
Matt Costello 6'8 PF Bay City Western
Donald Fisher 6'8 PF Flint Northern
Anton Wilson 6'4 Wing Flint Carman-Ainsworth
Travontis Richardson 6'2 Wing Saginaw High

Team Pride 14u:

Derrick Walton 5'10 PG Detroit
Steven Haney 6'4 Wing East Lansing High

Tourney Highlights:

-The Breakout performances of players like Dwaun Anderson, the 6'4 super wing from up north, Suttons Bay. Anderson is one of the top 2011 wings in Michigan, and a potential high major player. Shaquille Smith from Flint Northern, showed people what I've been saying all along, he's a elite guard in the state.

-The competitive of the 17u division. There was no blowouts, Team Pride got an impressive win over Team Detroit's juggernaut 17u and Parallel 45 and OAA Select also balled the entire weekend.

-The abundance of talent in Saginaw, MI. The talent in Saginaw is scary, it may be safe to say that their isn't another city in the state of Michigan right now with more talent top to bottom than Saginaw. At one time the entire 16u division championship was all Saginaw High players, all 10 on both side of floor. Saginaw FOH and Camp Jordon also featured players from Buena Vista, Heritage, Bridgeport, etc.

-The guard play of Team Pride's 17s. All weekend the guard play carried the Pride 17s along. In a pool play victory against Team Detroit, Derrick Davis a 6'3 Wing from Bridgeport, Damarco Sanders a 6'2 G from Flint Powers and AJ Thomas a 5'8 PG from Saginaw Heritage were stellar. Thomas emerged as one of the elite PG's in the state. Troy Wright another one of Heritage guards also played well. Sanders also couldn't be stopped from the perimeter and Davis was a beast in transition and made numerous athletic plays.

IPS Border Battle Report

The Inside Prep Sports Border Battle was one of the premier events held in the Midwest this year. With elite travel teams coming from all around the Midwest, and some from as far as Georgia, this was a very nice tourney. It was well run and everything was started on time. Below is a recap for the website, while our subscribers will get a more detailed recap.

Congrats to the Champions:

17u Gold-Stark County Runner Up-CBIZ
17u Silver-Pittsburgh Storm Runner Up-MI Mavericks

16u Gold-Friends 4 Life Runner Up-Common Bond Barnes
16u Silver- Team Legion Runner Up-Detroit Magic

15u Gold-All Ohio Red Runner Up-Team Pride
15u Silver-Team Toledo Runner Up-Shining Stars

14u Champion-Pittsburgh Storm Runner Up-Team Toledo

BOTB's Fab Five Players (All Ages, excluding Michigan Talent)

Anton Grady, 6'7 Wing, Central Catholic (OH), 2011, Friends 4 Life- Long and extremely athletic wing. Although he had 20 on the Michigan Mustangs in a playoff game, his entire impact on the game was enormous. His dunks were simply game changing, he dunked on people numerous times. He looked comfortable coming off screens and shooting 3's, and he even hit some which is a good thing. Didn't see him handle it that much, but could see him being a full-time wing. Long arms and athleticism as well as his great timing, also makes him a very good shot-blocker. Out of the 2011 prospects in Ohio, probably on 6'11 Zack Price from Lakewood St. Ed's and Chane Behanan the 6'7 beast from Cincinnati Aiken should be ranked higher. He's a legit high major.

Dai-Jon Parker, 6'4 CG, Milton (GA), 2011, Georgia Netburners- Not playing with his usual squad, the Southern Kings, Parker fit in well with the Netburners. I can see why colleges are flocking to this young guard. End to end, he is the quickest and fastest I've seen all spring, combine that with his height and build, he has insane potential. He had a dunk against Team Pride 16's in pool play that may have been the best I've seen all spring as well. He's a very good passer, especially off the bounce, and that is a very good quality to have for his game since he virtually gets in the lane at will. Nice jumpshot, very smooth. Top 25 prospect nationally, easily.

Kenny Kaminski, 6'6 Wing, Medina (OH), 2012, Team Pride-Fundamentally and as far as footwork, jab-steps, fade-aways, making tough shots, etc. These eyes have never seen as high school freshman do the things he does. Bad games for him=20 points and 10 boards. His step back three is flat out money, and the way he can get the ball at his size, at his age at the top of the key, size up the defender, jab step; and score with a defender in his face all the while shooting a deep 3 is amazing. He's also dangerous down low. With more development and when he gains strength and handles it better, we are talking about a potential McDonald's All American.

Elijah Macon, 6'8 PF, Marion Franklin (OH), 2012 All Ohio Red 15s- People have him rated the #1 2012 prospect in Ohio right now, and while I don't know if he's better than Kaminski you can see why people have him rated so high. At 6'8 he's very athletic, runs the floor like a gazelle, and can really face you up and hit a mid-range jumper. His mid-range game may be his biggest strength. Long arms affects a lot of things down low at the 15U level, but he also gives alot of effort down low to get rebounds, box outs, etc. Ohio State has offered and I agree that offering him is a good move, need to get in early with this kid, he's a future star.

Dylan Kaufman, 6'4 2G, Hiland (OH), 2012, CBIZ- Another one of the top 2012 kids in Ohio right now. He can flat out stroke the deep ball, but he's not one-dimensional. Akron has already offered and he is making their staff look pretty smart. He has a very good sense of when to use pump-fakes, jab steps, step-throughs, etc and because of that he usually gets open looks during games, and when he's open you can pretty much count it. To reach full potential, tightening up his handle should be a priority.


BOTB Fab-Five Players (All Ages, Michigan)

Patrick Lucas-Perry, 5'9 PG, Flint Powers, 2011, Team Legion 16u- Is he a better scorer or distributor? That's a good thing to ponder, because while he gets his 30 points some games, he also gets his 10 assists in the same games. He's improved so much over the past year, it's crazy to think how much more he could improve. He can finish, he is the best mid range jump shooter in Michigan, and he's a leader. He's won the championship in every tourney he played in year besides King James, and don't forget he got the most important one the state championship with Flint Powers.

Tommie McCune, 6'8 F, Saginaw High, 2011, Team Pride- He is continuing to improve every game. He's still a little inconsistent right now, but he's getting there. He hit 30 in one pool play game, and he can easily get 20 at the 17u level, if he works from inside-out, not vice versa. He could be a full time wing, but he must handle it better. Personal trainer is really helping his speed, agility, strength, and quickness, and his athleticism is clearly there, he will dunk on you in a second. Played exclusively 17u this weekend, although 16u is where he'll most likely play in July. Good shot blocker, but must improve defensively off the ball. His total package, skill level for his size, athleticism, and potential, makes him the #1 player in Michigan's 2011 class.

Matt Costello, 6'8 PF, Bay City Western, 2012, Team Pride-If everyone had his enthusiasm for the game of basketball, it would be a much better game. He is one of those rare bigs who at a young age is actually good and produces. He is very long, and he can run the floor very well. His mid-range jumper is legit, and he also has that jump hook that hits almost every time he shoots it. Has to get stronger to reach his full potential, but if he ever gets strength, and more athletic, he will be a scary player. His parents are huge, so getting 6'10 is also a very reasonable assumption. He will destroy the Saginaw Valley conference in time.

Shaquille Smith, 5'9 G, Flint Northern, 2011, Team Pride-He's the man for Pride's 16u group. Although he's not quite a PG yet, he has the strength, and blinding speed, quickness, and ballhandling where you can just throw him in the fire an he'll succeed. I will bet the house, that other than guards like Maurice Jones and Patrick Lucas-Perry, no one can stay in front of him. And although the elite guards in Michigan can all score, I don't know if anyone can get buckets like Shaq. He's under the radar, but trust me he's an elite guard in Michigan. Once he improves his jump shot, and understands how to play a little more and hones his PG skills, he may have high major potential, mid major potential at the worst.

LaDonte Henton, 6'4 F, Lansing Eastern, 2011, Michigan Mustangs- Although I don't know what position he truly is, and if he will ever get that high major offer, I know that he produces right now. He had close to 40 on Friends 4 Life in the semis, and while it was clear Anton Grady is a better prospect/player, "Buckets" had better numbers. He is a really good rebounder, and he scores the majority of his points off of put backs. He must improve his ball handling to play at the D1 level on the wing, because if a D1 player pressures him he'll turn it over. Right now he's still a PF, but a move to the wing is looking like it may happen for him.

Mike Green

http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2009/05/a_bond_of_brothers_surrounded.html

Great read on a great person! Shows that this is more than basketball! Mike Green is an outstanding player, and kudos to Grand Valley State for getting a good one!

adidas May Classic Report

Year in and year out the adidas May Classic is one of the top events of the year. Not only do top adidas teams travel to come down, but also top Nike teams and non-sponsored teams participate. This year was no different. The adidas May Classic was filled with top players and teams. Below is a recap on the action.

17u Division- The 17u division was won by SYF Players. SYF is a loaded group led by 6'9 Domonique Ferguson from Lawrence North High in Indianapolis. Ferguson is being recruited by Kentucky, Duke, Indiana, Arizona, Tennessee, and others aggressively. Ferguson is very long and was a terror as an inside-outside threat the entire weekend. SYF also featured 6'2 PG Jesse Berry from Lafayette (IN) Jefferson. Berry is a high major prospect. To further showcase the depth of Indiana talent, SYF beat Eric Gordon All-Stars in the title game. EG All-Stars were led by 6'3 G Terone Johnson from Eric Gordon's alma mater North Central in Indianapolis, the stocky scoring guard is headed to Purdue. Team Detroit and the Michigan Mustangs also flexed their muscle this weekend. Both loaded groups, Team Detroit were offed in the semis by SYF, the eventual tourney champions, and the Mustangs were beat in the Elite 8 by the Derrick Rose All-Stars for the second time this year.

Top Players:

Ray McCallum- The 6'1 PG from Detroit Country Day, further cemented his status as a elite PG nationally. He is a brilliant passer and the consummate floor general, his hoops IQ is through the roof, and he is also improving athletically at a rapid pace. If he gets stronger, watch out!

Trey Zeigler- The 6'4 G from Mt. Pleasant High showed out this weekend for Team Detroit. Always the scorer, he scored in bunches this weekend. McCallum and Keith Appling are hot names right now, but I still don't know if either are better than Trey. This kid can flat out go, Michigan may have 3 Top 25 prospects nationally in the 2010 class.

Dominique Ferguson- Long, longer, and the longest! He is a hybrid forward that will take you outside and drive or mix it up inside. Added strength will only help him down the line, but I think he will develop to a 3. He's a top 10 talent nationally, he de-committed from Kentucky when Cal took the job, but don't be surprised to see him where the Blue in college, although Tom Crean and the Hoosiers aren't going down without a fight!

Keith Appling- He's easily MSU's best recruit since Kalin Lucas (stating the obvious). Wouldn't be surprised to see him in the McDonald's All American game. He's so effective at scoring but remaining unselfish. I would love to see him grow some more, but I doubt that happens, but even if he doesn't he has insane potential. This kid has it!

Kyrie Irving- The New Jersey Roadrunners weren't the most talented ball club at the AMC, but one thing was for sure, they had the best overall player in the event! The St. Patricks (NJ) product, may be the best PG in America. At 6'3 there is nothing the kid can't do, he's amazing! Indiana is in good with him.

16u Division- The Indiana Elite franchise must be the top summer program in America. They have an abundance of talent throughout their entire program, and they feature 2 maybe 3 elite, national type teams per age group. The Indiana Elite One Green team took home the chip in this age group, even though they didn't actually play the championship game because of 43 Hoops having to get back to Minnesota because of flight situations. The Michigan Mustangs 16s advanced to the Elite 8, in this division losing to the eventual champions. The Team Pride program finished 2-1 despite being shorthanded due to proms and other obligations. Pride had most of its 16s playing 17s, and they just didn't have enough gas in their tank at the end! Powerstroke also won their pool.

15u Division- Once again the Indiana Elite program took home the title! This time it was the Indy Elite-Team Indiana branch. This team featured two 7 footers, Peter Jurkin and Obij Aget as well as the #1 freshman in Indiana DVaunte Smith Rivera. The Team Pride squad advanced all the way to the finals after defeating Spiece Hoosier Hoops, Spiece Indy Heat (the team some feel is the best 15u group in America), and the Derrick Rose All-Stars en route to the title game. Pride showed that they are arguably a Top 5 15u team in America.

Top 2011 and 2012 prospects:

Brandan Kearney: He played up on the Team Detroit 17's and he just oozes potential. Can flat out stroke the deep one, and he does it with ease. He played great at the AMC and he will only continue to get better! Hopefully he qualifies for the USA Under 16 National Team in June.

Percy Gibson: Give Percy a few more inches, and your talking about a absolute monster. The lefty is tough down low, and when he goes hard few can stop. He most likely will still go high major whether he grows or not because, few bigs can score and work the boards like him. He's a good one.

Tommie McCune: If I'm buying stock, now is the time to buy Tommie's. He will be a Top 50 national recruit and the #1 player in the state by the time this class graduates. He has everything scouts and coaches love, length, size, athleticism, heart, etc. He's 6'8 and he's probably a wing player. He had a dunk against the So Cal All-Stars in 17u pool play that was so nasty, people ran out the gym! Did I mention he had games when he hit 3+ trey balls?

Shaquille Smith- The kid just doesn't get enough love statewide, but he's most likely the #2 PG in the state for 2011. The kid killed for Team Pride. He has a deadly crossover, and he uses that to get by defenders, while in the lane he has the athleticism to rise over you and try to dunk or finish. He is also very fast and quick. If he improves his J and works on passing more, big time D1 recruit.

DVaunte Smith Rivera- (Indiana Elite-Team Indiana 2012)This bulldog has to be one of the top freshman in the nation! Equipped with a body of a NFL linebacker, there won't be any 15u PG's that can guard him anywhere. He wills his team to victories. Once he gets in the lane its a bucket or assist, he's really, really good.

Raphael Davis- I see why Matt Painter and staff took a commitment from this kid at Purdue, in 4 years this kid will be a star. He's a legit 6'5 and has a great body. He has to continue improving skill wise but he has the swagger, athletic ability, and heart to be a good one! He dominated all tourney for Spiece Indy Heat's 15u, I can see why people like him so much.

Entire Team Pride 15u- This could be one of the best groups the state of Michigan has put on the circuit in some time. They lost their first game all year at the AMC and it legitimately could be their last loss of the year, needless to say this group is loaded. 6'9 Matt Costello is the #1 freshman in Michigan, 6'7 Kenny Kaminski is the #1 freshman in Ohio, Dorian Dawkins is the #1 8th grader in Michigan, and fellow scouts thought players like 6'3 Saginaw High Wing Travontis Richardson, 6'4 Anton Wilson from Flint Carman-Ainsworth, 6'4 Wing Quinn Langston from Flint Hamady, 6'2 8th grade Wing Dominique Jackson from Saginaw, MI and 5'9 Antwan Burkes from Flint Beecher all have immense talent and potential. They still have a lot of development, but scouts, shoe company reps, and fans were extremely impressed with this group.

U-M Recruiting News

-Michigan has been hosting many of the top prospects in the state on unofficials lately. First it was top 2010 players Trey Zeigler and Ray McCallum, today 6'10 Soph Amir Williams was on campus. Michigan with its recent success could challenge Tom Izzo and Michigan State for in-state recruiting supremacy, but it will be difficult. The Spartans 2010 Class includes Top 20 national player Keith Appling, Top 100 Russell Byrd, Top 150 Alex Gauna, and last weekend they hosted Top 10-15 National Player Adreian Payne, a 6'10 C from Ohio. Payne is the center on the nations top travel team, All-Ohio Red. Payne who is interested in MSU, Kentucky, Akron, Ohio State, and West Virginia among others, is on campus at Kentucky this weekend. 

-Although the Wolverine, missed on one from prep school powerhouse St Marks in Southborough, Mass(Nate Lubick) they will try for another one. 6'8 2012 Wing Alex Murphy is one of the premier freshman talents in America. The Michigan coaches are starting to actively recruit Murphy as well as others like Georgia Tech, Providence, UMASS, Duke.

Updates 5-11-09

-In big Michigan news this weekend it looks like UCLA has offered Trey Zeigler a scholarship. This is significant because you not only have to consider UCLA as one of Trey's top schools but also remember that UCLA's head coach Ben Howland was Trey's dad's, Ernie's boss at UCLA when they made their first Final 4. This recruitment will go down to the very end but my gut is just telling me Zig stays in state.

-The adidas May Classic this weeknd will host some of Michigan's best travel team powers. Last word I got the states two adidas teams, Michigan Mustangs and Team Detroit will be there, along with Team Pride. In past years other Michigan teams have also made it out. Other travel team powerhouses like the Spiece and Indiana Elite franchises, Ohio Basketball Club, and other programs should be there as well.

-The Team Pride 14u team, coached by Curtis Hervey has been having some big success this year. Fresh off of winning their 4th straight state AAU title, Pride finished 2nd at the prestigious adidas Jr May Classic event last weekend in Indianapolis. The Pride team is led by some of the top 8th graders in Michigan, including 5'10 PG Dorian Dawkins and 6'1 Dominique Jackson from Saginaw, 5'10 PG Derrick Walton, 5'10 Gerald Lockbridge, 5'8 Dre Johnson from Detroit, 6'4 Wing Steven Haney from Lansing, and other good young players. The Pride team was missing the top big in Detroit, Kenmar Benson this weekend. They scored victories over Ohio Basketball Club and Team Tempo two top teams in the country who have finished high at Nationals over the years. They lost in the title game to Indiana Elite Jazz, who is a very good young team.

-The Team Detroit 17u won the Motown All Stars Classic this weekend and West Michigan Lakers 17u won the Laker's event-Tulip Tip Off. Team Detroit got good play reportedly from Ziegler, Ray McCallum, Percy Gibson, and Corey Petros. This is a group that can make noise on the national circuit.

-Interesting article from Gary Parrish of CBS on one of the top recruits in the 2009 class, Lance Stephenson http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/story/11735696

PLP Update

The hottest player in the state of Michigan right now is Patrick Lucas-Perry, from Flint Powers. The 5'10 PG has blew up to the point, where he is a legit candidate for the #1 player in 2011 in Michigan. Lucas-Perry was the #1 ranked PG in Michigan in my updated rankings for college coaches and subscribers. He currently holds offers, according to his father from South Florida, Ohio, and Oakland. Michigan State, Duquesne, and Michigan were also recently in Flint for an open gym to watch PLP. This could come down to a MSU, UM battle for PLP. Tom Izzo and Associate Head Coach Mark Montgomery came to see him play in the open gym as well as Mark Jackson from Michigan. Expect his recruitment to be intense, and really pick up after the July period. PLP will attend the NBA Top 100 Camp and the John Lucas Invite Only Camp in Houston, which is one of the top camps in the country. Watch out for him on the circuit with Team Legion.

Gauna to Michigan State

Alex Gauna, the 6'9 PF from Eaton Rapids, MI/High has verbally committed to the Michigan State Spartans. It has long been known that Michigan State was Gauna's dream school, and when offered he would accept. Gauna was offered this week and it didn't take him long to say yes. Gauna is a inside-outside threat, who has a very good shooting touch. Tom Izzo will definitely him up down low and make him a better rebounder, which in turn will make him a better player. I expect to see him do wonders as a Spartan. Gauna competes with the Michigan Mustangs grassroots program. 

Grand Rapids Storm Classic Preview

The Grand Rapids Storm Classic will be one of the Midwest best tourneys in April. Numerous top programs like Team Pride, Michigan Mustangs, King James, Grand Rapids Storm, Michigan Roadrunners will be in attendance. Below is a look at some players expected to participate:

17u

Devin Oliver 6'5 Wing Kalamazoo Central 

Keith Appling 6'2 G Detroit Pershing Michigan Mustangs 

Alex Gauna 6'9 PF Eaton Rapids Michigan Mustangs

John Horford 6'9 PF Grand Ledge Michigan Mustangs

Walter Pitchford 6'9 PF Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central Michigan Mustangs

Matt Kaminiecki 6'7 F Clarkston Michigan Mustangs

Juwan Howard, Jr 6'6 Wing Detroit Pershing Michigan Mustangs

LaDontae Henton 6'6 F Lansing Eastern Michigan Mustangs

Tommie McCune 6'8 F Saginaw High Team Pride 

Dyland Hughes 6'2 G Kalamazoo Central Team Pride

DeMondre Chapman 6'6 PF Flint Carman-Ainsworth King James

Cameron Wright 6'4 2G Cleveland Benedictine King James

Derek Jackson 6'1 PG Cleveland Benedictine King James

Zach Price 6'11 C Lakewood St. Ed's King James

Taron Boose 6'3 Wing Flint Beecher Team Pride

Glenn Cosey 6'1 PG Flint Carman Ainsworth  Team Pride

Jaylen Larry 6'8 PF Flint Carman Ainsworth Team Pride

Colin Voss 6'8 PF East Grand Rapids GR Storm

Nate VanArendonk 6'10 C Grand Haven GR Storm

Cole Darling 6'8 Wing Holt Michigan Roadrunners

16s

Tommie McCune 6'8 F Saginaw High Team Pride

Shaquille Smith 5'8 PG Flint Northern Team Pride

Darius Norman 6'6 Wing Kalamazoo Central Team Pride

Trey Babers 6'5 2G Saginaw High Team Pride

Matt Costello 6'9 C Bay City Western Team Pride

Matt Poches 6'4 Wing Hartland Team Pride

DeAnthony Arnette 6'0 PG Saginaw High Team Pride

TJ Buchanan 6'1 G Kalamazoo Central Kazoo Blues

Ryan Majerle 6'4 Wing Rockford GR Storm

Jorddan Myrick 5'10 PG West Ottawa GR Storm

15s

Matt Costello 6'9 C Bay City Western Team Pride

Kenny Kaminski 6'6 Wing Medina (OH) Team Pride

Antwan Burkes 5'9 PG Flint Beecher Team Pride

Dorian Dawkins 5'10 PG Central Middle Team Pride

Quinn Langston 6'3 Wing Flint Hamady Team Pride

Anton Wilson 6'4 2G Flint Carman-Ainsworth Team Pride

Treyvon Crater 6'3 PG Akron SVSM King James

Damonte Flannigan 6'7 PF 8th grade King James

Many more players were left off the list. Look for reports following the event...

Team Pride Travel Team Tryouts

MICHIGAN'S NEWEST TRAVEL TEAM PROGRAM TEAM PRIDE WILL BE HOLDING TRYOUTS SUNDAY MARCH 29th AT SAGINAW HIGH SCHOOL!!

TEAM PRIDE WILL BE THE TOP TRAVEL TEAM IN MICHIGAN!!

SPONSORED BY NFL SUPERSTAR CHAMPION LAMARR WOODLEY OF THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS

15u-17u TEAMS WILL TRAVEL TO ALL THE TOP TOURNEYS IN AMERICA INCLUDING STOPS IN ORLANDO, INDIANA, OHIO, TENNESSEE AND MANY OTHER LOCATIONS!!!

TIMES: 15u 4-5 PM 16u 5-6 PM 17u 6-7 PM

CONTACT PERSONS

RALPH ARNETT(GM) 989-239-8906 ralph04_7th@yahoo.com

LATRICIA DAWKINS(PROGRAM COORDINATOR) 989-399-4751 LDAWKINS@spsd.net

End of Season Player Rankings-Michigan

Here is my updated player rankings for Michigan, full player rankings will be sent to subscribers this week.

2009

FINAL SENIOR BOTB RANKINGS ONLY FOR SUBSCRIBERS!

Mr. Basketball Pick-Ben Simons, 6'7 Wing, Cadillac, DRAKE

2010

1. Trey Ziegler Mt. Pleseant 6'5 G

2. Ray McCallum, JR Detroit Country Day 6'1 PG

3. Keith Appling Detroit Pershing 6'2 G MICHIGAN STATE

4. Maurice Jones Saginaw Arthur Hill 5'7 PG

5. Isaiah Sykes Detroit Finney 6'5 Wing

6. Devin Oliver Kalamazoo Central 6'5 SG

7. Alex Gauna Eaton Rapids 6'8 PF

8. John Horford Grand Ledge 6'9 PF

9. Devin Long Detroit Crockett 6'8 PF

10. Michael Talley, JR Melvindale B&T 5'8 PG

2011

1. Carlton Brundidge Southfield 6'2 G

2. Brandan Kearney Detroit Southeastern 6'5 G

3. Tommie McCune Saginaw High 6'8 F

4. Amir Williams Detroit Country Day 6'11 C

5. Percy Gibson Detroit Southeastern 6'8 PF

6. LaDontae Henton Lansing Eastern 6'5 F

7. AJ Mathew Ann Arbor Huron 6'3 PG

8. Darius Norman Kalamazoo Central 6'6 Wing

9. Desmond Barnes Detroit Consortium 5'10 PG

10. Shaquille Smith Flint Northern 5'10 PG

*Darren Washington, 6'10 C from Detroit Southeastern is Top 6 potential wise, he most likely will end up high major*

2012

1. Ray Lee Robichaud 6'2 G

2. Travon Baker Detroit Consortium 5'9 PG

3. Matt Costello Bay City Western 6'8 PF

4. Kevin Marshall Saginaw High 6'6 F

5. Jordan Hare Saginaw Arthur Hill 6'8 F

6. Javonte Hawkins Flint Beecher 6'5 Wing

7. Donald Fisher Flint Northern 6'7 PF

8. Cameron Fowler U-D Jesuit 6'1 PG

9. Quaran Jones Orchard Lake St. Mary's 6'6 PF

10. Antwan Burkes Flint Beecher 5'10 PG

*Denzel Valentine, a 6'4 Wing at Lansing Sexton, is a Top 2 freshmen in Michigan but was hurt for the majority of the year*

Showdown in the Valley

The Showdown in the Valley tournament will be the premier tournament Michigan holds in the summer of 2009. S.I.T.V will be held in numerous gyms in Saginaw, Michigan and will be held June 5-7. BOTB in conjunction with the Team Pride boys/girls travel team program will run the event. All of Michigan's top teams will be there, as well as surrounding states. Age divisions will be 10u-17u boys and girls. Contact bestscouting@hotmail.com for more info, or view the eteamz.com/teampridebball webpage.

The Emergence of DCDS as a National Power

The last team with as much high major talent in Michigan as the 2008-2009 version of the Detroit Country Day Yellowjackets is the 2005-2006 Saginaw High Team. That team featured Draymond Green who went to Michigan State, Josh Southern who went to Boston College, Daniel West who went to Tennessee, Bobby Lewis and Deonte Wesley who went to Jackson State, Larry Wright who went to St. Johns, and Kuddles Hopkins who went to Carl Sandburg JC. Bobby transferred to Mott JC in Flint, MI and he now has a chance to go high-major, Kuddles is a JC All American, and will have his choice of a D1 school and Larry ended up transferring to Oakland (MI). That Saginaw High team didn't win a state title though, Arthur Hill did. This Detroit Country Day team has a chance to be even better than that Saginaw High team by winning the chip.

Country Day is the biggest team in Michigan and one of the biggest in America with 6'11 SR DaShonte Riley, 6'9 JR Donnovan Kirk, 6'10 Soph Amir Williams, and 6'8 Urbane Bigham all D1 recruits down low. 6'6 Jordan Dumars a South Florida recruit is on the wing, and DCDS also has 3 other soph's 5'10 Lee Bailey, 6'1 Chris Fowler, and 6'4 Kenny Knight that will get D1 attention. 6'3 Sr Wing Bennie Fowler is a Michigan State fball recruit. The best player on this team, and maybe the best player in Michigan is 6'2 JR PG Ray McCallum, JR. Ray is a top 15 player in America for the class of 2010. Country Day has a boatload of talent, and are 13-0. They are currently ranked the #5 team in America by USA Today ... let's see if the Yellowjackets can surpass the latest Michigan team to be ranked that high, Saginaw High at #4, last year.

Michigan Mid-Season Report-The Young Bucks

Michigan is always looking for its newest star. Next is always looked for in the Mitten state and for good reason, you have to keep an eye on your up and coming talent, especially if you are one of the talent hot-beds of America. 

So who's the big-time freshmen in Michigan. It starts with 6'2 Ray Lee from Robichaud. In the beginning of the year I thought that maybe he was the second best player in Michigan, but now I'm convinced, Lee is hands down the best freshman in Michigan. He can score with the best of them, pass, play PG, he's long, athletic, Ray is good. He has had a few 25 pt games this year. 6'4 Denzel Valentine from Lansing Sexton is another big-time player. He sure doesn't look like a freshman out on the floor with the big boys, Denzel is extremely versatile and athletic, and if he continues to grow, which I think he will, he will be really, really special. Saginaw is once again loaded with talent in 2012, as one of the state's premier prospects lie at Arthur Hill in 6'8 Jordan Hare, Hare has an immense upside and one to watch in the future, he produces now. 6'6 Kevin Marshall, 6'6 D'Vario Gaines, and 6'2 Travontis Richardson from Saginaw High will all be big-time prospects for the Trojans. Marshall has produced for the High's varsity, and has even started some games this year, he will be about 6'10, has a size 19 shoe, and he's improving by the day. Not to be outdone by its rival city, Flint is LOADED with young talent. The top freshman in Flint most likely is 6'8 Donald Fisher from Flint Northern. Fisher is long, agile, and not afraid to bang. He needs to eat some food badly, and beef up; and once he does every college in America will be beating down his door. Beecher also has a few elite freshmen prospects in 6'5 shooter Javonte Hawkins and 5'11 CG Antwaun Burks. Burks is tough as he was the starting QB on the varsity fball team. Burks has all the intangibles, and he just flat out isn't afraid to get after it, he has lots of heart to be a freshman. Hawkins can stroke it, but will also mix it up down low, and fight for rebounds, which I love to see out of freshmen. 6'3 F Quinn Langston from Flint Hamady is a slasher supreme, who is very athletic. He is a monster in transition and in the boards, if Quinn grows a few more inches he could be very, very good. The top two PG's in the freshmen class are probably 5'8 Dennis Norfleet from Detroit MLK and 5'9 Travon Baker from Detroit Consortium. Norfleet's name rings bells nationwide, as he is one of the more hyped players from Michigan, and he flat out gets the job done; despite his size, their isn't a player stronger in Michigan. Baker is a extremely poised PG for a freshmen and looks to be a better prospect than his backcourt teammate at Consortium, 5'11 Desmond Barnes, who is a D1 prospect. The last freshmen who is on the radar is 6'5 John Simons from Cadillac. John is the baby bro of Ben Simons from Cadillac, who is our #2 ranked player in our updated rankings for Michigan, and is pushing for the #1 spot; Drake got a steal on that one. Simons can shoot it like his brother, and he has a very high upside, as he can do alot of things right now at the varsity level. Simons could be better than Ben... but we will have to wait and see on that one. 

Michigan Mid-Season Report

Numerous players have burst on the scene, players ranks have risen, some have stayed the same. Some teams have gotten better, some worse. Some pre-season hype has been justified, others haven't. But one thing is for sure, Michigan basketball is still big-time! I will give you some of the top storylines of this years young season. 

1. Guard Play by the 2010 class- It was well known before the season that I thought Trey Zeigler was hands down the best player in Michigan. And while I still feel that way, numerous guards in the class of 2010 are playing their way to elite status in the 2010 class. 6'1 Ray McCallum, JR from Country Day has been nothing short of brilliant so far this year. Country Day is the most talented team in Michigan, and they were also the most talented last year, but the difference between this year and last is, they have one of the best PG's in the nation running their ballclub. The only PG in America who I think is better than Ray right now is 6'2 Brandon Knight from Florida, who may be the best player in country (Of course, I have only seen Michigan talent, as the AAU circuit hasn't started just yet). 5'7 Maurice Jones from Saginaw Arthur Hill has led Arthur Hill to numerous impressive victories this year, and has many thinking he is a Top 5 player in Michigan in the 2010 class. He flat out dominates most opponents, and I can't wait to see him play Ray McCallum and Detroit Country Day this year. Jones has improved his out side shot, and is still the same speedy, slippery player who is so hard to contain; and of course he is still Michigan's crowd favorite. 6'5 Isaiah Sykes from Detroit Finney is not what people proclaimed him as, but he's still a legit Top 50-75 player in America. He can easily play the PG position and he is athletic as ever. He needs to work on his outside shot though. The only committed player in Michigan for the 2010 class so far is Keith Appling, and out of all the top players in Michigan for the 2010, he has to be the most feared,  Keith is a flat-out DOG! No one scores in bunches like this killa from Detroit Pershing, he can go for 30+ any day, he's a top 30 player in America. Trey Zeigler is the same old Trey, racking up triple-doubles and making it look easy, if only he had D1 talent surrounding him... The guard play in 2010 is great and other players like 6'5 Devin Oliver from Kalamazoo Central (who I expect to get high major offers this spring), Kyle Vinales from North Farmington, Mike Talley from Melvindale B&T, Greg Hayes from Saginaw High, Roy Marble from Southfield-Lathrup, Glen Cosey from Flint Carman-Ainsworth, AJ McEwen from East Grand Rapids, and Richard Carter from Detroit Cody, have all been playing very well for their ballclubs, and they will be in my updated rankings!