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ROMEO WEEMS (19/MEANSTREETS) EYBL SESSION II HIGHLIGHTS

4/30/2018

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Romeo Weems impacted the game in every way possible during EYBL Session II. Exclusive film on the 2019 wing from last weekend in Indianapolis after the jump.


As a scorer, Weems was outstanding at getting penetration off he bounce before converting at the rim with either hand. He displayed great body control and balance in the air, as he contorted his body to create better angles and absorbed contact consistently when finishing. Romeo also excelled as a grab and go player, pulling down defensive rebounds before pushing the ball up the court and finding teammates in stride for easy baskets. As well as Weems played offensively, his effectiveness and versatility on the defensive end may have exceeded it.

​The 6’7 junior was superb as a rim protector, blocking several shots and altering a ton more. On the perimeter, his lateral agility and active hands forced several steals that resulted in transition buckets. Romeo absolutely stuffed the stat sheet all weekend, as he averaged 11 points, 7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.8 blocks and 2.8 steals per game in a tremendous display of versatility on both ends of the court.
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Congrats to Romeo Weems on being named Macomb County Player of the Year and our Rockets on being named Macomb County Team of the Year

4/28/2018

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George Pohly, The Macomb Daily

Armada and Dakota in the girls game and De La Salle and New Haven in the boys are winners of annual Macomb County basketball awards.

John Baerwolf, who led Armada to the Blue Water Area Conference championship, was named the girls Coach of the Year, and Dakota, led by Player of the Year Tara Bieniewicz, was named Team of the Year.

Boys Player of the Year Romeo Weems sparked Team of the Year New Haven, which was joined in the state semifinals by De La Salle, led by Coach of the Year Greg Esler.

Award winners were selected by the sports staff at The Macomb Daily.
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Congrats to Alex Palajac @APalajac 2017 Rocket alum and State Champion on committing to Pheiffer University to play basketball and further his academic career.

4/27/2018

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2017 alum Eric Williams Jr named to the Atlantic 10 Conference top 25 Player List. A10 Talk Top 25 Player Countdown: #22 Eric Williams Jr.

4/26/2018

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BY MIKE MACESICH ON APRIL 26, 2018

Welcome to A10 Talk’s Top 25 Player Countdown. Each day, we publish a new article counting down the 25 best players in the Atlantic 10 this past season, as voted by our staff. Today, we feature #22 Eric Williams Jr. of Duquesne.

In his first year at the helm of the Dukes, Keith Dambrot exceeded expectations tremendously, and there are numerous bright spots as Duquesne moves forward. The most exciting of these would have to be Eric Williams Jr., who not only led his team in rebounds, but was second in scoring as well. Keep in mind, he was only a freshman. While at points he played inconsistently, he showed tons of promise throughout the season, and that earned him a spot at number 22 in our countdown.


Best Performances:
​

For Williams, his best two games were back to back, and they were certainly memorable. The first came against George Mason, where he carried the Dukes with 34 points in a double overtime win. Not to forget, he also picked up 11 boards, and hit 9 threes in the game. He had a few 20 point games before this, but this was really his coming out party, easily setting a new career-high.


Of course, most freshmen who have a big game like that might let up the next time, but not Williams. Four days later, he would pick up where he left off with a 25 point game, also gathering 8 rebounds in the process. These two games showed us what could soon become common for Williams, and if so, the A-10 is going to have its hands full stopping him for the next 3 seasons. 


Key Stats:

11. That’s the number of double-doubles that he picked up this year, all being a combination of points and rebounds. Considering he was only in his first year and played well against some stiff competition in conference play, this statistic becomes even more positive for Williams. Something else to note: Williams averaged 8.8 rebounds a game, the next highest average on his team was only 4.2.


5-1. This was Duquesne’s record this past season when Williams scored 20 or more points. It was clear that when Williams was clicking, the Dukes were on a different level. The only loss out of those was in overtime as well, in a game that could have went either way. Expect many, many more 20+ point games in his future.


15. Williams played over 35 minutes in 15 games this year for Duquesne. That experience is crucial, and he will be able to learn from that and continue to improve as he becomes one of the bigger names in A-10 basketball. This is a very young Duquesne team that will look up to Williams Jr. as he keeps progressing. 


Team Effort:​

The Dukes are far ahead of schedule with coach Dambrot, and Eric Williams Jr. will be at the head of this Duquesne team for the next three years. With Verhoeven, Lewis II and the many newcomers who will be arriving soon, the Dukes are in the making to be on an upward surge as we head into 2018-19.
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Several Rockets named Macomb County Tier 2 Boys Basketball All-Stars

4/25/2018

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​By Macomb County Coaches, [email protected], @MacDailySports on Twitter

FIRST TEAM

ASHTON SHERRELL, NEW HAVEN: A team captain, he averaged 16 points, 8.2 rebounds, three steals, 2.4 assists and three blocks per game. He finished with a season-high 23 points, 12 rebounds and five steals in a win against Cousino.

ROMEO WEEMS, NEW HAVEN:
The Associated Press Class B Player of the Year, he is one of the country’s best basketball players. A team captain, he scored 590 points in 25 games to reach a school record of 1,840. Registered a season-high 40 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, had 10 steals and six assists against Dakota. Averaged 23.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.8 steals and two blocks.

CHARLES ANDERSON, WARREN WOODS-TOWER: A 6-2 guard, he averaged 13.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, three assists and two steals per game. He scored 24 against L’Anse Creuse, and put up 22-point games against De La Salle and Fraser. Scored in double figures in 12 games.

CALEB BATES, LAKE SHORE: Tallied 15 of his game-high 32 points in the fourth quarter during a win over Cousino in the opening round of the MAC Blue/Gold tournament. He averaged 25 points and 15 rebounds per game.

AMIER GILMORE, SOUTH LAKE: He scored 30 points, ripped down 16 rebounds and had four blocks in a double overtime win over Lincoln in a district semifinal game. MVP of the MAC Silver Division, he averaged 19.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 2.6 steals per game.

DEANGELO WHITE, LINCOLN: Poured in 26 points in the Abes’ 83-71 victory over Michigan College in a Crosstown Showdown game.


SECOND TEAM

JASHUN HOUSTON, CENTER LINE: The junior small forward/power forward averaged 19 points, 7.2 rebounds, three assists, five steals and one block per game for the Panthers. Scored 30 in an early season loss to Marine City Cardinal Mooney.


ADAM JOB, ARMADA: Scored 34 in an early season game against Memphis. Hit a buzzer-beater in a one-point victory over Almont.

TAVARES OLIVER JR., NEW HAVEN: Helped lead the Rockets, especially when Romeo Weems was sidelined due to an injury. He scored 28 and 27 in back-to-back games against Mount Clemens and South Lake during a holiday tournament. A team captain, he averaged 17.1 points, 2.9 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 2.0 steals.

LUKE STRICKER, PARKWAY CHRISTIAN: Played in 22 games for the Eagles. The 6-3 senior shooting guard averaged 15.8 points, 3.2 assists, 4.9 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.4 blocks.

RICHARD WASHINGTON, CLINTONDALE: The junior guard was the team MVP. He also excelled on the football field for the Dragons. In a state tournament win over University Liggett, he finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, 12 assists and nine steals.

THIRD TEAM

ETHAN BACH, LUTHERAN NORTH: Averaged 11 points and nine rebounds during the last eight games of the season. In the Mustangs’ win over Gabriel Richard, scored 11 points and grabbed 12 rebounds; also scored 19 and grabbed eight rebounds in victory against Parkway Christian.

JAYLEN BRANCH, MICHIGAN COLLEGIATE: A true all-around athlete, he also starred on the football field and the track. He will be playing football at Grand Valley in the fall.

CHASE CHURCHILL, RICHMOND: The Most Valuable Player in the Blue Water Area Conference, he averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds and three steals per game.

ROBERT DAVIS, SOUTH LAKE: The senior guard helped lead the Cavaliers to their second straight MAC Silver Division championship. He scored 23 and had three steals against Chandler Park. He averaged 12 points and two steals per game. Had a 3:1 turnover ratio.

LEE VEASLEY, WARREN WOODS-TOWER: The junior power forward averaged 11.4 points, five rebounds, 1.5 steals and one block. Had a monster game against Romeo when he scored 30, grabbed five rebounds and had three blocks. Called “a very selfless player” by coach Nick Evola.

FOURTH TEAM

CAM HART, ARMADA: The senior center scored 26 to lead his team to victory over Richmond in a battle for first in the BWAC. A huge presence on the baseball field too, he made the all-state team as a junior.

MICAH MCLAIN, PARKWAY CHRISTIAN: He appeared in 23 games, scoring 15.5 per outing. He also averaged 6.9 assists, six rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.3 blocks.

NICHOLAS OLMEDA, LAKE SHORE: Scored 15 in a MAC Gold win over Warren Woods-Tower. A guard, he finished the season averaging 10.6 points, 1.9 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game.

CARL PETTWAY, FITZGERALD: An all-MAC Blue performer. He scored 25 in a non-league win over Mount Clemens, and tossed in 19 points in a division victory over Port Huron.

EMMANUEL SPILLMAN, SOUTH LAKE: The senior forward played a key role in the Cavaliers’ district championship win over Harper Woods, scoring 12 points and grabbing eight rebounds. He also scored 22 and grabbed 12 rebounds against Michigan Collegiate. He averaged 11 points, nine rebounds and two blocks per game.

ALL-DEFENSE

CALEB BATES, LAKE SHORE: Tallied 15 of his game-high 32 points in the fourth quarter during a win over Cousino in the opening round of the MAC Blue/Gold tournament. He averaged 25 points and 15 rebounds per game.

MATT BYRD, WARREN WOODS-TOWER: Brought the same intensity he displayed on the football field to the basketball court. Called a “very tough-nosed player” by Coach Evola. He had 19 points and five steals against Warren-Mott.

DYLAN SZAFRANSKI, ARMADA: One of a trio of four-year varsity players for the Tigers. He brought a football mentality to the basketball court.

RONALD JEFFERY III, NEW HAVEN: Averaged 2.3 steals per game. His season highs included 23 points and six steals against Eastpointe, and 22 points in the Rockets’ win over Cousino. Scored 29 in a quarterfinal win over Bridgeport.

MARK DICKERSON, SOUTH LAKE: Always matched up with the opponent’s best offensive guard. A great on-ball defender and a team leader.

HONORABLE MENTION

Jackson Allen, Richmond; Ben Brown, Center Line; Drew Davis, Richmond; Daveyon Henderson, Richmond; Kyle Hensley, Parkway Christian; DT Higgins, Clintondale; Jesse Judkins, Eastpointe; Connor Kavanaugh, Lutheran North; Melik Minor, Lake Shore; Haneef Minus, Fitzgerald; Jalen Passmore, Lincoln; Bryce Perko, Parkway Christian; Mitchell Ruczynski, Armada.
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Congrats to 2019 6-7 wing Romeo Weems received an offer from the University of Minnesota

4/25/2018

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6-7 Forward Ashton Sherrell Signs National Letter of Intent to Attend Lake Superior State University

4/17/2018

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Congrats to Ashton Sherrell on signing his National Letter of Intent today to attend Lake Superior State University on a full athletic basketball scholarship #Hardworkpaysoff #NextLevel #FAMILY
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Romeo Weems named 1st Team All-USA Michigan by USA Today

4/16/2018

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2017-18 ALL-USA Michigan Boys Basketball Team
USA Today Sports

FIRST TEAM

Player of the Year
​

Foster Loyer, G, Clarkston, 6-0/170, Sr.
The state’s Mr. Basketball and Gatorade Player of the Year, Loyer averaged 27 points, seven assists, four rebounds and three steals a game in leading the Wolves to a second straight Class A state championship. A Michigan State commit, Loyer fought through a meniscus tear in his knee in late February and went on to average 41 points in the final two postseason games to clinch the state title.

Romeo Weems, F, New Haven, 6-7/215, Jr.
Weems put up 23.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 4.8 steals a game in leading the Rockets (26-1) to the Class B state semifinals.
​
Marcus Bingham Jr., F, Catholic Central (Grand Rapids), 6-10/195, Sr.
The Michigan State-bound Bingham averaged 21 points, 11 rebounds, four blocks and two assists in leading the Cougars (24-3) to the Class B state final.

David DeJulius, G, East English Village (Detroit), 6-0/188, Sr.
A Michigan commit, DeJulius was one of five Mr. Basketball finalists, averaging 27 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and three steals per game.

Brandon Johns, F/C, East Lansing, 6-9/206, Sr.
The Michigan-bound Mr. Basketball runner-up averaged 29 points, 10 rebounds, 4.0 blocks and 2.4 assists in leading the Trojans (22-4) to the Class A quarterfinals.

SECOND TEAM
Bryce Washington, G, Southfield Christian, 6-3/170, Sr.
Mark “Rocket” Watts, G, Old Redford (Detroit), 6-3/180, Jr.
Gabe Brown, F, Belleville, 6-9/185, Sr.
Taylor Currie, C, Clarkston, 6-9/200, Sr.
Trevion Williams, C, Henry Ford (Sterling Heights), 6-8/250, Sr.
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Congrat to Romeo Weems on being named to the Detroit Free Press All-State Dream Team

4/15/2018

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April 15th, 2018

Meet the Detroit Free Press boys basketball Dream Team
Mick McCabe and Brandon Folsom, Special to the Detroit Free Press

SF Romeo Weems
New Haven, 6-7, jr. 

The stats: Averaged 23.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.8 steals and 2.0 blocks per game.

The skinny: Scouts say Weems has a ton of upside, and that's not just talking about his massive vertical leap. Even with room to grow, he's widely considered the No. 1 2019 recruit in Michigan and is ranked a top-50 prospect nationally. 

New Haven coach Tedaro France: "He can do everything, he rebounds, he steals, he defends. People just see that he’s a great player, but they don’t see how hard he works. He’s a great teammate, he gets better every day, but the thing about him is that he’s a great leader.”


PF Brandon Johns 
East Lansing, 6-8, sr.

The stats: Averaged 19.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.0 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.7 assists per game. 
The skinny: Michigan signee totaled 1,810 points and 910 rebounds in his four-year career. Ranked No. 2 in the state by 247Sports and is a top-100 player nationally. 
East Lansing coach Kevin Mayes: "He brought a tremendous amount of passion, joy, and energy to his time at East Lansing. Fans watch the games and just wait for something awesome to happen. They did not leave disappointed."


PG David DeJulius
East English Village, 6-0, sr.

The stats: Averaged 26 points, eight assists and seven rebounds per game. 
The skinny: The Mr. Basketball finalist is a top-50 recruit in the nation and signed with Michigan. He's known for his tireless work ethic in practice, which generally pays dividends in the fourth quarter when he takes over games late. 
EEV coach Juan Rickman: "I honestly believe, and you could say it's a bias, Dave's the best player in Michigan. He's always willing to learn, get better. He could always score, but when he got here, he learned to rebound, defend. He can affect the game passing the ball as well."


PG Foster Loyer (Captain)
Clarkston, 6-0, sr.

The stats: Averaged 26 points, seven assists, five rebounds and four steals. 
The skinny: Clarkston has already retired Loyer's No. 1 uniform. MSU signee took the Wolves to two straight state titles. Mr. Basketball award winner scored 2,000 career points and finished 11th all-time in MHSAA history in scoring. 
Clarkston coach Dan Fife: “He’s got an unbelievable basketball IQ. His movement, his understanding of people and where they’re at, he sees the game."

C Trevion Williams
Detroit Henry Ford Academy SCS, 6-9, sr.

The stats: Averaged 19.8 points, 20.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. 
The skinny: The double-double machine is no slouch when a shooter releases the ball: Those rebounds are his for the taking. The Purdue signee pulled down 37 rebounds in a single game in December, which puts him at No. 10 on the MHSAA's list for most rebounds in a game.  
SCS coach Taurean Wilson: “He has a great feel for the game. He has good passing ability, he shoots the ball with good range. He has good finishing moves around the basket.”


Dan Fife (Coach)
Clarkston

The skinny: Finished his 37th season at Clarkston with his second state title and a 702-170 career record. He coached the Wolves to a 25-1 record, an OAA Red conference title and helped guard Foster Loyer become the third Clarkston player to break 2,000 career points. 

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Meet the Detroit Free Press All-East boys basketball team. Romeo Weems, Ashton Sherrell, Tavares Oliver and Ronald Jeffery all honored.

4/13/2018

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Mick McCabe and Keith Dunlap, Special to the Detroit Free Press

Through Sunday, the Detroit Free Press will be revealing the members of the boys All-North, West, East and Detroit teams, culminating with the All-Metro, All-State and Dream Teams. 
Friday: Detroit, East
Saturday: West, North
Sunday: Metro, State, Dream Team
The following are the members of the 2017-2018 All-East boys basketball team as selected by the Detroit Free Press: 



First Team

F Romeo Weems (Captain)

Romeo Weems, New Haven (Photo: Special to the Detroit Free Press)

School: New Haven

Vitals: 6-7, 200, jr.

Stats: The highly-coveted junior averaged 23.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.8 steals and 2.0 blocks per game.


G/F Mavrick Gilyard
Mavrick Gilyard, Sterling Heights Stevenson (Photo: Special to the Detroit Free Press)
School: Sterling Heights Stevenson
Vitals: 6-5, sr.

Stats: Shot 51 percent from the field and averaged 18 points, seven rebounds, two blocks and two steals per game. 

G Blake McRae
Blake McRae, Romeo (Photo: Special to the Detroit Free Press)
School: Romeo
Vitals: 6-1, 185, jr.
Stats: Shot 40 percent from 3-point range and averaged 17 points per game in being named MVP of the MAC White. 

G Justin Fischer
Justin Fischer, Warren De La Salle (Photo: Special to the Detroit Free Press)
School: Warren De La Salle
Vitals: 6-4, 180, sr.
Stats: The Lake Superier State signee helped De La Salle get to the Class A semifinals by averaging 11 points, eight assists and five rebounds. 

G Ryan Rollins
Ryan Rollins, Macomb Dakota (Photo: Special to the Detroit Free Press)
School: Macomb Dakota
Vitals: 6-0, 140, so.
Stats: Averaged 22 points, six rebounds, three steals and three assists a game.

Coach: Greg Esler, De La Salle

Second team

Ashton Sherrell, New Haven
Amier Gilmore, South Lake
Luke Pfromm, De La Salle
Martell Turner, Roseville
Davion Moore, L’Anse Creuse
Third teamTavares Oliver, New Haven
D’Lano Woods, Chippewa Valley
Caleb Bates, Lake Shore
Richard Washington, Clintondale
Arthur Asbury, Cousino

Honorable mention

Tavares Oliver Jr, New Haven
Jaylen Blackwell, L’Anse Creuse

Ryan Webb, Grosse Pointe North
JayQuan Clark, Ford
Charles Anderson, Woods Tower
Ryan Heimbuch, Romeo
Matt Lockhart, Fraser
Christian Burkheiser, Lutheran North
Robert Davis, South Lake
Trenell Payne, Sterling Heights
Malot Dushaj, Sterling Heights
Mark Tocco, Dakota
Jashun Houston, Center Line
Johnny Jakaj, Stevenson
Haneef, Minus, Fitzgerald
Lee Veasley, Woods Tower
Emmanuel Spillman, South Lake
Anthony George, Liggett
DT Higgins, Clintondale
Carl Pettway, Fitzgerald
Joe Ayrault, Grosse Pointe North
Justin Schultz, Anchor Bay
Ron Jeffrey III, New Haven
Nicholas Olmeda, Lake Shore
Devin Goodwin, Chippewa Valley
Ryan Downey, Grosse Pointe South
Matt Bird, Woods Tower
Tony Schuster, Chippewa Valley
Nik Gjonaj, Utica
Ayhem Hanna, Stevenson
Billy Krempa, Eisenhower
Darien Banks, Roseville
Jaylyn Williams, Lakeview
De’Jon Gantz, Warren Mott
Cole Harko, Romeo
DeAngelo White, Lincoln
Jalen Passmore, Lincoln

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6-7 Senior Ashton Sherrell commits to Lake Superior State University on a Full Ride Athletic Scholarship

4/11/2018

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Congrats to 6-7 forward Ashton Sherrell Ashton Sherrell on committing to Lake Superior State today on a full-ride athletic scholarship. Lake State got a great one! Excited to see his new journey & the great things he is going to do at the next level #Hardworkpaysoff #FAMILY

3 year varsity player, record 75-5, 3 league Championships, 3 District Championships, 3 Regional Championships, Semi-Finalist and a State Champion #WINNER
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Junior Romeo Weems select as Detroit Free Press Sports Awards Finalist

4/8/2018

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Detroit Free Press Sports Awards:
Meet the boys basketball finalists
​
Brandon Folsom, Special to the Detroit Free Press

Romeo Weems 
New Haven, Jr., SF


Romeo Weems, New Haven (Photo: Special to the Detroit Free Press)

The stats: Averaged 23.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.8 steals and 2.0 blocks per game.
The buzz: Scouts say Weems has a ton of upside, and that's not just talking about his massive vertical leap. Even with room to grow, he's widely considered the No. 1 2019 recruit in Michigan and is ranked a top-50 prospect nationally. 


Gabe Brown 
Belleville, Sr., SF

Gabe Brown, Belleville (Photo: Special to the Detroit Free Press)

The stats: Averaged 18.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 blocks per game; shot 42 percent from 3-point range. 

The buzz: Belleville coach Adam Trumpour says Brown "has overcome a ton of personal adversity and (has) worked extremely hard on his game" to earn his spot in Michigan State's 2018 recruiting class. Brown can knock down mid-range and long jumpers as well as be a presence near the rim. 

David DeJulius Detroit East English Village, Sr., PG

David DeJulius, East English Village (Photo: Special to the Detroit Free Press)

The stats: Averaged 26 points, eight assists and seven rebounds per game. 

The buzz: The Mr. Basketball finalist is a top-50 recruit in the nation and signed with Michigan. He's known for his tireless work ethic in practice, which generally pays dividends in the fourth quarter when he takes over games late. 

Foster Loyer Clarkston, Sr., PG

Foster Loyer, Clarkston (Photo: Special to the Detroit Free Press)

The stats: Reached 2,000 career points in 2018 and is 11th all-time in MHSAA history in scoring.

The buzz: Graduation is still two months away, but Clarkston has already retired Loyer's No. 1 uniform for good. The MSU signee took the Wolves to two straight state titles, leading them the second time by scoring 40-plus points in back-to-back games at the Breslin Center. 

Traveon Maddox Jr.Novi, Sr., PG

Traveon Maddox Jr., Novi (Photo: Special to the Detroit Free Press)

The stats: Averaged 20.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game; shot 48 percent from field.

The buzz: Maddox also holds offers to play college football as a cornerback, but he chose basketball at the next level. The three-time first team All-Kensington Lakes selection will stay in county and play for Oakland University. 

Brandon Wade Ann Arbor Skyline, Sr. PG

Brandon Wade, Ann Arbor Skyline (Photo: Special to the Detroit Free Press)

The stats: Averaged 23.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game; shot 43 percent from 3. 

The buzz: Skyline coach Mike Lovelace says the Duquesne signee "took over multiple big games when we needed him the most." Wade posted big numbers in pivotal games, often requiring clutch fourth-quarter efforts, and led the Eagles to 23 straight wins.
 
Mark Watts Detroit Old Redford, Jr. SG

Mark Watts, Detroit Old Redford (Photo: Special to the Detroit Free Press)

The stats: Averaged 26.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 2.4 steals per game. 

The buzz: The three-star prospect models his game after NBA stars Damian Lillard and John Wall, and he's nicknamed "Rocket" for his speed on the court. He holds a reported 16 offers from Division I schools, including offers from Michigan and MSU. 

​Trevion Williams Detroit Henry Ford Academy: CCS, Sr., C

Trevion Williams, Detroit Henry Ford Academy: CCS (Photo: Special to the Detroit Free Press)

The stats: Averaged 19.8 points, 20.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. 

The buzz: The double-double machine is no slouch when a shooter releases the ball: Those rebounds are his for the taking. The Purdue signee pulled down 37 rebounds in a single game in December, which puts him at No. 10 on the MHSAA's list for most rebounds in a game.  
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Freshman Eric Williams Jr and the 2017-18 @Duquense team experienced a resurgence under first year head coach including a Palumbo Center record 13 wins at home

4/7/2018

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April 7th 2018

The 2017-18 Duquesne Dukes experienced a resurgence under first year head coach Keith Dambrot, finishing with 16 victories, including a Palumbo Center record 13 at home. Along the way, Dambrot’s Dukes proved they could hold their own with any team in the Atlantic 10 Conference in finishing with seven league wins.

Dambrot, who inherited a team coming off a 10-22 season (3-15 in the A-10), guided DU to seven consecutive December wins, including a 67-65 victory over CBI runner-up San Francisco at the Las Vegas Classic.

The Dukes were 5-2 in the A-10, before a number of hard-luck losses prevented an upper half of the conference finish.
Duquesne rallied from a 16-point second-half deficit to force overtime in a 77-73 loss to Richmond. DU led by 15 with 15:51 left, then rallied from a six-point deficit with 2:10 to go to tie it at #24 (AP) Rhode Island, only to see URI - the A-10 regular season champion - hit a 3-pointer at the final horn for the win. Duquesne erased a 13-point first half deficit versus second-place St. Bonaventure, before Jaylen Adams - the A-10 co-Player of the Year - hit a 3-pointer with 3.8 seconds left to send the Dukes to a three-point defeat. In the rematch, DU trailed by two with 1:08 left at Reilly Center only to fall 73-67.

The season was highlighted by the play of A-10 All-Rookie Team member Eric Williams Jr. (14.3 ppg., 8.8 rpg. freshman record 67 3-pointers), grad student guard Rene Castro-Caneddy (13.3 ppg., 3.4 apg.), sophomore guard Mike Lewis II (14.4 ppg., 89 3-pointers) and junior guard Tarin Smith (12.4 ppg.), who came off the bench to become the second player in school history to be named Atlantic 10 Sixth Man of the Year.


HONORS

Tarin Smith - Atlantic 10 Sixth Man of the Year
​
Eric Williams Jr. - Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team; four-time A-10 Rookie of the Week
Williams Jr. was the third-leading freshman scorer in the conference (14.3 ppg.) as well as the conference’s top freshman rebounder (8.8 rpg.). He posted six of his 11 double-doubles in league play. Smith (12.4 ppg.) came off the bench in DU’s last 28 games. He scored in double digits 12 times in conference play in becoming the second player in school history - joining Kevin Forney (2003) - to be named the A-10’s top sixth man.

TEAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Duquesne, picked to finished 14th in the Atlantic 10 preseason poll, ended the regular season tied for 10th with a 7-11 conference record. The seven league victories were the program’s most since 2011-12 (7-9). DU went 5-4 at home and 2-7 on the road in league play.

• This was the third time in 41 A-10 seasons that the Dukes opened conference 3-0 or better. The Dukes, who were 3-15 in conference play last year, went 4-1 in their first five A-10 games under first-year head coach Keith Dambrot.

• Keith Dambrot came to the Bluff after 13 highly-successful seasons at Akron, where he led the Zips to a 305-139 record (23.5 wins per season) including 10 postseason appearances (3 NCAA, 5 NIT, 1 CBI & 1 CIT). Dambrot’s 16 wins in 2017-18 were the most by a DU first-year coach since Dudey Moore went 17-5 in 1948-49. Moore coached Keith’s father, Sid, from 1952-54 during his highly-successful 10 seasons on the Bluff. There were 10 coaches between Moore and Dambrot.

• Duquesne eclipsed last year’s win total (10-22) in its 15th game - a 69-52 win over George Washington on Jan. 3 - in posting the school’s seventh-best single-season improvement in overall record (from 10-22 to 16-16).

• Duquesne held opponents to .335 from the 3-point arc. It was DU’s best 3-point defense since 1999-00 (.333).

• The Dukes held opponents to 70.2 points per game, it was the lowest opponent scoring average since 2010-11 (68.0 ppg.). It was just the second time in the past 32 years that DU held opponents under 71 points per game.

• DU had three wins when shooting under 40%. To put that in perspective, Duquesne won just three times in the previous five seasons (45 games) when shooting under 40%.

• Duquesne held three opponents under 50 points, something that was done a total of three times in the previous 18 seasons. The three opponents under 50 were the most in a season since 1979-80 (4).

• Duquesne held Fordham to 41 points in a 64-41 win at Rose Hill Gym on Jan. 6. The 41 points were the fewest by a DU opponent since a 34-33 loss to Saint Peter’s in a March 10, 1980 NIT game at Pittsburgh Civic Arena.

• Duquesne, led by Tydus Verhoeven’s freshman record nine, tied the school record for blocks in a game with 15 vs. George Mason. The 15 blocks tied the third-most in a game by a D-1 school in 2017-18.

• Duquesne ranked among the top 50 nationally in offensive rebounds per game (43rd at 12.09 rpg.) and blocked shots per game (45th at 4.38 bpg.). The blocks/g. average was the best by a DU team since 2011 (5.31).

• Duquesne went 12-2 when holding opponents under 70 points, 14-4 when leading at the half and 15-1 when leading with 5:00 left.

• DU’s three overtime games in 2017-18 were its most since a school record six in 2009-10. The 3OT win over La Salle (101-94) on Jan. 13, tied the longest game in school history (it was the fourth triple-overtime game on record and first since an 80-76 win over Notre Dame on Feb. 25, 1993).

• Duquesne’s seven-game win streak from Dec. 4 through Dec. 22 was its longest since 2010-11 (that streak was 11 in a row).

• Duquesne went 8-2 in December. The eight wins were the most in the month since the 1971-72 team went 8-0.

• DU’s 13 home wins were the most in 30 seasons of play at the Palumbo Center.

• Duquesne hit a school record 18 3-pointers (in 34 attempts) in its 97-48 win over Delaware State on Dec. 9.

• Duquesne played a school record 19 home games this season - all at Palumbo Center. The Dukes broke the Palumbo Center record for home wins (12) by going 13-6.

• Duquesne’s 23-point win at Fordham on Jan. 6 (64-41) was the school largest margin in an Atlantic 10 road game. Fordham’s 41 points were the fewest by a DU opponent since a 34-33 loss to Saint Peter’s in a March 10, 1980 NIT game at Pittsburgh Civic Arena.

• This was the first time since 1979-80 that Duquesne held at least three opponents under 50 points in a game (Delaware State 48, Mississippi Valley State 49 & at Fordham 41).

INDIVIDUAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Eric Williams Jr. finished eighth among the nation’s freshmen in rebounds per game (8.8 rpg.) and tied for tenth among Division I freshmen in double-doubles with 11. His 14 double-digit rebound games & 11 double-doubles - including six in 18 conference games - ranked second in the conference in addition to tying the DU freshman record in both categories set by Bruce Atkins in 1978-79.

• Williams Jr. (14.3 ppg., 8.8 rpg.) finished one-tenth of a point shy of becoming the second freshman in school history to lead the Dukes in both scoring and rebounding. Williams Jr., whose 14.3 points per game were second to Mike Lewis II’s 14.4 ppg., just missed joining Wayne Smith (16.6, 6.2), who accomplished the feat in 1998-99.

• Williams Jr. broke the freshman record for 3-pointers in a season 67-of-184, .364), eclipsing the old mark of 63 set by teammate Mike Lewis II last year.

• Williams Jr. finished tied for second on DU’s freshman total points list with 458. His 280 rebounds were 11 shy of passing Dick Ricketts (290 in 1952) for most by a DU freshman.

• Rene Castro-Caneddy, who entered the season with a 5.0 ppg. career scoring average, finished the year at a 13.3 ppg. He scored in double digits 21 times, and totaled 20 or more eight times. His 13.6 ppg. scoring average in conference play ranked second on the team.

• Tarin Smith, who entered this season with 21 3-pointers in 63 career games, hit 39 3-pointers in 32 games on the way to earning A-10 Sixth Man of the Year honors. Smith, who entered the season a .256 career 3-point shooter (.212 at Duquesne), shot .333 from the arc this season.

• Mike Lewis II finished the season 7th DU’s career 3-pointers list with 152. Lewis II’s 89 “3s” in 2017-18 were the third-most in school history. Lewis II needs 88 points to become DU’s 39th 1,000-point scorer.

• Tydus Verhoeven, who led the Atlantic 10 in blocked shots (71, 2.19/g.), broke the DU freshman record for blocks in a season set by Derrick Alston in 1991 (54). Verhoeven’s 71 blocks - in addition to being the fifth-highest single-season total - rank 8th on DU’s career list.

RECORDS TIED OR SET

Team Single Game
Longest Game - (tied) triple-overtime 101-94 win over La Salle on Jan. 13
Margin of Victory in A-10 Road Game - +23 (64-41) at Fordham on Jan. 6
3-Point Field Goals - 18 vs. Delaware State (18-34) on Dec. 9
Blocked Shots - (tied) 15 vs. George Mason on Jan. 20

Individual Single Game
3-Point Field Goals - 9 by Eric Williams Jr. (9-15) vs. George Mason on Jan. 20
3-Point Field Goal Attempts - (tied) 15 by Eric Williams Jr. (9-15) vs. George Mason on Jan. 20


Freshman Single-Game
Points - 34 by Eric Williams Jr. vs. George Mason on Jan. 20
Rebounds - 16 by Eric Williams Jr. vs. Stetson on Dec. 6

Blocked Shots - 9 by Tydus Verhoeven vs. George Mason on Jan. 20

Freshman Season
3-Point Field Goals - 67 by Eric Williams Jr. (old record 63 by Mike Lewis II in 2017)
Double-Doubles - (tied) 11 by Eric Williams Jr. (tied mark set by Bruce Atkins in 1979)
Double-Digit Rebound Games - (tied) 14 by Eric Williams Jr. (tied mark set by Bruce Atkins in 1979)

Blocked Shots - 71 by Tydus Verhoeven (old record 54 by Derrick Alston in 1991)
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Congrats to Romeo Weems, Ashton Sherrell, Tavares Oliver Jr and Ronald Jeffery III for making the Detroit News Dream Team & Class B All-State boys basketball teams

4/6/2018

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David Goricki, The Detroit News

David Goricki of The Detroit News selects the top boys basketball players in the state.

DREAM TEAM

David DeJulius, 6-0, Sr., G, Detroit East English

DeJulius showed his ability to carry his team to victories when he scored 17 fourth-quarter points in a comeback win over two-time Class A state champion Clarkston, then scored 49, making nine 3-pointers two weeks later in a win over defending Illinois state champion Chicago Orr. He averaged 26 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, shooting 42 percent from 3-point range. “He was always trying to get better, always listened and was very coachable,” Coach Juan Rickman said. “He could score the ball, his ball-handling got better and he was able to read defenses, leading him to take the ball to the basket, find an open teammate or make a 3-pointer.” DeJulius will play at Michigan.

Foster Loyer, 6-0, Sr., G, Clarkston

Loyer earned the title of Mr. Basketball. He averaged 26.6 points and six assists and took his game to the next level on the biggest stage – while playing with a knee injury suffered during the final week of the regular season - scoring 82 in the Class A Final Four at the Breslin Center, including 40 in a title game win over Holland West Ottawa to make Clarkston a two-time state champion. “This kid works his butt off every day, never goes a day without getting his shots in and he’s always thinking of other ways to improve,” Coach Dan Fife said. Loyer will play at Michigan State.

Brandon Johns, 6-8, Sr., F, East Lansing

Johns averaged 26 points and 10.1 rebounds, shooting 61 percent from the field to help East Lansing reach the Class A state quarterfinals. “Over four years at East Lansing Brandon has improved in every single area,” said former East Lansing coach Steve Finamore who coached Johns for the majority of his career. “His focus and intensity has been two of the biggest improvements. He’s turned himself into a really good outside shooter by spending a lot of time in the gym.” Johns will play at Michigan.

Carlos “Scooby” Johnson, 6-6, So., Benton Harbor

Johnson displayed his big-play ability by making the winning 3-pointer in the Class B state championship game overtime win over Grand Rapids Catholic Central, contributing 24 points and 11 rebounds to help hand Benton Harbor its first state title since 1965. He averaged 19 points, 13.9 rebounds and two blocks, shooting 51 percent from the field. “Carlos can play all five positions and is a student of the game,” Coach Corey Sterling said. “He increased his leaping ability by hitting the steps. He has the rare killer instinct for a 15-year-old and has been able to take over a game with his playmaking ability, passing and shooting.” Johnson has already received multiple offers, including Oakland, Princeton and Detroit.

Romeo Weems, 6-7, Jr., G-F, New Haven

Weems led New Haven to a 52-game winning streak, including a Class B state title a year ago, before a state semifinal loss to Grand Rapids Catholic Central. He averaged 23.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.8 steals and 2.1 blocks. He had a quadruple double (21 points, 16 rebounds, 12 assists, 10 steals), along with seven blocks in a regional final win over Detroit Country Day. “What makes Romeo a special player is his IQ of the game of basketball and his versatility,” Coach Tedaro France said. “He is able to do so many things on the basketball court at his size. His great improvement in his 3-point shooting took his game to another level and made him and our team tough to defend.” Weems has offers from numerous national powers, including Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State.


Coach of the Year: Corey Sterling, Benton Harbor

Sterling guided Benton Harbor to its third Class B Final Four appearance in the last five years, but this time came away with its first state championship since 1965 when the Tigers defeated Grand Rapids Catholic Central in overtime in the Class B title bout at the Breslin Center. “This team had great character kids who loved and cared for each other,” Sterling said. “They played hard and kept fighting when facing adversity and it resulted in the school’s first state title since 1965 and we have a proud tradition in basketball here. A lot of these kids have been together since the second grade and we were fortunate to have four of them return to Benton Harbor (Devan Nichols and TJ Jones from Berrien Springs, Justin Brown and Chris Conway from Stevensville Lakeshore).”

CLASS A

First team

  • Tyler Bosma, 6-6, Sr., F, Holland West Ottawa: 17.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.6 blocks
  • Gabe Brown, 6-7, Sr., F, Belleville: 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.2 blocks (Michigan State)
  • Traveon Maddox, 6-4, Sr., G, Novi: 20.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists (Oakland)
  • Setric Millner, 6-6, Sr., F, Grand Rapids Christian:20.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists (Cleveland State)
  • Brandon Wade, 6-2, Sr., G, Ann Arbor Skyline: 23.8 points, 6.9 assists, 4 rebounds, 3.5 steals (Duquesne)

Second team:
 Jordan Henry, 6-0, Sr., G, Okemos; Luke Hyde, 6-6, Sr., F, DeWitt; Ja’Kavien Lewis, 6-0, Sr., G, Flint Carman-Ainsworth; Carrington McCaskill, 6-8, Jr., G-F, Detroit Renaissance; Rashad Williams, 6-2, Sr., G, Wayne Memorial.

Third team: Lorne Bowman, 6-2, So., G, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s; Taylor Currie, 6-9, Sr., C, Clarkston; Daniel Friday, 6-3, Jr., G, U-D Jesuit; Sir’Real Smith, 6-0, So., G, Saginaw; Eonte Tornes, 5-10, Jr., G, Muskegon.

Fourth team: Chase Meredith, 6-7, Sr., C, Canton; C.J. Robinson, 5-10, Sr., G, Clarkston; Jalen Thomas, 6-10, Jr., C, U-D Jesuit; Chandler Turner, 6-6, Sr., G, Detroit Renaissance; Davion Williams, 6-2, Sr., G, Belleville.

Honorable mention: Jack Ammerman, Ann Arbor Skyline; Leon Ayers, Troy; Noah Baylis, Holly; Brian Booker, Saginaw Heritage; Jacob Boonyasith, Jenison; Carl Bow, Hazel Park; Maliq Carr, Oak Park; Elijah Collins, U-D Jesuit; Chris DeRocher, Alpena; Omari Duncan, Flint Carman Ainsworth; Cal Endicott, Flushing; Justin Fischer, Warren DeLaSalle; Justin Fox, Grand Rapids Union; Ashton Franklin, Waterford Mott; Jaylan Franklin, Gibraltar Carlson; De’Jon Gantz, Warren Mott; Tyler George, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central; Marcus Gibbs, Detroit King; Randy Gilbert, Detroit Cass Tech; Maverick Gildyard, Sterling Heights Stevenson; Trendon Hankerson, Novi; Payton Harley, Wyoming; Tre Harvey, West Bloomfield; Ryan Hayes, Traverse City West; David Hearns, Hazel Park; Trey Jackson, Detroit Western; Troy Jordan, Holt; Danny Kolp, Petoskey; Justin Lary, East Kentwood; Avery Lewis, Isaiah Lewis, Wayne Memorial; Ann Arbor Huron; Jamie Lewis, Lake Orion; Drew Lowder, Ann Arbor Pioneer; Seth Mann, Petoskey; Antonio Marshall, Detroit King; Devin Marshall, Portage Northern; Gage McGuire, Coldwater; Blake McRae, Romeo; Jiovanni Miles, Novi; D’avion Moore, Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse; Donavan Moore, West Bloomfield; Josh Palo, Howell; Max Perez, Hudsonville; Devin Pettus, Hazel Park; Luke Pfromm, Warren DeLaSalle; Kasean Pryor, Ann Arbor Pioneer; Jonathan Robinson, Jackson; Ryan Rollins, Macomb Dakota; Tommy Schuster, Clinton Township Chippewa Valley; Tobin Schwannecke, Traverse City Central; Tariq Shepherd, Detroit East English; Vinson Sigmon, Canton; Jackarus Smith, Grand Blanc; Trent Summerfield, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern; Mark Tocco, Macomb Dakota; Ryan Wade, Ann Arbor Skyline; Xavier Wade, Holland West Ottawa; Jarvis Walker, Muskegon Mona Shores; Marty Ward, East Grand Rapids; Joshua Warren, Woodhaven; B. Artis White, Canton; Reggie Williams, Saginaw Arthur Hill; Lewis Willis, Ann Arbor Huron; Mason Wojtusik, Mt. Pleasant; D’Lano Woods, Clinton Township Chippewa Valley.

CLASS B

First team
  • Marcus Bingham, 6-10, Sr., F, Grand Rapids Catholic Central: 16.6 points, 9.8 rebounds (Michigan State)
  • Markeese Hastings, 6-7, Sr., F, Wyoming Godwin Heights: 22.3 points, 15.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.6 blocks (Butler)
  • Mark “Rocket” Watts, 6-3, Jr., G, Detroit Old Redford: 26.8 points, 6 assists, 5.5 rebounds
  • Trevion Williams, 6-8, Sr., F, Detroit Henry Ford Academy: 19.2 points, 17.2 rebounds, 2.3 blocks (Purdue)
  • Mario Whitley, 6-5, Sr., G, Frankenmuth: 25 points, 10 rebounds, 4 steals (Saginaw Valley)

Second team: 
Charles Garrett, 6-3, Sr., G, Bridgeport; Cole Kleiver, 5-10, Sr., G, Williamston; Lamar Norman, 6-3, Sr., G, Wyoming Godwin Heights; Anthony Roberts, 6-2, Sr., G, Detroit Henry Ford; Luke Tolliver, 6-3, Sr., G, Paw Paw.

Third team: Bryce Drews, 6-4, Sr., F, Hillsdale; Wendell Green, 5-11, So., G, Detroit Country Day; Shawn Hopkins, 6-4, Sr., F, Benton Harbor; Isaiah Jackson, 6-9, So., C, Detroit Old Redford; Ashton Sherrell, 6-7, Sr., F, New Haven.

Fourth team: Quinn Blair, 6-6, Sr., G, Dearborn Divine Child; Zach Goodline, 5-10, Jr., G, Coloma; Nick Jungel, 6-7, Sr., C, Olivet; Jacob Polakovich, 6-8, Sr., C, Grand Rapids Catholic Central; Jayvien Torrance-Jackson, 6-1, Sr., G, River Rouge.

Honorable mention: Damon Anguiano, Alma; Deonte Balderas, Harrison; SirQuarius Ball, Bridgeport; Trevor Ballard, Milan; Elijah Baxter, Benton Harbor; Darrell Belcher, Grand Rapids Catholic Central; Austin Braun, Grand Rapids Catholic Central; Riley Bugg, North Branch; Cameryn Carpenter, Flint Powers Catholic; Braeden Childress, Big Rapids; Sean Cobb, Williamston; Nigel Colvin, River Rouge; Makai Conner, Flint Powers Catholic; Ben Davidson, St. Clair; Tyson Davis, Goodrich; Nick Dueweke, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep; E.J. Finch, Plainwell; Steele Fortress, Jackson Parma Western; Donavan Freeman, River Rouge; Mason Gardner, Boyne City; Markele Garrett, Bridgeport; Amier Gilmore, St. Clair Shores South Lake; Sam Gray, Frankenmuth; Antonio Green, Detroit Henry Ford; Brandon Green, Detroit Mumford; Thomas Griggs, Wyoming Kelloggsville; Tirrell Hausmanis, Three Rivers; Owen Irvin, Tawas; Ronald Jeffrey III, New Haven; Sam Johnson, Spring Lake; TJ Jones, Benton Harbor; Joshua Laman, Ludington; Logan LePage, Corunna; Terryon Liddell, Saginaw Swan Valley; Mitchell Mowid, Haslett; Devan Nichols, Benton Harbor; Justin Nicholas, Grayling; Carter Nyp, Wayland; Tavaras Oliver Jr., New Haven; Brandon Paul, Sault Ste, Marie; Jalen Rawls, Mt. Morris; Julian Roper, Detroit Country Day; Luke Schrotenboer, Grand Rapids South Christian; Logan Serba, Comstock Park; Tyler Smith, Clare; Brady Swinehart, Ionia; Thomas Teklergergis, Harrison; Carson Vincent, Ovid-Elsie; Tyler VanKovering, Hudsonville Unity Christian; Deontae Ulmer, Detroit Henry Ford; Sage Walker, Corunna; Solomon White, Ada Forest Hills Eastern; Torrell Williams, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood.

CLASS C

First team

  • CJ Haut, 6-8, Sr., C, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central: 18.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2.5 steals (Air Force)
  • Caleb Hodgson, 6-9, Jr., C, Dansville: 23 points, 14 rebounds, 3.7 blocks
  • Pierre Mitchell, 6-1, Sr., G, Detroit Edison: 17.2 points, 5 assists, 3.5 rebounds (Central Michigan)
  • Cade Peterson, 6-6, Sr., F, Maple City Glen Lake: 14.3 points, 9 rebounds
  • Gary Solomon, 6-5, Sr., G, Detroit Edison: 16.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists (LIU-Brooklyn)

Second team: 
Myron Gardner, 6-5, Jr., F, Detroit Loyola; Deante Johnson, 6-8, Sr., C, Detroit Edison; Carson Meulenberg, 6-6, Sr, F, Grand Rapids Covenant Christian; D’Juan Seal, 6-4, Sr., G, Detroit Pershing; Jalen Terry, 6-3, So., G, Flint Beecher.

Third team: Marcus Johnson, 5-10, So., G, Iron Mountain; Jordan Katje, 6-5, Sr., Kalamazoo Christian; Earnest Sanders, 6-3, So., G, Flint Beecher; Blake Verbeek, 6-10, Sr., F, Grandville Calvin Christian; Isaiah Williamson, 6-6, Sr., F, Unionville-Sebewaing.

Fourth team: Jalyn Benning, 6-6, Sr., F, Detroit Pershing; Austin Brown, 6-1, Jr., G, Madison Heights Madison; William Dunn, 6-8, So., C, Quincy; Joe Liedel, 5-9, So., G, Erie-Mason; Xander Okerlund, 6-4, Jr., G, Maple City Glen Lake.

Honorable mention: Ethan Ancick, Manton; Heath Baldwin, Kalamazoo Hackett; Trevor Boers, Capac; Hunter Bohn, Unionville-Sebewaing; Pierre Brooks, Detroit Douglass; Tyler Cammenga, Grand Rapids Covenant Christian; Jeffrey Carrier, Mason County Central; Logan Chilman, Beal City; Tyson Claeys, Johannesburg-Lewiston; Kobe Clark, Schoolcraft; Zac Clark, Britton-Deerfield; Kyle Colton, Whittemore-Prescott; Calvin Cook, Brown City; Johnny Davis, Detroit Pershing; Nolan Finkbeiner, Hemlock; Kiambu Gary, Cassopolis; Andrew Geiger, Brown City; Jonathan Giglio, Saginaw Valley Lutheran; Bryce George, Marlette; Harry Gilstrap, Bath; Noah Hague, Sand Creek; Reece Hazelton, Maple City Glen Lake; Ron Hill, Detroit Pershing; Hart Holmgren, Ishpeming; Grant Huebel, Oscoda; Tyrese Hunt-Thompson, Cassopolis; Keith Johnson, Detroit Edison; Nick Johnson, New Lothrop; Hunter Kegley, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central; Dayton Keller, Jackson Lumen Christi; Luc Laketa, Hanover-Horton; TJ McKenzie, North Muskegon; Nate Minderhoud, Grand Rapids Covenant Christian; Danny Passinault, Traverse City St. Francis; Jayden Perry, Manton; Daniel Poole, East Jackson; Teddy Prichard, Traverse City St. Francis; TJ Raedy, Saginaw Nouvel; Connor Riley, Montabella; Gabe Robinson, Reese; Andrew Sams, Capac; Ryan Schafer, Beal City; Jordan Sherman, Homer; Tanner Shimel, Johannesburg-Lewiston; Sam Siepker, Madison Heights Bishop Foley; Cooper Smith, Kalamazoo Hackett; Justin Smith, Burton Atherton; Kyle Stockmeyer, Reese; Brian Taylor Jr., Detroit Edison; Tyler Welch, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central.

CLASS D

First team
  • Harlond Beverly, 6-4, Jr., G, Southfield Christian:16 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists
  • Austin Harris, 6-3, Sr., F, Buckley: 17 points, 4.8 assists
  • Peter Kalthoff, 6-7, Sr., C, Hillsdale Academy: 21.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.7 blocks
  • Bryce Washington, 6-4, Sr., G, Southfield Christian: 21 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists
  • Jake Witt, 6-7, Sr. F, Ewen Trout Creek: 27 points, 17 rebounds, 5 blocks (Michigan Tech)

Second team:
 Daniel Everhart, 6-1, Sr., G, Marine City Cardinal Mooney; Trey Helinski, 5-9, Sr., G, Adrian Lenawee Christian; Caleb Hunter, 5-10, Sr., G, Southfield Christian; Mason Pline, 6-6, Sr., F, Fowler; Devin Schmitz, 6-0, Sr., G, Dollar Bay

Third team: Jaden Janke, 6-5, Sr., C, Dollar Bay; Dylan Jergens, 6-0, Jr., G, Howardsville Christian; Nick Johnson, 6-4, Sr., G, New Lothrop; Jaylon Rogers, 6-0, Sr., G, Frankfort-Elberta; Joey Weber, 5-11, Sr., G, Buckley.

Fourth team: Brandon Banks, 6-0, Sr., G, Hillman; Denver Cade, 6-3, Sr., F, Buckley; Colin Dolloff, 6-1, Sr., G, Ashley; Nick Johnson, 6-4, Sr., G, New Lothrop; Kieshon Watson, 6-3, Sr., F, Muskegon Heights Academy.

Honorable mention: Britton Angell, Big Rapids Crossroads; Alec Blank, Munising; Gregory Bradley Jr., International Academy of Flint; Tanner Byard, Pellston; John Cassell, Wyoming Potter’s House; Blake Cassidy, Pellston; Michael Craig, Hillsdale Academy; Blake Dockery, Baldwin; Cole Eshuis, Climax-Scotts; Kaiden Hejl, Bear Lake; Drew Hess, Mio; Da’Jion Humphrey, Southfield Christian; Brady Hunter, Gaylord St. Mary Cathedral; Jared Jergens, Hillman; Noah Johnston, Vestaburg; Joseph Kimmer, Hale; Joe Methner, Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart; Evan Neff, Kingston; Colten Nelson, Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart; Andrew Prieskorn, Lansing Christian; Bennett Sinner, Tri-unity Christian; Nate Sperling, Ashley; Seth Stratton, Vestaburg; David Trombley, Marine City Cardinal Mooney; Nathan Walker, Webberville; Trevor Wregglesworth, Onaway Area.

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Romeo Weems of New Haven named AP Class B basketball Player of the Year

4/5/2018

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Picture
George Pohly, The Macomb Daily

​CLINTON TOWNSHIP (AP) >> Romeo Weems raised his game and profile this basketball season.

The New Haven standout spent the last weekend in March at the NCAA Final Four as a member of an all-junior USA Basketball squad that participated in exhibition games against teams organized by the NBA.

A week earlier, Weems led the Rockets into a second consecutive state semifinal game at the Breslin Center, capping a season in which he averaged career highs of 23.5 points and 10.8 rebounds per game.

New Haven was unable to defend its 2017 state championship, losing to Grand Rapids Catholic Central 69-53.

Weems, however, enhanced his stature as one of the state’s premier 11th-graders as he helped New Haven to a 26-0 record and an overall winning streak of 52 games before the semifinal defeat. The target of an intense recruiting campaign, Weems was named The Associated Press Class B Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.

“Romeo had a great season for us,” New Haven coach Tedaro France II said. “He has made tremendous strides in his game and he continues to get better every day.

“With him, it starts in the gym. His work ethic and leadership are second to none and are contagious to everyone in our program.”

Weems, who missed two games in December with an arm injury, scored 590 points this season. That raised his career total to 1,497 and moved Weems to within 343 points of the New Haven record that has stood since 1971.

“I just take things one day at a time,” the 6-foot-7 Weems said.

College coaches pursuing Weems saw a more consistent perimeter shooter this season.

“One of the biggest strides he made was his ability to shoot the 3-point shot,” France said. “He could beat you in so many ways, but he struggled at being consistent behind the arc last season. This past off-season he was determined to improve his ability to shoot the ball, and he became one of the top shooters on our team.”

He was 51-of-126 (40 percent) from 3-point range. As a sophomore, he made 31 percent (20-of-64) from behind the arc.

Weems, who has received offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State and Oregon, among others, gave some of his more memorable performances against the Rockets’ better opponents.

He had 26 points and 12 rebounds in an 81-70 regular-season victory over Flint Beecher, which at the time was the defending state Class C champion.

Weems turned in a quadruple-double that included 19 points and 16 rebounds in a 92-74 victory over Detroit Country Day in a regional championship game.

Weems’ backcourt steal and basket with less than two minutes to play gave the Rockets a 10-point lead after the Yellowjackets had cut a 22-point deficit to eight.

“I’m just playing hard at all times,” Weems said, recalling the tide-turning steal. “I’m going to keep playing no matter what.”

Weems played for the gold-medal-winning USA Basketball U16 team last summer. At New Haven, he has been part of three consecutive regional championship teams.

“He is one of the most coachable, humble and respectful kids I have had the honor to coach,” France said. “He wants to be coached, and he wants to be coached hard. That says a lot about him and who he is as a person, especially from a player of his caliber with all the rankings, achievements and college offers.”

Weems was joined on the 10-player all-state first team by Carlos Johnson of state champion Benton Harbor, Mario Whitley of Frankenmuth, Bryce Drews of Hillsdale, Mark Watts of Detroit Old Redford, Trevion Williams of Detroit Henry Ford Academy, Cole Kleiver of Williamston, Marcus Bingham of Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Luke Tolliver of Paw Paw and Isaiah Jackson of Detroit Old Redford.

Amier Gilmore of South Lake and New Haven’s Tavaras Oliver Jr., Ashton Sherrell and Ronald Jeffery III were named Honorable Mention.

Corey Sterling of Benton Harbor was named AP Coach of the Year.

The team was selected by a panel of Michigan sportswriters.


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