Brian Snow
​www.scout.com

As always it seemed that Keion Brooks wouldn't be stopped on the offensive end. The gifted forward from Indiana was one of the top scorers at the event, and helped the squad to numerous wins. Brooks, who is productive because of skill and basketball savvy, put the ball in the basket in a variety of ways. He scored going to the rim, hit from the mid-range, and also converted on offensive rebounds. He needs to get stronger to finish through contact, but Brooks does everything else at a high level at the camp, and was one of the most productive overall players.
Recruiting: Brooks has offers from UCLA, Indiana, Kansas, Purdue, and Michigan State


http://www.scout.com/player/218352-patrick-williams?s=75
A nice surprise from the event was the play of Patrick Williams. Not one of the prospects who came in with the most hype, Williams absolutely showed he belonged with his combination of toughness, athleticism, and size. Williams has extremely long arms and when paired with his plus athleticism, it makes him one of the tougher wings to deal with in the class. Currently Williams is at his best slashing to the rim and making plays off the dribble, but he jumpshot did show signs throughout the camp as something that could be reliable in the future. Quite simply it looks like Williams' best basketball is ahead of him.
Recruiting: Williams has significant interest from South Carolina, Wake Forest, NC State, Dayton and others.




There aren't many better athletes in the 2019 class than Tyreek Smith. The versatile forward got a lot done with his combination of toughness, athleticism, and high motor play. Overall Smith doesn't have the perimeter skills of some of the other players on this list, but he does find a way to be productive. He scored the ball well during the camp, mostly off of rebounds and dump offs, but it was on the glass and on defense where he shined. Smith cleaned the glass on offense and defense, and then also blocked shots. As someone who runs the floor well, Smith has a huge upside and continues to get better.
Recruiting: Smith has offers from Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, SMU, Texas A&M, and TCU


http://www.scout.com/player/211964-nate-tabor?s=75
Probably the best player attacking the rim off the drive all week was Nate Tabor. The New York product put on a show getting to the bucket and finishing. A strong kid with tremendous athleticism, Tabor was finishing at the rim all weekend long. He has an explosive first step which puts him in a position to get buckets, and then also he plays with an unreal motor. Tabor even made a few jumpers, though the outside shot is most definitely a work in progress.
Recruiting: Tabor has early interest from Auburn, St. John's, Connecticut, Seton Hall and others.


http://www.scout.com/player/208213-romeo-weems?s=75
One of the biggest and most athletic forwards in the camp was Romeo Weems. The Michigan native showed why he has become a priority Big Ten recruit with his play. Weems has exceptional length and is one of the tougher kids you will see. Right now he is a dynamic defender who can guard nearly every spot on the frontcourt, and also a great rebounder. He pursues the ball well, and then uses his length and explosive leaping ability to snag the boards both in and out of his area. On offense right now Weems is a straight line driver who also can catch and shoot. He has to continue to work on his skill game, but Weems has extreme upside.
Recruiting: Weems has offers from Michigan State, Michigan, Missouri, and Iowa


http://www.scout.com/player/218354-marcus-watson?s=75
Like Williams, Marcus Watson was a wing from the South who really stepped up at the camp. Watson is a good athlete who can handle the ball and also is capable of making shots. Already possessing a nice looking stroke on his jumper and a college ready physique, Watson is someone who should have a fairly smooth transition going forward. Watson doesn't possess one skill that absolutely blows you away, but he does everything pretty well, and is someone to monitor going forward.
Recruiting: Watson has offers from Georgia, LSU, Iowa, and Tennessee


http://www.scout.com/player/218353-cade-cunningham?s=75
When looking at Cade Cunningham it is difficult to believe he is a class of 2020 prospect, but the Texas native is, and was one of the more productive wings at camp. Cunningham is a big time driver who used his strength to attack off the bounce. He has a quick first step, and also just has the savvy to know how to set up defenders. Also Cunningham plays with a tremendous motor and is someone who sees the floor well. He had several nice passes to open shooters, and in transition he can lead the break and be relied upon to make the right decision.
Recruiting: Cunningham already has major interest from Texas A&M, Baylor, TCU, SMU, and Oklahoma State

New Haven lost a supporter of the community and it’s high school athletic teams last week.

Rev. John L. Mack, 71, died Wednesday, June 14, 2017. He was born Dec. 16, 1945 in Wilmington, N.C.

Rev. Mack was a longtime resident of New Haven and was a 1964 graduate of New Haven High School. He worked for General Motors as a tool and die maker for more than 30 years.

Having also dedicated his life to the gospel ministry, he accepted the position of pastor at Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in New Haven in 1984 where he served the congregation and community for more than 32 years.

His son, John Mack, described his dad as “the ultimate people person,” also saying that he never met a stranger. His ministry stretched beyond the four walls of the church and he was able to impact and change the lives of people in prisons, schools and in the community at large. He served with numerous community organizations, including the Macomb Community Action Advisory Board and the Pinewoods Housing Committee.

He also enjoyed sports, in particular football, in which he earned All-State honors in high school, along with track while also lettering in basketball and baseball. His son added he was “very competitive and enjoyed the competitive nature of sports.”

He enjoyed attending his childrens’ and grandchildren’s sporting events and even was known to attend local sporting events in support of the community.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Brenda; children: Renee Mack of Mt. Clemens, Kristal Mack of Detroit, Janetta Mack of New Haven, John Mack (Alleda) of Harrison Township, Jolandra Mack of Southfield, Jelise Mack of Chesterfield Township and JaKelle Mack of Roseville; ten grandchildren and siblings: Robert Mack (Blondell) of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Edith Mack O’Rear (James) of Woodhaven, Gary Mack and Deborah Mack, both of New Haven and a host of other family members, friends, church members, and loved ones whose lives he touched. He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Georgia, and grandson, Javon.

A funeral service will take place at 11 am. Wednesday in the gymnasium at New Haven High School, 57700 Gratiot Avenue, New Haven. Visitation is 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday at Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 58527 Delanie St., New Haven.

Arrangements directed by United Memorial Funeral Home, Mount Clemens.

-- Macomb Daily Staff

By Chuck Pleiness
@MIPrepZoneMD

A.J. Crawford III is at his best when he’s not thinking about the game and just going out there and having fun.
That’s just what the New Haven senior did at Macomb Community College.

Crawford tossed in a game-high 25 points to lead his squad to a 108-92 win at the annual Macomb County All-Star boys basketball game at Macomb Community College.

“Just don’t think about it,” Crawford said after the game. “It’s just repetition and muscle memory. Just shoot the ball and have fun. Don’t think about too much or worry too much. Just go out there and have fun.”

Crawford was perfect from behind the 3-point arc, going 5-for-5.

“An all-star game is perfect for that, just let it loose,” Crawford said.

Zach Palmer (Romeo) and Jordan Robbins (Romeo) each finished with 18 points for the winning squad, while Danny Longo (L’Anse Creuse North) totaled 10. Joe Dibella (Center Line) and Aaron Springfield (East Detroit) each had nine points.

Jahi Hison (Stevenson) led the losing squad with 24 points, while Jauron Vicks (Warren Woods-Tower) followed with 18 and Shawn Kama (Sterling Heights) came in with 11. Ryan Anderson (De La Salle) had nine points.

Crawford was the point guard on the Rockets’ Class B state championship team this past season.

“I’m probably not going to understand everything fully until a couple of years from now,” said Crawford, who played his first three seasons at Cousino. “It was a great feeling though.”

New Haven, which beat Ludington 45-36 in the title game, became just the second team from Macomb County to win a boys basketball state championship.

Lake Shore’s 1994 Class B championship had been the only boys crown won by a county team.

New Haven was the fourth county team to play in a final. South Lake (1931) and Eastland (1949) were the other two along with the Shorians.

The win was the Rockets’ 26th in a row. Their only loss was to Dakota.

New Haven had been knocked out in the quarterfinals four other times prior.

“It was great to see all the excitement and happiness from the fans,” said Crawford, who will be playing basketball next season at Spring Arbor University. “They’ve had some great teams here that just couldn’t get to this point. We were playing for something much bigger than just us. We were playing for the whole village.”

New Haven has also won three boys track and field titles in Class C – 1994, 1995 and 1996.

The other team state title came in boys bowling in Division 3 was in 2007.

While Crawford was part of a very successful squad, Springfield has had to endure a trying four seasons at East Detroit.

“Playing in this game just means a lot,” Springfield said. “My skills are getting recognized. It was fun to just be out here and competing.”

The Shamrocks are a combined 7-73 over the past four seasons.

“A lot of my teammates weren’t that dedicated,” Springfield said. “You need to put in the work every day. You need to want to get better each and every day to improve your game. It was tough.”

Springfield is looking forward to playing next season at MCC.

“It’s going to be better for me because I’m going to be competing for a spot on this team,” Springfield said. “We’re all going to be competing, kicking it in the classroom and having a good time.”

Joseph Hayes
www.thetimesherald.com
​
Romeo Weems went to Argentina hoping to have a great experience. 
The New Haven junior left the country with a gold medal. Weems and his U.S. select 16-and-under teammates went 5-0 at the FIBA U16 Americas in Formosa, Argentina. 
​
The U.S. defeated Canada, 111-60, on Sunday to earn their fifth straight FIBA U16 gold medal. The team held Canada to 29.6 percent shooting in the championship game, while shooting 60 percent. 

New Haven junior Romeo Weems won a gold medal with the U.S. 16u team over the weekend. (Photo: USA Basketball)
Weems had four points and eight rebounds in the gold medal game. He played 20 minutes, which was the third highest on the team. 

On Saturday, Weems scored 17 points in a 121-49 victory over Argentina to help the team advance in the gold medal game. That was just one part of Weems weekend as he also learned he picked up another college offer.
After garnering interest from Ohio State University, Michigan State and others, Weems added an offer from the University of Michigan. 

"I think the offers are great for him, knowing that colleges are taking notice of his talent, work ethic, leadership and success both on and off the basketball court," New Haven coach Tedaro France II said.

"He has stayed humble through all of these experiences and he continues to work each and everyday to get better." 

Contact Joseph Hayes at (810) 989-6268 or at jahayes@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @Joseph_Hayes11. 

Joseph Hayes 
www.thetimesherald.com 
​
Romeo Weems is having a great weekend. The rising junior at New Haven High School is only 15 years old, but is already having life-changing experiences.

He has spent the weekend in Argentina, playing on the United States 16-and-under national team. On Friday, Weems had 12 points and 11 rebounds in a 127-52 victory over Mexico. 

He also received news that he had been offered by the University of Michigan. That's in addition to offers he has already received from Michigan State, Ohio State and Missouri, among others.

"He has been playing great basketball," New Haven coach Tedaro France said. "I am so proud to see him excelling on a world stage. He is showcasing to the world what we all know here in Michigan and in the Midwest. He has worked so hard to get better every day to put himself in position to make the team and he not only made the team, he is a starter on the USA Team.

"What a testimony for a kid that works so hard and now is showing the world that hard works pays off. He is not only an excellent basketball player. he is a great kid and a great leader with strong character. This experience playing against and with the best in the world will definitely be an asset for his growth as a player and as a leader. The knowledge and experiences he will bring back will pay great dividends for him, his teammates and our program."

Weems averaged 18.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.7 steals, 3.6 assists and 3.2 blocks per game while leading New Haven to a state title and 27-1 record.

He is currently the top-ranked player in the state of Michigan for the 2019 class and is ranked No. 48 in the country by Scout and No. 84 by 247Sports. 

Those accolades are amazing in their own right, but still fail to compare with the opportunity to play on the U.S. team as one of the 12 best players in his age group.  

"All of this impacts our kids and program in a great way," France said. "It creates opportunities not only for Romeo but for all of our student-athletes and is great for our school and community.

"It also assures us that we are doing some great things here developing our kids for the next level both mentally and physically, and preparing and teaching life lessons through the game of basketball so that they are not only successful on the court but also in the classroom, community and everyday life."

Joseph Hayes
www.thetimesherald.com 
​
The New Haven High School sophomore accomplished an amazing feat in March when he helped lead the Rockets to a Class B state championship. But recently, he accomplished an even greater achievement, as it was announced he had made the final cut for the United States 16-and-under national team. 

Weems, 15, was chosen as one of the top 12 players in his age group and will represent Team USA next week at the International Basketball Federation 16-and-under championships in Argentina.
 
"It's sweet," Weems said when reached via phone from Colorado Springs where the tryouts were located. "It's been fun being down here competing. 

"It's good competition. It's the best in the country and we are competing against the best in the world. I'm not backing down. I can compete with anyone. I'm just playing as hard as I can and giving it my all." 

Weems averaged 18.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.7 steals, 3.6 assists and 3.2 blocks per game in helping New Haven win the state title with a 27-1 record.

Now he will get an opportunity to further his skills against the best players in the world. 
"It's a blessing for him and he's such a great kid," New Haven coach Tedaro France II said. "It shows how hard he has worked. He went there and competed against the best in the country and to be one of the 12 that go and play on the team is huge. 

"If you keep God first and work hard, the sky is the limit for what you can do." 

France II said Weems never truly took a break away from basketball after the season ended. 

"He went from the state title in March to the AAU season that next Tuesday," France II said. "When he comes back he goes to the Top 100 camp in St. Louis and then leaves again and goes to USA basketball. 

"He's playing a lot of basketball this summer. He's going to miss some of the team camps with us, but I'm happy for him to have this experience. It will also give a couple players for us more playing time."

France II said he was excited for Weems to have a new experience through basketball and expects it to only help him down the line. 

"This is his first time to experience another part of the world," France II said. "It's amazing how playing a sport can open so many doors. I'm excited for him. He's going to go places a lot of people won't go. It's great to see for him." 

When Weems does return home, he hopes to find time to visit a couple of schools and further mull his college options. Weems has already been offered by Michigan State University and Ohio State University among others, but interest in him continues to grow by the day.

"I'm going to go on a couple of visits when I get back," Weems said. "I'm going to go and check out a few schools. But's it's exciting to know that free college is coming." 

Contact Joseph Hayes at (810) 989-6268 or at jahayes@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @Joseph_Hayes11. 

www.usab.com 

​​After tipping-off training camp June 1 with 32 athletes at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and paring the list of finalists to 16 on Sunday morning, the 2017 USA Basketball Men’s U16 National Team was finalized Monday night. The team will remain in Colorado Springs to continue training for the 2017 FIBA Americas U16 Championship, which will be held June 14-18 in Formosa, Argentina.

Named to the 12-member USA U16 National Team were: Scottie Barnes (Cardinal Newman H.S./Welllington, Fla.); Vern Carey Jr. (University School/Southwest Ranches, Fla.); Jalen Green (San Joaquin Memorial H.S./Fresno, Calif.); R.J. Hampton (Little Elm H.S./Little Elm, Texas); De'Vion Harmon(John Guyer H.S./Corinth, Texas); Zion Harmon (Bowling Green H.S./Bowling Green, Ky.); Wendell Moore Jr. (Cox Mill H.S./Concord, N.C.); Jeremy Roach (Paul VI Catholic H.S./Leesburg, Va.); Jalen Suggs(Minnehaha Academy H.S./St. Paul, Minn.); Isaiah Todd (John Marshall H.S./Richmond, Va.); Romeo Weems (New Haven H.S./New Haven, Mich.); and James Wiseman (The Ensworth School/Nashville, Tenn.).

“We’ve got a really good group that’s incredibly talented and versatile,” said USA U16 National Team head coach Don Showalter. “When we got down to 16, we put in our system and now with 12 (players) remaining we’re going to sharpen things up over the next few days. We’re going to put a few more things in offensively and defensively and really focus in on our goal.

“Some of the guys got caught in the numbers, as far as making the team. We’re all really pleased with everybody’s work ethic and attitude. Nobody got cut because of those things, it was just what we felt was going to be pieces to fit into our puzzle in order to make the best team.”

The team will practice twice a day at the USOTC through June 9, at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (all times local, MDT), prior to departing for Argentina and the 2017 FIBA Americas U16 Championship.

The top four finishing teams not including Argentina will qualify for the 2018 FIBA U17 World Cup for Men. Argentina has earned a bid to host the 2018 U17 World Cup and therefore earned an automatic berth to next year’s U17 World Cup.

USA Basketball has claimed the gold medal in all four editions of the biennial event, which was first held in 2009, and under the direction of Showalter, the USA is now 20-0 in FIBA Americas U16 Championship action.

Athletes eligible for this team must be 16 years old or younger (born on or after Jan. 1, 2001) and U.S. citizens.
The U.S. squad will practice in Formosa June 11-13 before tipping off preliminary play June 14 against Puerto Rico. The USA will face Dominican Republic on June 15 and cap preliminary games against Mexico on June 16. Semifinals will be held June 17 and the finals are on June 18. Playing in Group A will be Argentina, Canada, Paraguay and Venezuela.

Showalter will be assisted on the sideline by Scott Fitch (Fairport H.S., N.Y.) and Stan Waterman (Sanford School, Del.).

As of March 1, 2017, 13 of the 48 former USA U16 National Team members were under contract in the NBA, four were competing professionally in international leagues, 20 were competing in the NCAA and 11 were still in high school.
USA U16 team members of note include: Bradley Beal (2009), Quinn Cook (2009), Aaron Gordon(2011), Markus Howard (2015), James Michael McAdoo (2009), Malik Newman (2013), Jahlil Okafor (2011), Jabari Parker (2011), Diamond Stone (2013); Gary Trent Jr. (2015), Jarred Vanderbilt (2015) and Seventh Woods (2013).

USA Basketball Men’s National Team director Sean Ford serves as chair of the USA Men’s Developmental National Team Committee, which selects athletes and coaches for this team. The committee also includes 2015 Pan American Games bronze medalists Keith Langford and Damien Wilkins as the athlete representatives. Serving as at-large representatives are Evan Daniels of Scout.com and FOX Sports and St. Edward High School (Ohio) head coach Eric Flannery, who served as head coach of the 2015 USA Nike Hoop Summit Team and who was an assistant coach for the gold medal winning 2013 USA U16 Championship and 2014 USA U17 World Championship teams. Torrey Pines High School (Calif.) head coach John Olive, who served as a head coach of the 2009 USA Nike Hoop Summit team, will represent the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), and Boo Williams of Boo Williams AAU will represent the Amateur Athletic Association. 

Championships are won in the off season. The New Haven Rockets boys basketball team is one of the hardest working programs in the state of Michigan. Win the Day!