Jared Purcell, www.mlive.com

It is an exciting time of year as the high school boys basketball season is off and running in Michigan. As teams begin the pursuit of a state championship in March, college programs from across the country are keeping track of some of the top talent that Michigan has to offer.

Unfortunately, many top names like Michigan State commit Mark "Rocket" Watts have transferred out of state. Watts, formerly the top-ranked recruit in Michigan, transferred from Detroit Old Redford to SPIRE Academy in Ohio with junior teammate Isaiah Jackson (Michigan State, Louisville offers) and senior teammate Aundre Polk (Cleveland State offer). Watts was the top-ranked recruit in the state before leaving and was expected to be in the running for the Hal Schram Mr. Basketball award.

Another top player from the class of 2019 left as Southfield Christian standout Harlond Beverley transferred to Florida Harlond Beverly transferred to Florida. Now, the latest top talent to leave is Carrington McCaskill of Detroit Renaissance. McCaskill, a Florida Atlantic signee, was supposed to be a Mr. Basketball contender this winter but as opted to transfer to SPIRE as well.
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Although the trend of top talent from around Michigan heading out-of-state for prep schools and sports academies is nothing new, it seems to be happening more often.
Still, that does not mean the cupboards are bare. Recruits from Michigan have been getting into top schools across the country without having to leave the state and these players have either already signed to play at the next level or are up-and-coming talent that will surely play in college. Michigan is even home to some of the top freshman, sophomores and juniors in the nation. Whether or not they stick around is up to them.

Romeo Weems, 6-7 G/F, New Haven Senior

Weems is a front-runner for this year's Hal Schramm Mr. Basketball award and has been one of the state's top talents since his freshman season.

He surprised everyone back in May when he committed to DePaul over offers from the likes of Michigan and Michigan State.

"It was a tough decision," Weems said at his commitment ceremony. "I know everyone is going to ask, 'why DePaul?' and everything. But why not DePaul? They asked when I came to New Haven, 'why New Haven?' I've always been different."

Now signed with DePaul, Weems is capable of playing anywhere on the floor where the Rockets need him. Last winter, he averaged 23.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 5.3 assist, 4.8 steals and 2 blocks per game. Weems has 1,497 career points and is closing in on the New Haven school record of 1,840. He also shot 51-for-126 (40 percent) from 3-point range.

Last year, he even had a quadruple-double in the region championship win over Detroit Country Day by recording 21 points, 16 rebounds, 12 assists and 10 steals.


Tyson Acuff, 6-3 G, Detroit Cass Tech Junior

Still with plenty of recruitment ahead of him, Acuff has an offer from Buffalo and Cleveland State.  Acuff is going to be the heart and soul of a great Cass Tech basketball team this winter and his continued exposure should help the point guard reel in more DI offers moving forward. Averaging 14 points and 6.5 assists last year, it will be no surprised to see his point totals get a nice bump this year. He will be leaned on at times but he should be up to carrying the load as Cass Tech will contend for a PSL championship.

Jaden Akins, 6-2 G, Farmington Sophomore

Akins' recruiting is still in its infancy but there is growing hype around the talented young guard. So far, he has offers from Cleveland State and Houston Baptist but you can expect that list to continue to grow this season and the next. As a freshman last year, he averaged 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the Falcons.

Lincoln's Emoni Bates (21) dribbles the ball during the match up between Ann Arbor Huron and Lincoln in the 2018 Ypsi Tip-off Classic at the EMU Convocation Center on Monday evening, Nov. 26, 2018. Lincoln would take home the win after defeating Ann Arbor Huron, 80-69.(Tanya Moutzalias | MLive.com)


Emoni Bates, 6-8 F, Ypsilanti Lincoln Freshman

Bates is ranked as the nation's No. 1 recruit by various recruiting services and he has already started living up to the hype, recording 32 points and 15 rebounds in his first high school game. He already has a scholarship offer from DePaul, while Kentucky, Michigan and Michigan State have shown interest. Offers will likely come soon from all those schools, and likely many more.

Lorne Bowman, 6-2 G, Orchard Lake St. Mary's Junior

Committed to play for Wisconsin, Bowman also fielded offers from Oakland, Iowa, Nebraska and Buffalo, among others.
He averaged 22 points and 5 assists last season for St. Mary's. A great shooter from beyond the arc, he will be hoping to guide St. Mary's into a deep playoff run after the Eaglets made it to the region championships last year before losing to Clarkston, the eventual state champion.

Pierre Brooks, 6-5 G, Detroit Douglass Sophomore

A rising sophomore, Brooks has brought in offers from the likes of Oakland, Detroit, Cleveland State, Houston Baptist and Duquesne.

Maliq Carr, 6-6 F, Oak ParkJ unior

Carr is so talented, he has many offers for football and basketball. An MLive Detroit Dream Team selection for football this last fall as a wide receiver, Carr will once again be one of the best in the state as a forward on the hardwood for the Knights. With big time offers coming from the likes of Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Penn State for football, he also has offers from Oakland, Western Michigan and Cleveland State for basketball. He averaged 17 points and 13 rebounds last year.

Julian Dozier, 5-9 G, Detroit U-D Jesuit Senior

Although undersized, Division I schools have not shied away from offering the talented shooter. Oakland, Eastern Michigan, Southern Mississippi and Western Kentucky are among the teams offering him.

After spending last year at Bella Vista Prep in Arizona, Dozier has moved back to Michigan to join Jesuit once again. It is safe to say that the Cubs are happy to have him back. A member of the 2016 state championship team as a freshman, Dozier really grew into a difference maker. He averaged around 18 points last year in Arizona and gives Jesuit another great weapon on the perimeter.

Donavan Freeman, 6-4 G/F, River Rouge Senior

Seriously, where are the offers for this kid? Don't worry, they'll come. With great overall athleticism, the high-flying scorer should swoon recruiters this winter.

Daniel Friday, 6-4 G, Detroit U-D Jesuit Senior

Signed with Brown, he also had another Ivy League offer from Harvard. He also hauled in offers from University of Detroit, Central Michigan, Buffalo and more.

Friday will likely be running the point most of the time this year. Last year, Friday shot an impressive 64 percent from the field while averaging 15 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists. Committed to play for Brown, Friday will be a key fixture in Jesuit's legitimate attempt at Division 1 state championship this season.

Carlos Johnson, 6-6 F, Benton Harbor Junior

A four-star talent, Johnson has 10 offers that include West Virginia, Missouri, Butler, Duquesne, Oakland and Detroit. He has also gained interest from Michigan State along the way as well. Last year, he averaged 19 points, 13.9 rebounds and two blocks per game while helping Benton Harbor claim the Class B state title. He sunk the game-winning 3-point shot in the title game.

Drew Lowder, 6-0 G, Ann Arbor Pioneer Senior

Last year, Lowder averaged 19 points and four assists per game, shooting 46 percent from the field while he was at it. He picked Holy Cross over the likes of Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Toledo, Northern Illinois and Ferris State.

Jiovanni Miles, 6-3 G, Novi Senior

Miles is going to be the leader of the West Bloomfield squad this year and he has the talent and experience to do just that. He has offers from Central Michigan and Detroit.

Donavan Moore, 6-3 G, West Bloomfield Senior

Signed to play with Toledo next year, he picked the Rockets over Central Michigan, Detroit, Miami (OH), Bradley and Tennessee State.
Moore is a high-flyer that dominates with pure athleticism. Averaging 21 points per game last season, he is hard to stop once he streaks toward the basket. Moore made an immediate positive impact for the Lakers last year after moving from Hillsboro in southern Illinois.

Matt Nicholson, 6-11 C, Clarkston Junior

He is definitely one of most intriguing players to watch moving forward. Work through the grape vine says that he had a huge leap in development on the AAU circuit and, of course, Nicholson's size already sets him apart from his peers. His only offer at this point is from Ferris State but that should change moving forward. After not seeing a lot of playing time last year thanks to Clarkston's stacked roster, Nicholson will be relied on a lot this season in the paint as Clarkston is looking to recover from graduating its entire championship starting five.

Kasean Pryor, 6-8 F, Ann Arbor Pioneer Senior

Transferring in from New Mexico before last season, Pryor made an immediate impact for Pioneer, averaging 15 points and nine rebounds. With nearly a dozen offers, Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan are both in the mix for him.

Ty Rodgers, F, Grand Blanc Freshman

The nephew of Michigan State and NBA star Jason Richardson, Rodgers is one of the biggest up-and-coming talents in the state and, possibly, the country. The schools showing interest in Rodgers include Michigan, Michigan State, Louisville, Nebraska, Creighton and DePaul. He is a Saginaw native set up to be the next big star to come out of Flint area schools, adding to the rich basketball history of both cities.

Julian Roper, G/F, Detroit Country Day Sophomore

Although he has only one offer so far, he is only a sophomore. His lone offer came from Iowa in October but many schools have been showing interest in the young athlete. A lot of Big Ten schools are tuning into Roper's progress, including Michigan and Michigan State.
In his short high school career, Roper has developed into a difference maker on the court. Breaking the 20-point barrier was not a challenge for Roper last season.

Jalen Terry, 5-11 G, Flint Beecher Junior

Ranked as the No. 1 recruit in the state's 2020 class according to 247Sports, the talented point guard has a lot of top-level schools looking at him, including Michigan State. Michigan has also been showing great interest in him as well. Butler, Louisville DePaul and Iowa State have also offered, along with a number of other schools. Terry was first-team All-State last season, when he averaged 17 points, 5.3 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 2.1 steals. 


Jalen Thomas, 6-10 C, Detroit U-D Jesuit Senior

Arguably the best center in the entire state this winter, Thomas had nine offers before signing with the University of Massachusetts. He also had offers from Detroit, Buffalo, Toldeo and Cleveland State, among others.
He averaged a double-double last year (10 points, 11 rebounds) and will continue to grow by leaps and bounds as a difference maker. With good weapons around him at the perimeter, Thomas will have the opportunities to do plenty of damage near the basket. If he can own the paint as expected, Jesuit will be hard to stop.

Chandler Turner, 6-6 G/F, Detroit Renaissance Senior

With the departure of McCaskill, Renaissance will be relying on Turner more than ever moving forward. He signed with Bowling Green after gathering offers from Kent State, Cleveland State, Milwaukee, Buffalo and IUPUI. Last year, he averaged 19 points and nine rebounds. He is capable of doing a bit of everything on the floor for Renaissance and will wind up at guard in college.

Ryan Wade, 6-1 G, Ann Arbor Skyline Senior

Holding 11 offers before signing with Holy Cross, he picked the Crusaders over the likes of Central Michigan, Detroit, Kent State and more. A kid who can flat out shoot, Wade averaged 13.6 points and 2.6 assists per game last season.

Jarvis Walker, 6-1 G, Muskegon Junior

Despite holding only DII offers at the moment, there is still plenty of time for Jarvis to pick up DI offers. Transferring to Muskegon from Mona Shores, he is slated to be the top talent in the Muskegon area this winter. As a sophomore, Walker averaged 22 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.

B. Artis White, 5-11 G, CantonSenior

White signed with Western Michigan, picking the Broncos over Cleveland State, Northern Kentucky and Division II's Ferris State. Averaging 16 points last winter, White showed that he has range with a killer instinct. The Western Michigan signee can get up to the rim with his great speed as well.


MORE PLAYERS WITH NEXT-LEVEL POTENTIAL

Caleb Bates, F, St. Clair Shores Lake Shore, Sr.
Ronald Jeffery III G, New Haven Sr
Legend Geeter, G/F, River Rouge, So.
DaJion Humphrey, G, Southfield Christian, Jr.
Caleb Hunter, G, Detroit U-D Jesuit, Sr.
Luc Laketa, G/F, Hanover-Horton, Jr.
Isaiah Lewis, G, Wayne Memorial, Sr.
Fletcher Loyer, G, Clarkston, Fr.
Davis Lukomski, F, Detroit Catholic Central, Sr.
Micah Parrish, F, River Rouge, Sr.
Ryan Rollins, G, Macomb Dakota, Jr.
Tariq Shepherd, G, Farmington, Sr.
Josh Warren, G, Woodhaven, Sr.
Keegan Wasilk, G, Clarkston, Fr.

Mick McCabe, The Detroit Free Press

Here are the top 100 Michigan high school boys basketball players as we begin the 2018-19 season:
More: Michigan boys basketball: Ranking the top 20 high school teams

1. Romeo Weems, 6-6, senior, New Haven
2. Carlos Johnson, 6-6, junior, Benton Harbor
3. Emoni Bates, 6-8, freshman, Ypsilanti Lincoln
4. Daniel Friday, 6-4, senior, U-D Jesuit
5. Jalen Terry, 6-1, junior, Flint Beecher
6. Lorne Bowman, 6-1, junior, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
7. Jalen Thomas, 6-10, senior, U-D Jesuit
8. Maliq Carr, 6-6, junior, Oak Park
9. Mike Fletcher, 6-6, senior, Flint Carman-Ainsworth
10. B. Artis White, 5-10, senior, Canton
11. Donavan Moore,6-3, senior, West Bloomfield
12. Tyson Acuff, 6-3, junior, Detroit Cass Tech
13. Caleb Hodgson, 6-9, senior, Dansville
14. Isiah Lewis, 6-1, senior, Wayne
15. Ryan Wade, 6-3, senior, Ann Arbor Skyline
16. Nolan Foster, 6-10, senior, Mattawan
17. Pierre Brooks, 6-5, sophomore, Detroit Douglass
18. Drew Lowder, 5-11, senior, Ann Arbor Pioneer
19. Caleb Bates, 6-8, senior, St. Clair Shores Lake Shore
20. Ryan Rollins, 6-2, senior, Macomb Dakota
21.  Sean Cobb, 6-7, senior, Williamston
22. Sir’Real Smith, 6-0, junior, Saginaw
23. Ty Rodgers, 6-5, freshman, Grand Blanc
24. Tyson Davis, 5-10, sophomore, Goodrich
25. William Dunn, 6-8, junior, Quincy
26. Julian Roper, 6-2, sophomore, Birmingham Detroit Country Day
27. Donovan Freeman, 6-5, senior, River Rouge
28. Dylan Jergens, 6-0, senior, Howardsville Christian
29. Kasean Pryor, 6-7, senior Ann Arbor Pioneer
30. Seth Wright, 6-6, senior, Constantine
31. Joe Moon, 6-1, senior, Westland Glenn
32. Darrell Belcher, 6-3, senior, Grand Rapids Catholic Central
33. Matt Nicholson, 7-0, junior, Clarkston
34. Reece Castor, 6-4, senior, Gladstone
Jalen Terry, Flint Beecher (Photo: Jeff Corrion, Special to the Detroit Free Press)
35. Zach Goodline, 6-0, senior, Coloma
36. Ja’Moni Jones, 6-0, junior, East Kentwood
37. Max Perez, 5-9, junior, Hudsonville
38. Foster Wonders, 6-5, sophomore, Iron Mountain
39. Micah Parrish, 6-5, senior, River Rouge
40. Xander Okerlund, 6-5, senior, Maple City Glen Lake
41. Jayshawn Moore, 6-4, junior, Ferndale
Daniel Friday, U of D Jesuit (Photo: U of D Jesuit)
42. Nate Talbot, 6-9, senior, Lake Orion
43. Jaden Akins, 6-3, sophomore, Farmington
44. Julian Lewis, 6-4, sophomore, Ann Arbor Huron
45. Brady Parker, 5-11, sophomore, Troy
46. Chandler Turner, 6-7, senior, Detroit Renaissance
47. Owen Lobsinger, 6-6, sophomore, Flint Powers
48. Marius Grazulis, 6-10, senior, Marquette
49. Kareem Rozier, 5-6, freshman, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
50. Jiovanni Miles, 6-3, senior, Novi

The next 50
(listed alphabetically)

Ronald Jeffery III 6-1, Senior, New Haven 
Ethan Alderink, 6-6, junior, Holland Christian
Jack Ammerman, 6-0, senior, Ann Arbor Skyline
Trevor Arico, 6-0, junior, Saline
James Babers, 6-7, junior, Saginaw
Caleb Bates, 6-6, senior St. Clair Shores Lake Shore
Jalal Baydoun, 6-0, senior, Dearborn Edsel Ford
Noah Baylis, 5-11, junior, Flint Powers
Trevor Boers, 6-9, senior, Capac
Ali Brewster, 5-11, senior, Flint Hamady
Austin Braun, 6-0, senior, Grand Rapids Catholic Central
Justin Brown, 6-6, senior, Benton Harbor
Devon Bryant, 6-0, senior, Detroit Henry Ford
Kobe Bufkin, 6-3, sophomore, Grand Rapids Christian
Jake Burger, 6-5, senior, Pittsford
Blake Charboneau, 6-5, senior, Gaylord
Kip Clark, 6-5, junior, Detroit Western
Julian Dozier, 5-9, senior, U-D Jesuit
Ethan Emerzian, 50-10, sophomore, Rochester Adams
Donte Foreman, 6-5, sophomore, Wayne
Jalen Thomas, U of D Jesuit (Photo: U of D Jesuit)
Kylin Grant, 6-6, senior, Detroit Renaissance
Joe Hannenberg, 6-7, senior, Williamston
Reece Hazelton, 6-7, junior, Maple City Glen Lake
Marcus Johnson, 5-10, junior, Iron Mountain
Larson Kever, 6-6, junior, Union City
Ja’Kavien Lewis, 5-10, senior, Flint Carman-Ainsworth
Julian Lewis, 6-4, sophomore, Ann Arbor Huron
Marcus Marcott, 6-8, junior, Bay City Central
Gage McGuire, 6-6, senior, Coldwater
DeSean Munson, 6-7, senior, Ann Arbor Skyline
Jayden Nunn, 6-2, sophomore, Flint Carman-Ainsworth
Kasean Pryor, 6-7, senior, Ann Arbor Pioneer
Elias Ramirez, 6-1, senior, Bay City Central
B. Artis White, Canton (Photo: Special to the Detroit Free Press)
Kevin Rice, 6-4, junior, Grand Blanc
Ernest Sanders, 6-3, junior, Flint Beecher
Tariq Shepherd, 5-11, senior, Ferndale
Dexter Shouse, 6-4., senior, Mattawan
Vinson Sigmon, 5-11, senior, Canton
Brian Taylor, 6-5, senior, Detroit Edison
Evan Thomas, 6-4, senior, Okemos
Mark Tocco, 5-11, senior, Macomb Dakota
Eonte Tornes, 5-9, senior, Muskegon
Demario Walk, 5-5, sophomore, Detroit Western
Jarvis Walker, 6-2, junior, Muskegon
De’Airrus Ware, 6-4, senior, Muskegon
Josh Warren, 5-8, senior, Woodhaven
Kalil Whitehead, 6-4, senior, Detroit Cass Tech
Jordan Whitford, 6-0, senior, Detroit King
Ty Wyman, 6-4, sophomore, Blissfield
Griffin Yaklich, 6-4, junior, Saline
Omar Zeigler Jr., 6-4, sophomore, Detroit King

Mick McCabe, The Detroit Free Press

The boys basketball season is underway and this will be a historic season on a couple of fronts.
One, this is the first time the boys season has started before the girls, which means it will hold its state finals a week before the girls. That is because of the availability for the Breslin Center to host the boys semifinals and finals March 14-16.

It will also be historic in another sense because this will be the first time the Michigan High School Athletic Association will not use Class A, B, C and D to group teams for tournament play. Like virtually every other sport, schools will be divided into four equal divisions. River Rouge, for instance, is now a Class A school, but it will compete in Division 2.

Here are the Free Press’ top 20 boys basketball teams. All players are seniors unless noted and last season’s record and current divisional classification are in parenthesis.

1. U-D Jesuit (22-4, Division 1)A second state title in three years is not out of the question here. Daniel Friday (Brown), 6-4, is the type of leader who can carry a team to a championship. Jalen Thomas (Massachusetts), 6-10, has always been a terrific shot blocker and now he has developed a bit of a perimeter game, making him dangerous in pick-and-pop situations. Julian Dozier returns to the Cubs after spending last season at a prep school in Arizona and he will run the point. Joran Montgomery plays dynamite defense. Junior J.T. Morgan, 6-7, will pick up as lot of garbage points around the basket and he can defend multiple positions.  Caleb Hunter, a transfer from Southfield Christian, can play either guard spot.  

Tournament road: The toughest part of the tournament for the Cubs could be in the district when it faces Renaissance. From there U-DJ goes to a very winnable region at Southfield and will face a Macomb County team like Dakota in the quarterfinal. It is an easy route to East Lansing, if the Cubs can get out of the district.

2. Muskegon (20-4, Division 1)

There is not a lot of size here, but the depth, quickness and pure athleticism is amazing. Eonte Tornes (16 points) is an electric scorer. De'Airrus Ware (Northwood), 6-4, can score in the post and on the perimeter and is a good shot blocker as well. DeAndre Carter is a fourth-year varsity player and he can play either guard spot. Junior Vernon Nash is another good scorer. Junior Jarvis Walker average 22 points last season at Mona Shores and is perimeter threat. Junior Billy Roberts, 6-5, adds toughness and inside scoring. Junior Cameron Martinez is a tremendous all-around athlete a defensive whiz.

Tournament road: Quite honestly, it is difficult not to picture the Big Reds advancing to the Division 1 semifinals. Grand Haven or Grand Rapids Union could be threats in the district. The regional doesn’t seem overwhelming unless a sleeper team emerges from the Kalamazoo or Lansing area.

3. Grand Blanc (19-4, Division 1)

Mike Thomas, who won consecutive Class A titles with Kalamazoo Central in 2010 and ‘11, did an exceptional job in Year 1 at Grand Blanc and look for another jump this season behind phenomenal freshman Ty Rogers, 6-5. He can and will play anywhere on the floor and has a natural feel for the game. Junior Kevin Rice, 6-4, is a wing scorer. Cedric Givens, 6-4, is an outstanding shooter who is under the radar. Latrell Fordham is a talented combo guard and 6-4 junior Mark Miller is an undersized post player who is a matchup problem for opposing teams.

Tournament road: Flint Carman-Ainsworth, the team that eliminated Grand Blanc last season, could be a roadblock again this year in the district. The toughest foe in the regional may be Saginaw, which will be improved. A trip to the quarterfinals might mean a game against two-time defending champ Clarkston. Cass Tech could be waiting in the semifinal.

4. River Rouge (23-2, Division 2) 
A Class B semifinalist last season, the Panthers are one of the favorites in an immensely talented Division 2 now that former coach LaMontae Stone is back in charge. Michah Parrish, 6-5, will score a lot of points and is valuable because he does everything well, including defense. Donovan Freeman, 6-5, is versatile for his size and will have the ball in his hands a lot. Bralin Toney is a set up point guard who gets his teammates in the right spots. Nigel Colvin is a combo guard who can knock down 3-point shots. Dan Few, 6-6, is an old-fashioned post player who will control the paint. Sophomore Legend Geeter, 6-7, handles the ball and scores from the perimeter. Freshman Maquise Davenport, 7-0, could be a factor from the get-go.

Tournament road: The district and regional should be no problem for The Rouge. A quarterfinal matchup with Williamston could be interesting. Then it is on to the Breslin where 2016 champ New Haven should be waiting in the semifinals

5. Detroit Cass Tech (17-5, Division 1)

The Technicians will be one of the favorites in the always-tough PSL. Junior Tyson Acuff, 6-3, will be starting at the point for the third season and with his size he has excellent passing lanes. Kahlil Whitehead (Chicago State), 6-6, is a Division I athlete capable of playing either forward spot. Daniel Autry is a flat-out dead-on shooter. Michael Washington-Hill will add toughness and good defense. Junior Isaiah Sanders, 6-5, brings a strong inside presence. Junior Chris Jones is a solid ball handler and Anthony Kyles adds a shooter from the bench.

Tournament road: The biggest challenge of the state tournament for Cass will be surviving the district at Detroit Western. Detroit King and Western are both quality teams and will be difficult to deal with. But after that it is off the Lincoln Park regional and it just might be clear sailing to the quarterfinals and semifinals.  

6. Flint Beecher (16-9, Division 3)

Beecher had won five of the previous seven Class C state titles before being knocked off in the quarterfinals last season. So you can count on seeing the Bucs in East Lansing this March. Junior Jalen Terry (18 points) is a terrific point guard, capable of carrying a team. Junior Ernest Sanders (19 points), 6-3, can score in the paint and on the perimeter and he will rebound and protect the basket. Sophomore Keyon Minnifield has a good feel for the game and is an excellent defender. Avonte Burks, 6-3, can be a powerful force inside. Freshman Carmelo Harris is a dead-eye shooter who can handle the ball.

Tournament road: Flint Hamady could be the best team in the district other than Beecher. Regional possible opponent Unionville-Sebewaing knocked off Beecher in the quarters last season. Detroit Pershing could be waiting in the quarterfinals this season and the Doughboys are always tough come tournament time.

7. New Haven (26-1, Division 2)

Over the last four years the Rockets have been 100-6 and it helps that 6-7 Romeo Weems (De Paul), has been a part of the last three of those teams. The Rockets won the Class B titles two seasons ago and advanced to the semifinals last season. And keep this in mind, New Haven has opted up to play in Class B, now Division 2, for the last five years. In additions to Weems (23.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.8 assists), the Rockets feature Ronald Jeffrey (12.4 points), who can score driving to the hoop and plays solid defense. Jamir Farrior started at point guard the last 12 games of last season. Malen Lewis, 6-5, will score a lot of points because he is active around the basket. Sophomore Brent Wiles, 6-5, is a player worth keeping an eye on and junior guard Eddie Dandridge has explosive quickness.

Tournament road: There won’t be much competition in the district and Birmingham Detroit Country Day will be a challenger in the regional. The quarterfinal will provide a quality opponent like Detroit Henry Ford or Detroit Douglass before the Rockets head to East Lansing.

8. Ann Arbor Pioneer (11-10)

This team has a pair of aces in Drew Lowder (Holy Cross) and 6-7 Kasean Pryor. Lowder (15 points, six assists) is an excellent perimeter shooter, but no one scores at the rim in as many different ways as he does. Pryor (13 points, 10 rebounds) is coming off an impressive summer. He has a good shooting touch, which makes him difficult in pick-and-pop situations. He can shoot it, pass it or put the ball on the floor. Junior Man VanRenterghem is a combo guard and plays either spot equally well. Aidan Wright is a grinder who has improved his ball skills. Alex Cunningham is another fine shooter. There may not be a lot of size in the starting lineup, but there is good size coming off the bench.

Tournament road: Surviving the likes of Belleville, Saline, Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Lincoln won’t be easy for the Pioneers and that is just to get out of the district. A roadblock in the regional could be Ann Arbor Skyline and someone like Cass Tech could be waiting in the quarterfinals.

9. Benton Harbor (27-1, Division 2)

Junior Carlos Johnson, 6-6, who hit the 3-point shot to give Benton Harbor the Class B title last winter, is the only returning starter, but he is better than ever. He has become a more consistent perimeter threat and an improved ball handler. Justin Brown, 6-6, is the best jumper on the team and can hit the 3-point shot as well as rebound and play defense. Junior Quindarius Davis is a floor general capable of putting up big numbers. Chris Conway, 6-6, scores on slashing moves to the basket and junior Jamon Walker is a perimeter threat who plays solid defense.

Tournament road: The district got a bit easier this season for the Tigers. The regional could include tough opponents like Holland Christian and Unity Christian. Grand Rapids Catholic Central, the team the Tigers beat in the championship game, could be a quarterfinal opponent. Someone like Flint Powers is a team that could advance to the semifinals against the Tigers.

10. Williamston (22-3, Division 2)

There is good size with a trio of 6-7 inside/out guys — Sean Cobb, Joe Hannenberg and Case Conley. Cobb (Grand Valley) is a four-year starter who is tough in the post. Hannenberg is a shooting threat from the wing. Conley is also playing on the wing as well as in the paint. Junior Mitchell Cook is in his third year on the varsity and plays good defense and is another ball handler. Freshman Mason Docks will run the point and freshman Jay Wallace will swing between guard and forward.

Tournament road: Beating district host Haslett will not be easy, but it is the key to advancing to the regional. Marshall could be the top opponent in the regional before running into River Rouge in the quarterfinals. A win over Rouge could make Williamston one of the favorites in East Lansing.

11. Ann Arbor Skyline (23-1, Division 1)
The overall improvement in Ryan Wade and DeSean Munson could make Skyline state contenders. Wade (Holy Cross) can score in a lot of ways and he works hard to get shots. On top of that, he has always been a too-notch defender. Munson, 6-7, plays above the rim. He can be physical in the post and he runs the floor, block shots and rebounds. Junior Kabir Bergin, 6-5, is a good perimeter shooter, but he provides a lot of scoring options with his play in high-low sets. Sophomore Chris Cayton is a terrific on-the-ball defender and is making better decisions with the ball and should do fine running the point.

Tournament road: There doesn’t appear to be an imminent threat in the district, but things will be interesting in the regional. Ypsilanti Lincoln, Saline or Ann Arbor Pioneer are all capable of beating the Eagles and so is Wayne and possibly Canton.

12. Saginaw (10-11, Division 1)

The Trojans are coming off a rare down season. They had a bevy of young players who led in a lot of games last season, but just didn’t know how to close them out. Junior Sir’Real Smith averaged 21.5 points a game last season and hit 74 3-point shots. Junior point guard Freddie McIntosh is strong with the ball and has improved his shooting. Junior James Baber, 6-7, will start on the wing, but will spend time at all five positions. Look for sophomore Lavell Brodnex, who averaged 35 points on the freshman team a year ago, to find a way to be a factor.

Tournament road: The district is certainly winnable, although crosstown rival Arthur Hill is capable of pulling the upset. The first game of the regional will determine Saginaw ultimate success. That is when the Trojans likely play highly-regarded Grand Blanc. A win there and anything is possible.

13. Ypsilanti Lincoln (11-10, Division 1)

Let the hoopla begin. Emoni Bates, 6-8, is only a freshman, but already has caused quite a stir in the basketball world in this state. He could be one of the state’s best players ever, if he remains in the state for four years (see Josh Jackson). Lincoln coach Jesse Davis insists that despite his size, Bates is primarily a shooting guard and says he has the shot to prove it. Tahj Chatman is in his fourth year as the point guard. Amari Frye will be an inside scorer and rebounder. Jalen Fisher will play defense for 84 feet and speed up the game. Cameron Johnson is the team’s glue guy while 6-4 Jordan Roberson will be the man in the middle.

Tournament road: Even advancing out of the district will be as chore for Lincoln. With the likes of Ann Arbor Pioneer, Saline, Belleville and Ypsilanti, this is one of the most difficult districts in the state. Should Lincoln advance, it would likely have to meet a talented Skyline team in the regional. 

14. Okemos (20-5, Division 1)

The surprise winner of the CAAC Blue last season will be good again this winter. Evan Thomas, 6-4, is a do-it-all player. He will guard the opponent’s best player, no matter the size. He has expanded his game to becoming a better shooter, but he still scores getting to the basket. The Chieftains have a pair of 5-9 quick guards — junior Noah Pruitt and Fabian Leone — who will make life miserable for opposing back courts. This is Pruitt’s third year starting at the point and no one takes the ball away from him. Mason Kaczmarek, 6-4, will help with the rebounding and he is an effective passer from the post area.

Tournament road: The district, including archrival East Lansing, will not be easy because Holt and Jackson should also be competitive. Grand Ledge and Kalamazoo Central stand out as possible regional foes.

15. Wayne (18-7, Division 1)

Armed with a returning star and a couple of transfers, things look good for the Zebras. Isiah Lewis begins his fourth year as the starting point guard and he averaged 18 points and hit better than 50-percent of 3-point attempts. Sophomore Dontre Foreman, 6-5, transfers back from Romulus Summit Academy and he goes to the basket with authority. Cartier Muse-Suber, 6-5, will be a strong inside player. Dreyon O’Neal, 6-7, is an Old Redford transfer and he will help in a variety of ways. Junior Ricky Crowin, 6-8, is physical and will block a lot of shots. Orisis Asstou, 6-6, is a good shooter while Chris Dubessou adds athleticism to the lineup.

Tournament road: Canton is likely to be the biggest challenge in the district, which Wayne hosts. The regional will be more challenging with teams like Ann Arbor Skyline and Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Lincoln as possible foes. A quarterfinal game against Cass Tech could be waiting if the Zebras can survive the regional.

16. Detroit King (18-7, Division 1)

A pair of veteran senior guards will lead King. Jordan Whitford is in his third year of starting at the point. He does an excellent job directing traffic and his mid-range shot is automatic. Keith Tate Jr. is a defensive demon and he nails 3-point shots. Sophomore Omar Zeigler Jr. is versatile. He rebounds well and can even take over at the point. John Massey, 6-5, will anchor the defense in the paint and provide rebounding help. Freshman Chansey Willis Jr. will have the opportunity to play the point.

Tournament road: The biggest challenge will be surviving the district that contains, Cass Tech, Detroit Western and Dearborn Fordson. But after that the path to East Lansing isn’t that difficult. The regional at Lincoln Park doesn’t present many problems. A quarterfinal game against a team like Ann Arbor Pioneer, Ypsilanti Lincoln or Ann Arbor Skyline will be difficult, but not overwhelming.

17. Clarkston (26-1, Division 1)

Former Clarkston player, girls basketball coach and boys assistant for the last three season, Tim Wasilk, takes over for retired Dan Fife. The two-time defending Class A state champs lost 11 seniors, including Mr. Basketball Foster Loyer, and then suffered another blow when 6-8 sophomore Garrett Dellinger had shoulder surgery, ending his season. The Wolves do have 7-foot sophomore Matt Nicholson, who didn’t play much last season but is as good passer out of the post as you can want and he is a shot blocking presence. Two freshmen — Keegan Wasilk and Fletcher Loyer — will be the starting backcourt. Junior Cole Donchez is a solid perimeter defender. Desmond Mills-Bradley and Jake Jensen will be a steadying influence.

Tournament road: The district at Lake Orion with be better than usual. The host as well as Rochester Adams will both be competitive. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s could provide quite a challenge in the regional. Clarkston has always faced difficult quarterfinal games and that is exactly what the Wolves will find in the Grand Blanc quarterfinal, which could feature an outstanding team in Grand Blanc or Saginaw.

18. Flint Powers (14-11, Division 2)

The Chargers will join a crowded list at the top of Division 2. Owen Lobsinger, 6-6, is one of the top sophomores in the state. He can score on the block, but is a bigger threat on the perimeter. Junior Noah Baylis, who averaged 19 points at Holly last season, is a standout shooter and has the quickness to get into the lane and score. Junior Luke Philpotts, 6-3, is a strong enforcer-type, who can guard anyone. Cole Malenich will help spread the court with his perimeter shooting. Malik Seay, Tommy Haggerman and Lucas Feick will provide stability off the bench.

Tournament road: Powers should sail through the district before it runs into a good Bridgeport team in the regional. That could be the Charges toughest tournament game before it gets to Breslin.

19. Detroit Renaissance (15-7, Division 1)

The question with the Phoenix is how much does the chaos surrounding the coaching situation wear on the players? Losing Carrington McCaskill (Florida Atlantic), one of the top athletes in the state to a prep school won’t help, but the Phoenix played well Tuesday in a 77-74 loss to Flint Beecher. Chandler Turner, 6-7, is another four-year player and he is able to play inside and on the perimeter. Kylin Grant, 6-5, is another inside threat. Sophomore Keon Henderson has a year of starting at the point under his belt and will be more reliable. The Phoenix also have a wealth of depth and should contend for the PSL title, but the aura around this team has not been good thus far.

Tournament road: The Mumford district is beyond tough. It could be more difficult than anything the winner runs into before the semifinals. That is where No. 1 U-D Jesuit begins its tournament route and Oak Park and Southfield A&T are also quality teams. The regional is manageable although by the end of the season Warren De La Salle should be good.  

20. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (15-8, Division 1)

This should be the second best team in the Catholic League behind U-D Jesuit. There is a leap of faith here because the Eaglets, with three freshmen, two sophomores and four juniors, are so young. The scoring load will be carried by junior Lorne Bowman (Wisconsin), who averaged 23 points. He can nail the 3-pointer as well as score off the dribble and around the basket. How much success the Eaglets have may be in the hands of 5-6 freshman Kareem Rozier. Despite his age and size, this guy can really play. He is strong with the ball and is a gifted passer. And if teams play too far off him he can score from the perimeter. The only senior starter is 6-8 Matt Nowicki, who is a solid rebounder and defender. He will take care of a lot of the dirty work that needs to be done.

Tournament road: This won’t be easy. West Bloomfield is good and will be a tough district foe and Waterford Mott should be good, too. A district title likely means a regional matchup against Clarkston. Should the Eaglets advance to the quarterfinal it could run into Grand Blanc. 
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Mick McCabe is a former longtime columnist for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at mick.mccabe11@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @mickmccabe1

David Goricki, The Detroit News

David Goricki of The Detroit News provides scouting reports on the top 20 boys basketball teams in the state.

U-D Jesuit has been one of the elite basketball programs in the state this past decade, winning six straight Catholic League titles and a Class A state championship with Cassius Winston leading the way in 2016.

Pat Donnelly is one of the top coaches in the state, guiding U-D Jesuit to a 93-11 record during the last four years, including that 28-0 unbeaten season in 2016. U-D Jesuit was 22-4 last season, earning Catholic League, district and regional titles before a Class A state quarterfinal loss to Warren De La Salle.

“We always have high expectations and I’m excited about this team,” said Donnelly.

U-D Jesuit is The Detroit News’ preseason No. 1 team in the state.

Expect U-D Jesuit to make another long postseason run, led by 6-foot-10 senior Jalen Thomas, 6-4, 225-pound guard/forward Daniel Friday, and Jordan Montgomery, who started several games last season. Julian Dozier, who played on the state championship team, returns after playing last year in Phoenix.

“It’s a real benefit to have a big man,” said Donnelly of Thomas, who averaged 10.4 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.2 blocks and will play next year at UMass. “He’s a great shot blocker and a good rebounder. He scores well in the post, right-hand, left-hand, and has really developed his perimeter game, so he’s stepping out and shooting jump shots now, extended it to the 3-point line. He’s going to develop into a great player as he continues to get bigger and stronger.”

Friday averaged 15 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists last season, shooting 64 percent from the field.

“Daniel is Mr. Everything for us,” said Donnelly. “He can put it on the floor, run the point, plays on the perimeter, post up. I think he’s a real matchup problem because of how big and strong he is with his perimeter skills. He can be dominant in high school this year, and I’ll tell you Brown has a great one because the Ivy League doesn’t get players like him very often.”

Dozier will be joined in the backcourt by transfer Caleb Hunter, who scored 13 in last year’s Class D state championship game win for Southfield Christian, making 4-of-9 3-pointers, after a 17-point, five-steal effort in the semifinals.

Hunter, who averaged more than 13 points, making 62 3-pointers, will be eligible to play in mid-January.

“Adding somebody with the skill that Caleb has is going to be really helpful for us, and he’s going to take that time from now until January to learn our system,” Donnelly said. “He can beat people off the dribble, create shots for others, knock down 3s; he adds one more perimeter scorer to our lineup and that just makes the post play more effective.”

2. River Rouge (23-2, Class B)
Lamonta Stone has replaced Mark White as head coach at River Rouge – which is coming off of consecutive Final Four runs – and inherits a talented team that includes seniors in 6-4 small forward Donovan Freeman, 5-11 point guard Bralin Toney, 6-1 shooting guard Nigel Colvin, 6-6 power forward Dan Few and 6-6 Micah Parrish. Other key players include 6-7 sophomore Legend Geeter, who is a post player with perimeter skills, and 7-0 freshman Marquise Davenport.

3. Detroit Renaissance (15-7, Class A)
Renaissance has the talent, but will it have the right chemistry under new coach John White, a former Southfield Christian assistant? Vito Jordan, who guided Renaissance to PSL title game appearances in 2015 and 2016, was fired and replaced first by former River Rouge coach Mark White, then White. Renaissance returns 6-7 senior forward Carrington McCaskill (Florida Atlantic), who should be a Mr. Basketball finalist, 6-5 senior guard Chandler Turner, and 6-6 forward Kylin Grant, who returns from Texas and owns an offer from Buffalo. Keon Henderson, who started at point guard last year as a freshman, is also a key contributor. McCaskill averaged 17 points, eight rebounds and three blocks last season, and Turner 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

4. Detroit Cass Tech (17-5, Class A)
Tyson Acuff, a 6-3 junior point guard, is among three starters back for Cass Tech. Kalil Whitehead, a 6-5 senior forward, and 6-2 senior guard Michael Washington-Hill are other returning starters. Acuff averaged 14 points and 6.5 assists and has multiple mid-major offers. Whitehead averaged 10.5 points and seven rebounds, and Washington-Hill seven points. Daniel Autrey, a 6-3 senior guard, will be a big perimeter threat, and 6-5 Isaiah Sanders and 6-6 Josh Harris provide size inside.

5. New Haven (26-1, Class B)
Coach Tedaro France has guided New Haven to a 100-6 record the last four years. Expect DePaul-bound Romeo Weems, a 6-7 senior guard/forward, to be the frontrunner for Mr. Basketball. He will be motivated to have his best season after failing to repeat as state champion last season. Weems is joined by 6-1 senior shooting guard Ronald Jeffery (12 points, three assists) and point guard Jamir Farrior. Darrius Brooks and Eddie Dandridge will provide depth in the backcourt, with 6-4 Malen Lewis helping Weems on the boards.

6. Williamston (22-3, Class B)
Williamston reached the state quarterfinals for the third straight year last season. Coach Tom Lewis has a lot of size back in four-year starter Sean Cobb (14 points, nine rebounds), a 6-7 senior who will play at Grand Valley, along with 6-7 senior forwards Joseph Hahnenberg (10 points, eight rebounds) and 6-6 Case Conley, both two-year starters. Three-year starter 6-2 junior guard Mitchell Cook also returns. Lewis also expects big contributions from freshman Mason Docks, who will start at point guard, and 6-3 freshman Jacob Wallace. “We’ve won three straight regional titles, have won 20 or more games in each of those seasons,” said Lewis. “We have a huge target on our back.”

7. Flint Beecher (17-8, Class C)
Beecher returns three starters from a team that advanced to the regional final, led by the backcourt of 6-2 junior Jalen Terry (18 points, six assists), 6-3 junior Earnest Sanders (19 points) and 5-8 senior Tyrese Harvin, who is the team’s best on-ball defender. “We’re going to lack size, but we’re going to be quick and talented,” coach Mike Williams said. “Jalen can run, he can jump. He’s good at taking care of the ball, can shoot NBA range, does a lot of good things off the dribble, is dangerous off of ball screens and he’s very good in dribble-drive situations. Earnest jumps out of the gym, is mainly a shooting guard, but can play multiple positions.”

8. Muskegon (20-4, Class A)
Muskegon has three starters back from a team that lost to Holland West Ottawa in overtime in a regional final. “We’re deep, have a lot of guys back and a lot of talent,” coach Keith Guy said. Eonte Tornes, a 5-9 senior guard who averaged 16 points, is joined by 5-10 senior point guard Deandre Carter (seven points, four assists) in the backcourt. They will be joined by 6-2 junior Jarvis Walker, who averaged 22 points last season for Muskegon Mona Shores. Junior Billy Roberts, a 6-5, 260-pound junior, will provide size inside. Roberts averaged six points and eight rebounds. Senior guard Vern Nash (eight points) and transfer De’airrus Ware are expected to be other key contributors, as is junior Cameron Martinez, the standout quarterback on the football team.

9. Benton Harbor (27-1, Class B)
Defending state champion Benton Harbor lost four of five starters, but it does return 6-6 junior forward Carlos “Scooby” Johnson (19 points, 13.9 rebounds), who was the star of the state title game win over Grand Rapids Catholic Central, with 24 points and 11 rebounds. While four starters have graduated and moved on, 6-6 Justin Brown returns, along with 6-7 Chris Conway and 5-10 Jamon Walker, who was a backup point guard last season. Guards Quindarius Davis and Kentrell Pullian are both expected to give Benton Harbor some firepower as well. “We will be great in transition,” coach Corey Sterling said.

10. Macomb Dakota (17-8, Class A)
Dakota, which has won four straight MAC Red championships, returns 80 percent of its scoring from last year’s team that was eliminated by Warren De La Salle in the regional final, including its backcourt in 6-3 junior Ryan Rollins (22.5 points, eight rebounds, six assists), senior Mark Tocco (12.5 points, nine assists, eight rebounds) and sophomore Josh Hines (14.5 points). Xavier Glenn, a 6-6 junior, will give Dakota size, along with 6-5 Jeremy Flattery. Glenn averaged seven points and eight rebounds.

11. Detroit King (18-7, Class A)
Coach George Ward’s teams always get things done at the defensive end and this season should be no different. King returns three starters from a team that lost in the regional final to U-D Jesuit. Ward considers three-year starter Jordan Whitford (12.5 points, five assists), a 6-0 senior point guard, to be a Mr. PSL candidate. He will be joined by 6-5 senior forward John Massey and 6-4 sophomore guard/forward Omar Zeigler. “We will undoubtedly be one of the best defensive teams in the state,” predicted Ward.

12. Oak Park (18-3, Class A)
Oak Park returns the bulk of its starters from a team that won the OAA White title before losing to Detroit Renaissance in overtime in the district final. Maliq Carr (17 points, 13 rebounds), a 6-6 junior small forward, returns, along with 5-11 junior guards Devonte Edwards and Frederick Garland. Christopher Gary, a 6-2, junior guard, and 6-6 junior Marcel Carter are other key performers. Oak Park is expected to contend for the OAA Red championship title, competing against West Bloomfield and defending champion Clarkston.

13. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (16-8, Class A)Look for St. Mary’s to have a strong backcourt this season, led by 6-2 junior Lorne Bowman (22.5 points, 4.9 assists), a Wisconsin commit, and freshman phenom Kareem Rozier, who played with Emoni Bates in AAU ball this past year. Matt Nowicki, a 6-8 senior center, will provide an inside threat.

14. Wayne Memorial (18-7, Class A)
Senior guard Isaiah Lewis (18.7 points, 4.3 assists) and 6-5 forward Cartier Muse-Suber (10 points, eight rebounds) are returning starters from last year’s team, which reached the regional final, losing to Belleville. Dante Forman, a talented 6-5 sophomore transfer from Romulus Summit, is expected to play a big role, as is 6-7 Dreyon O’Neal, a transfer from Detroit Old Redford, and 6-8 Rico Covin.

15. Flint Carman-Ainsworth (23-3, Class A)
Carman-Ainsworth returns four starters from a state quarterfinal team of a year ago, led by 6-6, 240-pound forward/center Mike Fletcher (14 points, eight rebounds), who will play football at Michigan State. Sophomore Jayden Nunn will take over the point guard duties. Donnaal Conway, a 6-2 senior guard who averaged nine points, and 6-4 junior Dustin Fletcher (seven rebounds), Mike’s younger brother, are expected to be key contributors.

16. Okemos (20-5, Class A)
Evan Thomas and junior point guard Noah Pruitt team up to give Okemos a strong backcourt, gaining valuable experience last season when Okemos earned the CAAC Blue league championship while advancing to the regional final. Thomas, a 6-4 senior, averaged 10.9 points and eight rebounds, and Pruitt 9.8 points and three assists. They will be joined by perimeter threat Fabian Leone while 6-5 Mason Kaczmarek provides an inside presence.

17. Clarkston (26-1, Class A)
Tim Wasilk takes over for legendary coach Dan Fife after working as his assistant coach the past few years, including consecutive state championships the last two seasons. While Clarkston lost all of its starters, including Mr. Basketball Foster Loyer (Michigan State) and center Taylor Currie (Wisconsin), things could be interesting this season with freshman Fletcher Loyer – Foster’s younger brother – and 7-0 junior Matt Nicholson leading the way.

18. Ypsilanti Lincoln (11-10, Class A)
The spotlight should be on Lincoln with the addition of 6-8 freshman phenom Emoni Bates, the No. 1 player in nation for the 2022 class. Lincoln returns four starters from last year’s team, including 6-1 point guard Tahj Chatman (13 points, four assists), 6-2 guard Omari Frye (14 points, seven rebounds, three steals), 5-9 guard Jalen Fisher (11 points, three steals) and 6-3 forward Jordan Roberson.

19. Detroit Edison (17-10, Class C)
Edison enters the season as the defending Class C state champion. However, Coach Bo Neely lost the bulk of his team, returning just one starter in 6-6 Brian Taylor who had 10 points, three rebounds and three steals in the 53-38 title game win over Maple City Glen Lake. Neely plans to go eight deep with 6-4 junior shooting guard Raynard Williams, 6-0 freshman point guard Kyle Millender, 6-6 sophomore center David Hughes, 6-2 junior forward Vincent Cooley, 6-6 freshman forward Jahda Shepard, 6-3 sophomore guard Jaylen Flaniken, 6-6 junior forward Thaddeus Powell and 6-7 junior forward Bryce George playing key roles. “We are very athletic and long,” Neely said.

T20. Ann Arbor Skyline (23-1, Class A)
Ryan Wade and 6-7 senior power forward DeSean Munson are returning starters from a team that won the SEC Red championship and district title before losing to Novi in a regional final. Wade, a 6-3 senior guard who will play for Holy Cross, averaged 13.6 points last season. Kabir Bergin, a 6-5 junior forward, 5-11 sophomore point guard Chris Cayton, 6-1 senior Jaylin Cooper, 6-4 senior Robert Malcolm and 6-4 senior Spencer Morgan are other key players.

T20. Saline (13-8, Class A)
Junior guards Griffin Yaklich and Trevor Arico are among three starters returning. Yaklich is the son of Michigan assistant coach Luke Yaklich and Arico is the son of Michigan women’s basketball head coach Kim Barnes Arico. Yaklich and Arico each averaged 15 points last season with Arico making 40 percent of his 3-pointers. Saline also returns defensive stopper Pete Jacobson.
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Other teams to watch: Ann Arbor Pioneer, Canton, Grand Blanc, Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Kalamazoo Central, Mt. Pleasant, Rochester Adams, Saginaw, Warren De La Salle, West Bloomfield.

David Goricki, The Detroit News

New Haven – Romeo Weems was an impact player as soon as he stepped on the court for New Haven his freshman year.

Now, Weems is the premier player in the state and a national name as well, earning gold medals while playing on the U.S. national team in Argentina in past years. He is The Detroit News’ preseason No. 1 player in the state.

Weems, who will play next year at DePaul, is the overwhelming favorite to win the state’s Mr. Basketball award, especially with top competitors Rocket Watts (SPIRE Academy), Harlond Beverly (Montverde) and Myron Gardner (SPIRE) transferring to prep schools to finish out their careers.

It’s not that Weems wasn't recruited by a prep academy or two, including Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, but he wanted to remain at New Haven to continue to build on his legacy.

Weems has helped New Haven to a 75-5 record the last three years, winning a Class B state championship in 2017 and advancing to the Final Four a year ago with its school-record 52-game winning streak coming to a close with a loss to Grand Rapids Catholic Central in the state semifinals.

Weems, 6-foot-7 and 220 pounds, has played every position during his high school career; he will play small forward in college. He averaged 23.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.8 steals and 2.1 blocks last season while playing with an injured elbow.

“I think my IQ got better, my knowledge of the game, knowing what’s going to happen after watching film on our opponent,” Weems said of his 2017-18 campaign. “I feel my shot has gotten better. In the offseason, I got in the weight room, then took a couple of hundred shots (after every workout). I’ve always played with energy so that’s always been a strength.”

Weems also showed his toughness last year, playing with a bone chip in his elbow, suffered in an early-season game against Macomb Dakota. He had surgery in August.

“It was bad pain,” Weems said. “I had a headache it hurt so bad, but I wanted to keep playing.”

2. Carlos “Scooby” Johnson, 6-6, Jr., F, Benton Harbor
Johnson stepped on the big stage last year at the Breslin Center, coming up with 24 points and 11 rebounds in the Class B state championship game to lead Benton Harbor to its first state title since 1965 with an overtime win over Grand Rapids CC. He averaged 19 points, 13.9 rebounds and two blocks, shooting 51 percent from the field. Johnson already owns 10 offers, including West Virginia, Missouri, Butler and Virginia Commonwealth, while getting interest from Michigan State.

3. Jalen Terry, 6-2, Jr., G, Flint Beecher
Terry has been a force since he started playing at Beecher his freshman year, when he scored 15 in a 76-68 state semifinal win over Detroit Edison. He also had nine points and six rebounds in a championship game win over Grand Rapids Covenant Christian. Terry averaged 18 points, six assists and 4.4 rebounds last season to help Beecher to the Class C regional finals, a 59-55 loss to Unionville-Sebewaing. He had 39 points against Bridgeport; and 29 points, eight rebounds, six assists and four steals against Watts and Detroit Old Redford; and 24 points against Oak Park. The four-star guard has offers from Michigan State, Iowa State, Louisville, Butler, Iowa, Mississippi State and DePaul.

4. Emoni Bates, 6-8, Fr., Ypsilanti Lincoln
Bates is considered the premier freshman in the nation, showing the ability to handle the basketball like a point guard, attacking the basket like a wing, hitting the perimeter shot like a shooting guard and swatting away balls defensively like a post player. Bates participated in the USA Basketball U-15 training camp earlier this fall and is expected to help lead that group to some gold medals in the future. He already has an offer from DePaul and is getting interest from Michigan, Michigan State and other national powers. “He works extremely hard and he’ll bring us size, rebounding and of course scoring,” said Lincoln coach Jesse Davis of Bates.

5. Carrington McCaskill, 6-7, Sr., F, Detroit Renaissance
McCaskill was an outstanding inside-outside player for Renaissance, averaging close to a double-double, and is expected to be among the Mr. Basketball finalists this season. He can dominate inside, is a good perimeter threat and a strong defender. McCaskill, who averaged 17 points, eight rebounds and three blocks last season, will play at Florida Atlantic.

6. Jalen Thomas, 6-10, Sr., C, U-D Jesuit
Thomas was a force inside for U-D Jesuit last season, helping his team earn its sixth straight Catholic League title while winning district and regional titles before a Class A state quarterfinal loss to Warren De La Salle. “Jalen’s looking really good, he’s stepping out to 3-point range now, doing a better job of getting post position and having a better understanding of how to use his body in the low post, so we’re excited about what the prospects are for this year for him,” said coach Pat Donnelly. Thomas, who is 6-10 and 225 pounds, who averaged 10.4 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.2 blocks. He will play next year at UMass.

7. Lorne Bowman, 6-2, Jr., G, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
Bowman averaged 22.5 points and 4.9 assists, shooting 40.5 percent from 3-point range, to help OLSM advance to the regional final last season. He scored 20 in the regional final against two-time defending Class A state champion Clarkston, making 5-of-8 3-pointers in front of a large crowd, including Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard. Bowman committed to Wisconsin earlier this month.

8. Tyson Acuff, 6-3, Jr., G, Detroit Cass Tech
Acuff has great size and quickness as a point guard. He averaged 14 points and 6.5 assists his sophomore season. He is being recruited by West Virginia, Dayton, Temple and Mississippi State, and has multiple mid-major offers. “He’s a playmaker with great size, makes other players better around him,” coach Steve Hall said.

9. Ryan Rollins, 6-3, Jr., G, Macomb Dakota
Rollins averaged 22.5 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals to help Dakota earn its fourth straight MAC Red championship while winning a district title, before a regional final loss to Warren De La Salle. “He’s grown to 6-3, handles the point and is so dynamic as far as he can score and handle the ball,” coach Paul Tocco said.

10. Maliq Carr, 6-6, Jr., F, Oak Park
Carr averaged 17 points and 13 rebounds as a sophomore and is expected to take his game to the next level this season. Carr had a strong season in football, grabbing 21 passes for 815 yards and nine TDs as a receiver, then getting offers from Michigan, Notre Dame and Penn State. “Maliq has a high motor,” coach Bobby Thompson said. “He’s just a walking double-double, has the ability to do everything for us.”

11. Chandler Turner, 6-6, Sr., G-F, Detroit Renaissance
Turner teamed up with Carrington McCaskill to form a strong 1-2 punch for Renaissance. He averaged 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists to help Renaissance win a district championship. Turner will play next year at Bowling Green.

12. Daniel Friday, 6-4, Sr., G, U-D Jesuit
Friday has the size to play in the post and the ball-handling skills to run the point. He averaged 15 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists, shooting 64 percent from the field to lead U-D Jesuit to its sixth straight Catholic League title, along with district and regional championships. “He’ll run the point for us, really any position on the floor for us throughout the year,” coach Pat Donnelly said. “He has a 36-inch standing vertical – that’s with no step or no run, so he’ll create a lot of problems for a lot of people.” Friday will play at Brown.

13. B. Artis White, 5-11, Sr., G, Canton
White has been a factor since he stepped on the court at Canton his freshman year. He averaged 16 points, four rebounds and four assists last season to help his team to a 19-2 record, losing to Novi on a tip-in as time expired in a district semifinal. “There are so many things that make B. such a special player,” coach Jim Reddy said. “He has elite speed and quickness with the ball in his hands. He is a knock-down shooter from 3 and he has the ability to impact the game at both ends of the floor. He’s gotten a little taller and a lot stronger, and I expect him to have an outstanding senior season for us.” White will play at Western Michigan.

14. Donavan Moore, 6-3, Sr., G, West Bloomfield
Moore can dominate a game, as he did in a 31-point win over Class D state champion Southfield Christian and Harlond Beverly, scoring 21 with five dunks in the first half. He averaged 18 points. “He’s a big-time athlete,” coach Jeremy Denha said. “He can play multiple positions and is great at attacking the rim. He is one of the hardest workers that I’ve ever coached.” Moore will play at Toledo.

15. Mike Fletcher, 6-6, Sr., F/C, Flint Carman-Ainsworth
Fletcher is set to play football at Michigan State next year, but could also see himself on the court as well, playing for Tom Izzo. He averaged 14 points and eight rebounds last season to help Carman-Ainsworth reach the state quarterfinals, a loss to two-time state champion Clarkston. “He’s good around the basket, but he can also step out and shoot the ball from the perimeter,” Coach Jay Witham said. “He brings a lot of toughness to us.”

16. Sir’Real Smith, 6-1, Jr., Saginaw
Smith had an outstanding sophomore season, averaging 21.5 points, four rebounds and three steals while showing his deep range shooting, making 74 3-pointers. “He’s quick, can get to the basket and is an outstanding 3-point shooter,” coach Julian Taylor said. Smith has an offer from Cleveland State and Toledo has shown interest.

17. Donovan Freeman, 6-5, Sr., F, River Rouge
Freeman came up with several big performances last season to help River Rouge reach the Class B state semifinals, including a 17-point effort in a quarterfinal win over Dearborn Divine Child. He has the ability to make the perimeter shot, as well as finishing at the basket in transition or off the dribble.

18. Drew Lowder, 6-0, Sr., G, Ann Arbor Pioneer
Lowder averaged 19 points and four assists last season, shooting 46 percent from the field while running Pioneer’s offense. His strength is attacking the basket and he also can make the perimeter shot. Lowder will play at Holy Cross.

19. Ryan Wade, 6-3, Sr., G, Ann Arbor Skyline
Wade averaged 13 points to help Skyline to a 23-1 record last season, winning SEC Red and district championships. He is an outstanding defender and dangerous from deep range. Wade will play at Holy Cross.

20. Jordan Whitford, 6-0, Sr., G, Detroit King
Whitford is a three-year starter and expected to be a Mr. PSL candidate. He averaged 12.5 points and five assists last season to help King earn a district championship.

21. Micah Parrish, 6-5, Sr., F, River Rouge
Parrish has impressed during the offseason and is being recruited by Power Five schools, including Wisconsin and Iowa. He also owns an offer from Detroit-Mercy.

22. Earnest Sanders, 6-3, Jr., G, Flint Beecher
Sanders will have a big decision to make a year from now, play college football or basketball. He is an outstanding athlete who is breaking school records as a receiver while also playing at a high level in basketball, averaging 19 points as a sophomore. He has offers from Cincinnati and Toledo in football and one from Oakland in basketball.

23. Caleb Hodgson, 6-9, Sr., Dansville
Hodgson, a 6-9, 220-pound three-star post player, was a dominant force at both ends of the court last season, averaging 23 points, 14 rebounds and 3.7 blocks. He will play next year at Central Michigan.

24. Griffin Yaklich, 6-3, Jr., G, Saline
Yaklich, the son of Michigan assistant coach Luke Yaklich, has size and athleticism with great skills. He handles the ball well, can get to the basket or hit the perimeter jumper, averaging 15 points last season.

25. Kalil Whitehead, 6-5, Sr., F, Detroit Cass Tech
Whitehead is expected to be a double-double player for Cass Tech during his senior season after averaging 10.5 points and seven rebounds last year. He will play for Chicago State.
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25 more to watch​
Players listed in alphabetical order.

Ronald Jeffery, 6-1, Sr., G, New Haven

Trevor Arico, 6-0, Jr., G, Saline
Austin Braun, 6-0, Sr., G, Grand Rapids Catholic Central (Grand Valley)
Austin Brown, 6-1, Sr., G, Madison Heights Madison
Sean Cobb, 6-7, Sr., F, Williamston (Grand Valley)
Nigel Colvin, 6-1, Sr., G, River Rouge
Julian Dozier, 5-9, Sr., G, U-D Jesuit (Offers from Eastern Michigan, Oakland, Southern Mississippi, Western Kentucky)
Ethan Emerzian, 5-10, So., G, Rochester Adams
Dan Few, 6-6, Sr., F, River Rouge (Lake Superior State)
Zach Goodline, 5-11, Sr., G, Coloma
Kylin Grant, 6-6, Sr., F, Detroit Renaissance (Buffalo offer)
Caleb Hunter, Sr., G, U-D Jesuit
Ronald Jeffery, 6-1, Sr., G, New Haven
Isaiah Lewis, 6-0, Sr., G, Wayne Memorial
Fletcher Loyer, 6-1, Fr., G, Clarkston
Jiovanni Miles, Sr., G, Novi
Matt Nicholson, 7-0, Jr., C, Clarkston
Xander Okerlund, 6-4, Sr., G, Maple City Glen Lake (Lake Superior State)
Kasean Pryor, 6-7, Jr., F, Ann Arbor Pioneer
Kareem Rozier, 5-7, Fr., G, Orchard Lake St. Mary's
Tariq Shepherd, 6-1, Sr., G, Farmington
Vinson Sigmon, 5-11, Sr., G, Canton
Evan Thomas, 6-4, Sr., G, Okemos
Eonte Tornes, 5-10, Sr., G, Muskegon
Jarvis Walker, 6-2, Jr., G, Muskegon
Omar Zeigler, 6-4, So., G, Detroit King

Steve Bell,  www.bankhoops.com

The boys’ basketball season starts a week early in Michigan. Here are some intriguing and rare November matchups.

Monday, Nov. 26

Ann Arbor Huron vs. Ypsilanti Lincoln: The 8:30 pm nightcap of games played at EMU, this marks the high school debut of the nation’s top underclassman, Lincoln’s Emoni Bates. Huron isn’t trying to be the Washington Generals, and won’t be thanks to a loaded sophomore class.

Tuesday, Nov 27

Grand Rapids South Christian at East Kentwood: EK’s (lack of) size and speed shouldn’t faze South Christian too much, as much of this Sailors roster knocked Godwin Heights out of last year’s district play. South Christian is a top 5 team in Division 2, and 6-5 senior point guard Connor Kok has the length to give defensive concert to the Falcons’ top threat 6-0 junior point guard Jamoni Jones. Jones is one of four starters returning for EK. Another interesting matchup could be between 6-4 seniors Chris Brown of East Kentwood and Luke Schrotenboer of South Christian.

Iron Mountain at Gladstone: This game features two of the best wings in the entire state let alone the U.P., Gladstone’s 6-4 senior Reece Castor and Iron Mountain’s 6-4 sophomore Foster Wonders.

Wednesday, Nov. 28

Detroit Edison at Detroit U-D Jesuit: Edison returns just one starter from its Class C state champion team, Brian Taylor, a 6-6 senior with an offer from Detroit. The rest of their lineup will be mostly young, and often long. The Cubs have state title aspirations of their own, and are Bank Hoops’ No. 1 team in Division 1.

Friday, Nov. 30

Linden at Flint Powers: Two 2021 kids trending as mid-major prospects, Linden sophomore marksman Blake Lund and Powers’ versatile 6-7 sophomore Owen Lobsinger. The Chargers must replace the heavy usage of 2018 all-state guard Cameryn Carpenter.

Marshall at Hanover-Horton: Twins abound here — and not just a curiosities, as all four kids can play. For Marshall it’s 6-7 seniors Jack and Jeremy Luciani, who signed with Indiana Tech. For Hanover-Horton, a top 10 team in Division 3, it’s 6-3 juniors Luc and Rhett Laketa.

Saturday, Dec. 1

Detroit King vs. River Rouge: The third and 3:30 pm game of the slate of six for the Horatio Williams Classic at Cass Tech. River Rouge may have a new/old coach in Lamonta Stone, but he inherits four starters from last year’s Class B state semifinalist team. The Panthers’ have a loaded frontcourt with 6-6 senior Dan Few who signed with Lake Superior State, lanky 6-6 senior Micah Parish who has a Detroit offer, 6-6 sophomore Legend Geteer who has high-major potential and freshman Marquise Davenport already a 7-footer. As always, MLK will try to keep the score down and grind it out.

Detroit U-D Jesuit vs. New Haven: This is the 4:30 pm game from the Catholic League vs. MAC challenge at Calihan Hall. The Cubs are the state’s top team, with veteran size and guard play. New Haven lost just one game a year ago and returns the runaway favorite for Mr. Basketball, 6-6 DePaul signee Romeo Weems.

By Jim Evans, The Macomb Daily

Eric Williams did not send Romeo Weems any Get Welt cards.

That’s not the official stuff of Hallmark anyway.

But the New Haven teammates had their moments during practices.

“We would go home ticked off,” said Weems, smiling in recollection. “We would push and shove and dive after loose balls. Eric was two years older. When you are between the lines, there are no friends. We would just get after it in practice.

“Do you know what; it made me a better player. That was the year we won it, too,” continued Weems.
Weems, a 6-7 senior, is the reigning Macomb County Player of the Year. He has verbally committed to play at DePaul University, an NCAA Division I school that competes in the Big East.

Weems averaged 23.5 points and 10.8 rebounds per game as a junior last year. He also had 5.3 assists, 4.0 assists and 2.0 blocks per game.

“We start and stop with Romeo Weems,” said his coach, Tedaro France II. “He’s a great leader. He’s gotten better each year and coming into this season, he has improved his jump shot and ball skills even more. He has a certain skill set. He knows how to win.”

The New Haven Rockets captured the Class B state championship in 2017 with a 45-36 victory over Ludington.

Last year’s New Haven team shattered the Macomb County record by running its seasons-long winning streak to 52 games. The Rockets finished the regular season 20-0, and won their fourth consecutive league, district and regional championships. They advanced to the final four before falling to Grand Rapids West Catholic 69-53 in the semifinals.
Weems is one of three senior starters returning at New Haven. The others are Ronald Jeffrey III, a 6-1 guard; and Jamir Farrior, a 6-0 point guard.

The Rockets will compete in the MAC White Division this season. They will join Warren-Mott, Romeo, Ford, Grosse Pointe South and Grosse Pointe North.

“The MAC White is a new league. There are some tough teams in the White, and it is always fun to play new teams and see some new gyms,” said France. “We have not really talked to the kids about the new division. We have been focused on getting better as a team and where we need to improve on.

“We have six returning players. Five of them are seniors and there is one returning junior. We have eight newcomers, and some of them will play significant roles for us. Three could even start,” continued the New Haven coach.

The other returning seniors are Javonate Kincaid, a 6-2 guard; and Malen Lewis, a 6-5 forward. The other returning varsity player is Tyree France, a 5-11 junior guard.

The newcomers include 6-4 sophomore Brent Wiles; 6-4 junior Trenell Payne; 6-0 senior Darius Brooks and 6-1 Eddie Dandridge III, who is a junior.

Among those up from the junior varsity team are Ja’me McQueen, who is a 6-1 guard; Mike Williams, another 6-0 guard; Brandon Lisko, a 6-4 junior; and JaQuan Kincaid, a 6-4 inside player.

Weems is not the only senior starter who remembers what the early acclimation process was like. So do Jeffery and Farrior.

“We have to get better as a team. We are pushing each other to get better,” said Jeffery. “It was tough as a younger player. I remember the coach screaming and stuff. The drills were hard. You just have to fight through it.”
Jeffery is a four-year varsity player. Early on, he did not know if he would even be a one-year varsity player.
“At first, I didn’t like it at all. It was crazy. Conditioning and everything. I went home the first day and told my mom it might have been a mistake,” said Jeffery, laughing. “Now, it feels great to be on the New Haven basketball team. It was all worth it.”

Farrior got his starting assignment midway through his junior season. He’s been on the varsity since he was a sophomore.

“As a starter, I have to set an example for the younger players,” he said. “I have to show them the right way and make sure they know how to do it correctly. Last year I was learning from the older people. Now, I am the one who has to be on my game at all times.
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“When did I feel comfortable as a younger player on the varsity?” he echoed. “I think I felt comfortable when my teammates started pushing me and coach got on me about stuff I had to work on. Then, it made me want to push and do better and do things to help the team.”
The Rockets have accumulated a 100-6 record over the last four seasons. That’s quite a record. It is quite a program at New Haven.