Eric Rutter
@ErutterTodaysU
The Reaching Higher showcase in Milford (Michigan) Highlands High School pits the state’s top talents against each other in a three-hour camp designed to foster competition and learning. At this year’s camp, several players displayed high levels of potential and skill, but none as much as New Haven’s Romeo Weems.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and 205 pounds, Weems is a rare case in that he can check all the boxes for a wing player. Weems can handle the ball, distribute it to open teammates, and score when needed on offense, but his length also stifles many opponents when he plays defense. Last season, Weems registered a double-double average with 16.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 4 steals.
Today’s U caught up with his coach, Tedaro France, to touch base on what makes Weems such a rare talent.“Romeo at 6-6 can do it all. He played all five positions for us last year. He lead our team in assist, steals and rebounds. Offensively he can do so much. He can handle the ball like a point guard creating for himself or setting up teammates off the dribble.
He can step out and knock down the three point shot, and he is excellent at getting out and running the wing slashing to the basket. He is a match up problem for many defenders. He is quick and fast enough to play guard but big and strong enough to play in the post. Putting both those together with his skill set is a very tough outing for opponents.”
Ranked as the top player in the state of Michigan for the class of 2019, Weems is a high-profile prospect whose talent is unmistakable. With a versatile skill set and the length to fill multiple roles, Weems has options. France discussed where he sees Weems playing in college.
“The position I see him playing in college is the 2-3 positions, shooting guard and small forward,” France said. “I also see him playing the 1 and 4 positions with him being able to create mismatches and defend bigger opponents with his size and athleticism.”
On the recruiting trail, France says Weems is being recruited heavily by Xavier, Michigan, Michigan State and Texas Tech, a contingent of high Division I programs. While Weems is a clear-cut blue-chip recruit based on physical talent alone, his competitive drive and willingness to learn make him an important recruit for many schools across the country.
“Romeo has a very high basketball IQ and a great feel for the game,” France said. “He is a great leader both on and off the floor and has the ability to make everyone around him better. Being ranked 13th in the country by ESPN or being ranked No. 1 in his class in Michigan has not stopped him from putting in hard work each and every day.
He is a very humble kid who is a tireless worker in the gym and weight room. He is one of the most coachable and humblest kids I have ever coached. He is a great teammate and fierce competitor.”
Although Weems is an exceptional talent on the basketball court, he is a two-sport athlete who will play quarterback for his New Haven team this season.
“I had the opportunity to watch him play football last season for the Macomb County Cowboys,” France said. “He is a great football player! I think any sport he decides to play he will be great at it due to his great athleticism and competitive spirit.”
Weems showed an extremely high ceiling at the top-100 camp, and he is already becoming a national recruit. New Haven is a school that has successfully produced Division I athletes in recent times, and Weems seems to be next in line.
The Reaching Higher camp wasn’t just a label — it appears to be exactly what Romeo Weems is doing.
Look for Weems to continue his ascent up the national rankings over his remaining high school seasons.
@ErutterTodaysU
The Reaching Higher showcase in Milford (Michigan) Highlands High School pits the state’s top talents against each other in a three-hour camp designed to foster competition and learning. At this year’s camp, several players displayed high levels of potential and skill, but none as much as New Haven’s Romeo Weems.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and 205 pounds, Weems is a rare case in that he can check all the boxes for a wing player. Weems can handle the ball, distribute it to open teammates, and score when needed on offense, but his length also stifles many opponents when he plays defense. Last season, Weems registered a double-double average with 16.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 4 steals.
Today’s U caught up with his coach, Tedaro France, to touch base on what makes Weems such a rare talent.“Romeo at 6-6 can do it all. He played all five positions for us last year. He lead our team in assist, steals and rebounds. Offensively he can do so much. He can handle the ball like a point guard creating for himself or setting up teammates off the dribble.
He can step out and knock down the three point shot, and he is excellent at getting out and running the wing slashing to the basket. He is a match up problem for many defenders. He is quick and fast enough to play guard but big and strong enough to play in the post. Putting both those together with his skill set is a very tough outing for opponents.”
Ranked as the top player in the state of Michigan for the class of 2019, Weems is a high-profile prospect whose talent is unmistakable. With a versatile skill set and the length to fill multiple roles, Weems has options. France discussed where he sees Weems playing in college.
“The position I see him playing in college is the 2-3 positions, shooting guard and small forward,” France said. “I also see him playing the 1 and 4 positions with him being able to create mismatches and defend bigger opponents with his size and athleticism.”
On the recruiting trail, France says Weems is being recruited heavily by Xavier, Michigan, Michigan State and Texas Tech, a contingent of high Division I programs. While Weems is a clear-cut blue-chip recruit based on physical talent alone, his competitive drive and willingness to learn make him an important recruit for many schools across the country.
“Romeo has a very high basketball IQ and a great feel for the game,” France said. “He is a great leader both on and off the floor and has the ability to make everyone around him better. Being ranked 13th in the country by ESPN or being ranked No. 1 in his class in Michigan has not stopped him from putting in hard work each and every day.
He is a very humble kid who is a tireless worker in the gym and weight room. He is one of the most coachable and humblest kids I have ever coached. He is a great teammate and fierce competitor.”
Although Weems is an exceptional talent on the basketball court, he is a two-sport athlete who will play quarterback for his New Haven team this season.
“I had the opportunity to watch him play football last season for the Macomb County Cowboys,” France said. “He is a great football player! I think any sport he decides to play he will be great at it due to his great athleticism and competitive spirit.”
Weems showed an extremely high ceiling at the top-100 camp, and he is already becoming a national recruit. New Haven is a school that has successfully produced Division I athletes in recent times, and Weems seems to be next in line.
The Reaching Higher camp wasn’t just a label — it appears to be exactly what Romeo Weems is doing.
Look for Weems to continue his ascent up the national rankings over his remaining high school seasons.
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