Joseph Hayes

www.thetimesherald.com

It was a year of celebration.

From the beginning of 2017 to its end, local athletes made their mark with an impressive list of accomplishments. 
With only a day left in 2017, let's take a look back at the year and some of the most memorable sports-related events.

New Haven wins state hoops title 

The New Haven boys basketball teams were one of the area's best teams throughout 2017. New Haven got off to a great start behind Eric Williams Jr. and Romeo Weems and went on to make an epic run en route to the school's first basketball state championship.
In the process, Williams Jr. and Weems became two of the best players in the state. Williams Jr. earned a Division I college scholarship and Weems is now one of the top-ranked high school recruits in the nation. 

Weems plays for team USA 
​
Speaking of Weems, he didn't get much of a break throughout the year. After helping New Haven claim its first state basketball title, he continued developing while playing with the select USA Team. Weems won a gold medal with the 16-and-under team to finish his year as a state champion, a gold medalist and also the Class B Player of the Year. 
​ 

​Jim Evans

www.macombdaily.com

Romeo, wherefore art thou?
On the New Haven sidelines, nursing a sore arm.

“Romeo has a sprained elbow, so he’ll be out for a week or so,” said coach Tedaro France II. “A lot of people have asked if we can win without him. Well, we just played two games against two pretty good teams and we won them both.”

The Rockets successfully defended their title in the New Haven Holiday Tournament with a 74-57 victory over a quality team from South Lake Thursday night.

In the semifinal round Wednesday, New Haven defeated Mount Clemens 81-45. Weems, one of the top players not just in Michigan but in the country, did not suit up for either game.

“These guys stepped up and showed that they can play. It is great for our team that we have guys who had been on the bench who have gotten more playing time and have showed they can play. For us to be a championship team, we have to build depth.”

The Rockets are the defending Class B state champions.

Senior guard Tavares Oliver Jr. scored 27 points and had five assists for New Haven. Senior forward Ascaun Johnson finished with 20 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Ashton Sherrell, another senior forward, scored 16, grabbed seven rebounds, had five assists and six steals.

“We have some kids step up and make plays. Everybody on the team played well, guys like Tavares Oliver and Ashton Sherrell. But other guys like Malen Lewis who might not show up in the stat book, but he did all the little things for us. He proved that sometimes heart is more important than skill. We can work on his skill set, but Malen always plays hard,” said France. “He is usually our eighth man in, but tonight he played a lot of minutes.

“Another kid who has kind of been in my doghouse is Ascaun Johnson. He has the potential to be a great player, and today he showed what he can do. He has the size, length and skill set to do it,” continued the New Haven coach. “He just has to be more consistent, and tonight he was.”

Coach Kurt Wilson has some real talent on his roster, too.

The Cavaliers proved that by whittling away at the 54-40 advantage the host Rockets had after three quarters, and getting to within 57-50 with about five minutes left.

Senior Amier Gilmore, who was plagued by early foul trouble, finished with a team-high 16 points. Junior Lamar Morgan scored 11. Notching six points each were Codee Harris, Emmanuel Spillman and Cameron Stewart.

“Foul trouble hurt us. It wasn’t the officials. We had some very good officials tonight. This was a good game. Kudos to New Haven. They played well and they deserved it. We have some work to do. Like I told the seniors after the game, thank goodness it is not March. Losing in December allows you to go work on things still. Losing in March, well, that is it for the season,” said Wilson.

“But I feel good about our team. We had way too many turnovers (23) tonight. But you know we had fun. We always have fun in this tournament,” continued the South Lake coach.

His Cavaliers have played in the New Haven holiday tournament all five years that Wilson’s been the coach at South Lake. This is his fifth season.

In the consolation game, Michigan Collegiate defeated Mount Clemens, 63-19.

Jim Evans

www.macombdaily.com

​The Welcome Mat will be out in New Haven next week.

Not just by the hearth of the fireplace on Christmas morning, when that jolly old fat man commits breaking and entering at countless houses not just in New Haven but around the world.

But also on Wednesday, December 27, and Thursday, December 28, when coach Tedaro France once again welcomes three visiting teams for the New Haven Christmas Tournament.

“This is my 10th season. I remember those first few years when we did not play during the holidays. It was a long, long break,” said France. “Holding a holiday tournament is nice. A lot of families come home for the holidays. A lot of people are off work, so it gives parents a chance to see us play.

“We’ve had great crowds the last four of five years. We haven’t lost in the tournament, either,” said France, laughing.

His team is an overwhelming favorite to continue that streak. The New Haven Rockets are the defending Class B state champions. The 2016-2017 Rockets became just the second boys basketball team in Macomb County to win a state championship. Last season, they also won back to back league, district, and regional championship, as well as the MAC tournament in the Blue/Gold Division.

The Rockets set a school record for wins in a season, going 27-1. They averaged 78.4 points per game, another school record, and their average winning margin was nearly 30 points.

The tournament’s opening day is Wednesday, Dec. 27. South Lake will take on Michigan Collegiate at 4 p.m. The host Rockets will meet Mount Clemens at 6 p.m.

The next night, the consolation finals will tip off at 4. The championship will be decided at 6.

Junior varsity teams will also be playing. On Wednesday, South Lake and Michigan Collegiate will meet at noon, with Mount Clemens taking on New Haven starting at 2. On Thursday, the consolation game will start at noon, with the championship game beginning two hours later.

Not to upstage Santa Claus, but on Saturday, Dec. 23, the varsity team will take on an alumni squad. There will be more than trash talking on the court, too.

“It’s important for these players to hear from former players about what it was like when they played, the things they went through, that sort of thing. After a while, it’s good to hear other voices. This is a very good group of guys, but they probably get tired of hearing me talk,” said France, laughing again.

“This is a hard-working team. People think we are playing well, but we have a long way to go. These are kids who want to be coached. They learn from their mistakes,” continued the New Haven coach.

The Rockets, who have now won 30 consecutive games, have not made many mistakes lately.

New Haven isn’t the only county school hosting a holiday tournament next week.

L’Anse Creuse North will be the site of the Crusader Classic. Joining coach Jay Seletsky’s Crusaders will be Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, Grosse Pointe North and Anchor Bay.

On the 27th, St. Mary’s and Grosse Pointe North will meet at 6 p.m. Anchor Bay and the Crusaders will see one another at 7:30.

The consolation and championship games will be played the next night, with the consolation game tipping off at 6, and the title game at 7:30.

While it is not a holiday tournament, the Big Reds of Chippewa Valley will host Clintondale at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 27.

NEW HAVEN 74, ANCHOR BAY 37
Romeo Weems closed with 18 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and four blocks as New Haven (4-0) ran its winning streak to 30 games.

Weems 18pts 10reb 6ast 3blk
Jeffery 15pts 5reb 5ast
Oliver 14pts 4ast 2stl
Sherrell 9pts 11reb
Johnson 8pts 8reb
Farrior 5pts 3reb
Kincaid 3pts
​Gantt 2pts

George Pohly

www.macombdaily.com

NEW HAVEN
​
New Haven has won 29 consecutive boys basketball games. The streak began in the second game of the 2016-17 season. Here are scores of Rockets games since the start of 2016-17:

2016-17 SEASON

MAC BLUE DIVISION (10-0, 27-1)

Dec. 13 Grosse Pointe South W, 90-74

Dec. 16 at Dakota L, 66-72

Dec. 18 Detroit Loyola (Calihan Hall) W, 88-66

Dec. 28 South Lake W, 63-29

Dec. 29 Michigan Collegiate W, 79-59

Jan. 6 at Anchor Bay W, 75-53

Jan. 11 Fitzgerald W, 92-57

Jan. 12 at Cousino W, 72-35

Jan. 18 at East Detroit W, 74-29

Jan. 20 L’Anse Creuse W, 80-35

Jan. 23 Anchor Bay (Palace) W, 73-35

Jan. 27 at Fitzgerald W, 83-51

Jan. 31 Cousino W, 78-36

Feb. 3 East Detroit W, 77-38

Feb. 7 at L’Anse Creuse W, 74-40

Feb. 10 Detroit Renaissance W, 78-48

Feb. 16 (m) Fraser W, 94-41

Feb. 21 (m) Warren Woods-Tower W, 84-51

Feb. 25 (m) Lake Shore (Anchor Bay) W, 84-56

Feb. 28 at Flint Beecher W, 108-104 (3OT)

March 6 (d) Marine City W, 94-43

March 8 (d) St. Clair (Marysville) W, 53-17

March 10 (d) at Marysville W, 71-42

March 13 (r) Flint Northwestern (North Branch) W, 97-66

March 15 (r) Notre Dame Prep (North Branch) W, 71-44

March 21 (q) Detroit Osborn (Marysville) W, 73-66

March 24 (s) Benton Harbor (Breslin Center) W, 78-49

March 25 (c) Ludington (Breslin Center) W, 45-36

(m) MAC tournament
(d) District
(r) Regional
(q) State quarterfinal
(s) State semifinal
(c) State Class B championship game

2017-18 SEASON

MAC BLUE DIVISION (0-0, 3-0)

Dec. 10 De La Salle (Calihan Hall) W, 82-62

Dec. 12 at Grosse Pointe South W, 77-45

Dec. 15 Dakota W, 92-55

​George Pohly

​www.macombdaily.com

The ring wasn’t the only thing at New Haven, but it did carry a certain shine.

New Haven players and coaches received state Class B basketball championship rings Friday night before Romeo Weems scored a career-high 40 points to lead the Rockets to a 92-55 MAC crossover boys victory over Dakota.

It was the 29th consecutive victory by New Haven, and it came against the last team to defeat the Rockets. 

“What’s special about tonight is not so much the rings or the championship, but about how all of this has brought our town closer together,” New Haven coach Tedaro France II, a former Rocket player, said.

“People have been talking about this game since we won it last year. The excitement, the love and the camaraderie through a sport has brought our whole town together.”

The bleachers were nearly full during the JV game that Dakota won 53-51 in overtime, and by the time former New Haven athlete John Mack presided over the ring ceremony, seating was hard to find in the gymnasium that opened in 1969.

“We’re limited,” superintendent Todd Robinson said, referring to capacity. “But some of the bigger fieldhouse gyms don’t have the same atmosphere.”

Mack, who helped New Haven win three state Class C track and field championships in the 1990s, presented rings to players and coaches of the championship team, plus some members of the support staff.

“We’ve had a long, long history of athletic success at New Haven,” Mack said, “but what the basketball team accomplished last year was unlike anything the community has ever seen.

“The level of success and the way people rallied around the team was a point of pride. That’s what makes tonight special.”

Rockets coaches received their rings first, and then the players.

“They’re nice,” Weems said. “They look shiny.”

Ashton Sherrell said he probably won’t wear his much.

“I might just keep it in a safe place,” the senior forward said. “It’s a valuable thing to me.”

Robinson did not receive a ring.

“No, I’m not getting one,” he said with a smile. “I just get the questions about who paid for them. The district hasn’t paid for them.

“We had some folks step forward. We had some very generous doners who made this happen for our kids and coaches, some key people that have supported the program for a very long time.”

Weems had 17 rebounds and 10 assists and Sherrell added 23 points and 10 rebounds as defending MAC Blue-champion New Haven improved to 3-0 overall.

Ronald Jeffery II scored 15 points and Tavares Oliver had five assists for the Rockets, who led 65-39 at the end of the third quarter.

Weems showed off his improved shooting efficiency with a 3-pointer from the corner for his 32nd point a 63-37 lead, and moments later the 6-foot-7 wing blocked a Dakota shot.

Sherrell’s three-point play gave New Haven a 58-34 lead with 4:45 left in the third quarter as the Rockets continued to control the game.

Weems converted an alley-oop pass from Oliver into a two-handed slam and a 55-32 lead with 5:33 left in the third quarter.

New Haven led 24-14 at the end of one quarter, and Weems had 25 points in the first half, which ended with the Rockets leading 47-27.

“I’m working on getting my ball handling better,” Weems said. “I’m working on moves and just coming out and doing them.”

Sophomore guard Ryan Rollins led Dakota with 26 points.

Rollins’ night included a baseline drive for a dunk in traffic with three minutes to play.

“This game was a good learning experience,” Dakota coach Paul Tocco said. “It puts us in a situation where we know what we have to work on to get better.

“We didn’t handle the pressure as well as I anticipated we would.”

Dakota, the defending MAC Red champion, is 1-2. The Cougars lost to U-D Jesuit at Calihan Hall and defeated Warren-Mott at Dakota.

The Cougars defeated the Rockets in New Haven’s second game of 2016-17, and then New Haven won 26 in a row on the way to the championship.

Jared Purcell

​www.mlive.com

Although winter does not official hit us until Dec. 21, the arrival of the high school basketball season means that winter is here for hoops fans far and wide. Once again, there is no shortage of great individuals and teams throughout the state this winter.
Check out the following slides to see which teams are the favorites to take home state title this season in all four state classes.


Class D 2016-17 champion: Powers North CentralLast year, Powers North Central won its third-straight Class D title after a 78-69 win over Buckley. Powers nearly had its party spoiled by Southfield Christian in the semifinals but the Jets pulled off a last-second 84-83 win in double overtime. The Jets completed its third-straight unbeaten season.
Powers was led by the Associated Press' Co-Class C player of the year in Jason Whitens. This year, however, Powers has to cope with the loss of Whitens and five other seniors. Powers saw its nation-leading 84-game win streak come to an end already this season, losing 65-43 to Rapid River.

 
Top dog in Class D for 2017-18

Although Powers North Central needs to make up for graduation losses, Southfield Christian does not have the same problem, returning a lineup of playmakers.
Bryce Washington returns for his senior season after his junior averages of 20 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals helped him get named Co-Player of the Year for Class D by the Associated Press. Also, junior guard Harlond Beverly (12.5 points) returns after an excellent season last year and can be considered the top junior in the state in Class D while fellow junior teammate Caleb Hunter -- the third son of former Pistons star Lindsay Hunter to play for Christian -- is right up there with him. Also, sophomore DaJion Humphrey is shaping up to be the next future star for the Eagles as well. It looks like the Eagles' dynasty is still alive and well.

 
Players on Buckley's bench react after a made basket cutting the Powers North Central lead to five during the Class D final at the Breslin Center at Michigan State University in East Lansing on Saturday, March 25, 2017. Powers North Central defeated Buckley 78-69 to capture the Class D state title. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

Other contenders in Class DBuckley did not lose its first game of the season last winter until the state finals when it fell to three-time champion Powers North Central. It did all of that without starting a single senior. With all of its starters back, Buckley will look to complete the job this winter. Leading scorer Denver Cade (21 points per game) is back as a senior, along with Austin Harris (18.5 points) and Joey Weber (10.8 points).
Despite graduating last season's top scorer in guard Gunnar Libby, Hillman returns its next top five scorers. Brandon Banks (13.1 points) and Billy Kolcan (7.1 points) each return for their senior seasons while Kory Henigan (9.7 points, 7.4 rebounds) is back for his junior year. This year, with Powers North Central rebuilding from significant graduation losses, Hillman will look to make a run for its first state title.

 Class C 2016-17 champion: Flint BeecherPowers North Central was not the only team to three-peat last year as Beecher accomplished the same feat. In fact, it was Beecher's fifth state championship in the last six years as the Bucs have one of most impressive dynasties of all time. Riding the effort of Class C player of the Year Malik Ellison last winter, Beecher finished 23-5, beating Grand Rapids Covenant Christian, 73-58.
With Ellison now graduated and at Eastern Michigan, Beecher will look to try and build on its dynasty with 6-0 sophomore guard Jalen Terry. Also, sophomore Earnest Sanders is an explosive player who should be a key difference maker as well.

Top dog in Class C for 2017-18DEPSA made it all the way to the Class C semifinals. Despite going 14-12 last season, the tough PSL scheduled payed off in the Class C run. Although key scorer Jamal Keesee and starter Amari Hudson graduated from last year's team, the cupboards are far from bare for the Pioneers. Point guard Pierre "PJ" Mitchell (Central Michigan) will return for his senior season, joining 6-foot-5 All-State guard Gary Solomon. A key paint presence returns as well as 6-foot-8 Deante “Spider” Johnson (Cleveland State) is back for his senior season.

Other contenders in Class C

Aside from Beecher, there are some solid teams out there looking to go deep into the Class C tournament, including last year's runner-up, Grand Rapids Covenant Christian.
Last year, it all the way to the state championship game with just one senior starter. Leading scorer Carson Meulenberg (13.4 points, 7 rebounds) is back in hopes of getting Covenant back to the Breslin at the very least. Tyler Cammenga and Trenton Koole each averaged 9.1 points for the Chargers last year and they return to improve on those numbers.

Also, Pewamo-Westphalia should be strong again this year. Losing to Covenant Christian in overtime in the region semifinals last winter, the Pirates probably believe they had just as much of a right to be in the Class C finals as well. A lot will returns this year, including starters Bryce Thelen and Jimmy Lehman, who are back for their senior seasons. Andre Smith returns after a solid sophomore season as well. The Pirates were in the state title game in 2014 and has been a solid bet to win at least 20 wins each season since.
Finally, watch out for Detroit Pershing. The Doughboys are a proud program and look to contend in the PSL and, hopefully, beyond this winter. Pershing returns four starters and nine players, including senior guard Ron Hill (17 points) and senior forward Jaylen Benning (11 points, 7 reb).


​
Class B 2016-17 champion: New Haven

New Haven won its first state championship in program history last winter, beating Ludington, 45-36, in the title game. Eric Williams and Romeo Weems were a solid one-two punch for the Rockets during the run, especially in the playoffs. Although Williams has graduated, Weems returns as one of the nation's top juniors and looks to repeat after a 27-1 season a year ago.
New Haven celebrates a 45-36 victory over Ludington to claim the Class B state final at the Breslin Center at Michigan State University in East Lansing on Saturday, March 25, 2017. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

Top dogs for 2017-18 in Class BOf course, New Haven is the top favorite again this winter. Led by Weems (6-6), New Haven has a lot of talent to work with. Last year, Weems averaged 18.1 points, 11.4 rebounds, 3.9 steals, 3.6 assists and 2.8 blocked shots. Also, 6-7 shooting forward Ashton Sherrell (12.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2 blocks) will score plenty while Ronald Jeffery could have a breakout junior year.
Wyoming Godwin Heights plans to be right on New Haven. Going 22-2 a year ago, they return a pair of Division I seniors in 6-foot-4 combo guard Lamar Norman and 6-7 forward Markeese Hastings (Butler). There is enough back to keep Godwin Heights as a top contender in Class B.

Other contenders in Class BWilliamston has been knocking on the door of the state championship game for the last two seasons and it is hoping that it can finally break through this season. Senior guard Cole Kleiver (16 points, 4 assists) and junior forward Sean Cobb (13 points, 8 rebounds) are back to make that happen. Senior guard Frankie Toomey and sophomore guard Mitchell Cook.
Benton Harbor has been waiting fifty-two years for those counting to break its championship drought. Benton Harbor got close last year, making it all the way to Class B semifinals before losing to eventual champion New Haven. Sophomore forward Carlos "Scooby" Johnson averaged 16 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists last year. Elijah Baxter will be the floor general as a senior point guard. Benton Harbor already has two dominant wins over Dowagiac and Goodrich.
Catholic Central is led by 6-foot-10 Marcus Bingham, who has signed with Michigan State, and 6-8 Jacob Polakovich. Bingham, a potential Mr. Basketball finalist, averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds a game last year, while Polakovich averaged 15 points and 9 rebounds. Catholic Central went 19-6 and lost in the regional finals to Spring Lake. The Cougars opened with a 90-84 win over Detroit Country Day to start the season.

Despite River Rouge losing its top scorers due to graduation from a year ago, senior guard Jayvien Torrance-Jackson will run a roster with younger talent, including a trio of juniors made up of guard Micah Parrish and forwards Donavan Freeman and Dan Few. After making the semifinals a year ago, River Rouge will look to make a push for its first state title since 1999.
Although Hillsdale lost part of its one-two punch from last season in Ethan Bernard, it returns Bryce Drews who was selected to the Class B AP all-state team and could contend for Mr. Basketball this winter. Hillsdale went undefeated in 2016-17 before being upset in the district semifinals.

Frankenmuth was 21-3 last season and lost, winning a district title and sharing the Tri-Valley Conference East Division title with Bridgeport. The Eagles return four-year starter and one of the top players in Class B this season in 6-foot-4 guard Mario Whitley, who averaged 25 points and 14 rebounds last season. Frankenmuth picked up a 74-67 win to start the season.



Class A 2016-17 champion: ClarkstonLike New Haven in Class B, Clarkston claimed its first state championship last winter by beating Grand Rapids Christian, 75-69, in the Class A championship. Clarkston lost only one game last year as it dominated its way through the state tournament. Clarkston guard Foster Loyer teamed up with Dylan Alderson to make up the best back court in the state while Taylor Currie moved in from Ohio to become a standout 6-9 center for the Wolves. Also, Clarkston had plenty of depth that played solid roles, allowing its stars to shine constantly.
Clarkston celebrates a 75-69 victory over Grand Rapids Christian in the Class A state final at the Breslin Center at Michigan State University in East Lansing on Saturday, March 25, 2017. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

Top dogs for 2017-18 in Class AWhen Michigan State signee Thomas Kithier transferred to Clarkston from Macomb Dakota, it looked like the Wolves were going to be the overwhelming favorite to win it all again. However, since the MHSAA ruled Kithier ineligible, it does change things a little for Clarkston. Instead of being the overwhelming favorite, they are just a heavy favorite. Not much of a difference, right?
Senior guard Foster Loyer (Michigan State) returns as a top Hal Schram Mr. Basketball candidate and is the best guard in the state. Loyer was the MLive Detroit Player of the Year last winter when he averaged 25.1 points, 6.4 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 2.7 steals. Then, there is Taylor Currie, the 6-9 power forward who reclassified to the class of 2018, making him a potential Mr. Basketball candidate. He is committed to Wisconsin. Replacing Alderson (Toledo) will be hard as he could also score from deep and drive the lane very well. However, CJ Robinson is showing flashes of greatness, although he lacks the size Alderson had.

Cass Tech returns six players that had starting experience on last year's PSL championship team. Three-year starters Randy Gilbert (6-6), Jalen Tobias (6-6) and Matt Richmond (6-2) are all back and each averaged between 10 and 11 points last year. Also, Chris Murray (6-2) returns for his senior year after adding 11 PPG last year as well. Beyond that, there is a senior-heavy roster with senior guard Noah Schon, senior forward Justin McAbee, senior guard Malik Jones, and senior forward Ben Zeka.

East Lansing has lost two games in the last two seasons, both coming in the region championships. This year, the Trojans are hoping for a taste of bit more – much more actually. With 6-8 senior forward Brandon Johns leading the way, East Lansing plans to be a formidable team once again. A Mr. Basketball candidate, Johns averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks last season. Joining him is an up-and-coming freshman named Marcus Wourman, who will be playing point guard.

East Lansing has lost two games in the last two seasons, both coming in the region championships. With 6-8 senior forward Brandon Johns leading the way, East Lansing plans to be a formidable team once again. A Mr. Basketball candidate, Johns averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks last season. Joining him is an up-and-coming freshman named Marcus Wourman, who will be playing point guard. Watch out for senior guard Noah Schon, senior forward Justin McAbee, senior guard Malik Jones, senior forward Ben Zeka and junior guard Jack Morse. The Trojans already have two convincing wins over DeWitt and Jackson.

Other contenders for Class A

Skyline is looking to rise up on the state level and it has the talent to be tough this year. Brandon Wade, a Duquesne commit, averaged 21.4 points, 6.6 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game last season and will be entering his fourth year on varsity. His brother, Ryan Wade, has four DI offers while senior guard Jack Ammerman is one of the top three-point shooters in the state.

Moving up from Class B, Hazel Park brings back a lot of depth and has the talent to make some noise in Class A this winter. Carl Bow (20 points, 3 assists, 5 rebounds) and David Hearns (16 points, 5 assists, 4 steals) return as four-year starters on a senior-laden team.

Led by the return of future Michigan State Spartan Gabe Brown (6-8), Belleville's entire starting lineup is back. Brown (15.9 points) and guards Delvin Alverson and Davion Williams (Michigan State football commit) each averaged in double figures for scoring last winter. Belleville also added sharpshooter Kaevon Merriweather, who transferred in from arch rival Romulus.

Last year, Wayne saw its season end with an 18-4 record, falling against eventual semifinalist Romulus in the district finals. Senior point guard Rashad Williams (Cleveland State) returns and he's developed into one of the area's top scorers, especially from 3-point range. Senior Terrance Williams is another guard who averaged double figures scoring as well, giving Wayne plenty of depth at the position.

After winning the last five Catholic High School League A-B tournament championships, Detroit U-D Jesuit finally has a rebuilding year ahead. After graduating two Division I forward/centers in Ikechukwu Eke and Greg Eboigbodin, its top guard, Julian Dozier, moved to Arizona over the summer. Jesuit is loaded with speed and athleticism at guard with Zachary Winston, Elijah Collins (Michigan State football) and rising junior Daniel Friday looking to keep the Cubs among the state's elite.

Sleepers in Class C-DWatch out for Grand Rapids Calvin Christian in Class C, which returns 6-foot-10 senior Blake Verbeek (17.4 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks). Coach Ryan Stevens entered the season just 12 wins away from 300 for his career.

In Class D, Frankfort returns all five starters from a 16-7 team last year that lost a heartbreaker in the district finals. A team that is at or near 20 wins often, Frankfort will have what it needs to make a deep run.


Sleepers in Class A-B

CLASS A

East English returns only two starters but one of them is a potential Mr. Basketball front-runner David DeJulius (Michigan). A clear favorite for Mr. PSL this winter, DeJulius returns after averaging 26 points last winter.
Detroit King will be looking to improve on its great season from a year ago. King picked up Marcus Gibbs, a player who blew up off of the bench for Cass Tech last winter. He will be a difference maker from the start, joining fellow talented senior Antonio Marshall and junior John Massey on a solid scoring roster.

The Cavaliers will look to be the top team out of the flint area this season. Junior forward/center Mike Fletcher (11.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.2 blocks) will be joined by senior wing Omari Duncan (15.1 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists) while Ja’Kavien Lewis (11.7 points, 3.6 assists, 3.3. rebounds, 3.1 steals) will be a reliable presence at guard.
Troy is going to be senior-led team, including a trio of guys returning that averaged double-figures scoring in Jason Dietz (16.7), Leon Ayers (12.8) and Danny Sully (11.5, 10.5 rebounds). Keep an eye on freshman guard Brody Parker as well.

At Canton, the guard trio of junior B. Artis White, senior Eian Barker and junior Vinson Sigmon gives the Chiefs good ball handlers and scoring while 6-6 forward Chase Meredith will be a physical force near the boards.
Warren De La Salle will be led by forward Luke Pfromm, who just led the Pilots football team to a state title as a quarterback. Justin Fischer (6-5) returns as one of the longest guards in the league with great shooting range and should be crucial at both ends of the court.

CLASS B

Detroit Old Redford offers one of the best junior guards in the state in Mark "Rocket" Watts. Watts averaged 25 points per game last year and 5 assists. 6-8 sophomore Isaiah Jackson will join the team when the next semester starts in January for a nice boost.
Dearborn Divine Child has a strong cast led by 6-7 forward Quinn Blair while Cameron Urbanick can fill up the hoop as well.

Bridgeport was 19-3 and returns a strong core of players, including senior guard Charles Garrett, who went over the 1,000-point mark in the first game this season. Bridgeport shared the TVC East title with Frankenmuth, but lost to the Eagles in the district final.
Spring Lake might be a sleeper team to watch if they can replace last year’s backcourt. Coach Bill Core’s team has size in Sam Johnson (6-9) and experience Griffin Lorimer and Jack VanWingen. Those seniors are back for their third season on the varsity. The Lakers have reached the Class B quarterfinals in two of the past three years and are hoping to get over the hump.

George Pohly

www.macombdaily.com

Romeo Weems had just posted a triple-double to lead New Haven to a 20-point basketball victory over one of the better Macomb County programs in a game seen by two Big Ten coaches who are recruiting the junior.
Was he satisfied?

“I don’t think we did anything well,” the 6-foot-7 wing said. “I think we’re capable of a lot more. We’ve got stuff to work on.”

The fourth quarter of the Calihan Challenge game belonged to the Rockets.

They led De La Salle 55-53 as it opened, and then went on an 11-0 run that included a dunk and two free throws by Weems.

When the final horn sounded, New Haven had an 82-62 victory.

It was the MAC’s only triumph in five Calihan Hall games against Catholic League opponents, and it gave the defending state Class B champions a 28th consecutive win.

“In the fourth quarter, we lost Weems,” DLS coach Greg Esler said. “They are a very good team with a great player, and they are well coached.

“I thought we played hard for three quarters.”

Michigan State’s Tom Izzo and Ohio State’s Chris Holtmann were on hand to see Weems, who had 33 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists. What those coaches and everyone else saw was a New Haven team that can strike from multiple positions at moments that matter.

“People think we’ve got just one player,” New Haven coach Tedaro France said. “We’ve got other guys who can score.”

Senior forward Ashton Sherrell scored 18 points, senior guard Tavares Oliver 16 and junior guard Ronald Jeffery II 10.

Oliver canned a 3-pointer at the second quarter buzzer to trim the Pilots’ lead to 40-39, and Weems snuck inside for a tip-in at the third quarter buzzer to put the Rockets ahead 55-53.

Both developments displeased Esler.

“Our problem was game management,” Esler said. “We had a four-point lead with 15 seconds to go in the second quarter. We forced a move to the basket, and they hit a 3 at the buzzer.

“That gave them some momentum leading to the third quarter. Then they score at the buzzer to end the third.

“The only acceptable situation (at the end of the first half) was we are up by (four or more) and they don’t get a shot.”

De La Salle led for most of the first half in its season opener.

Seniors Kole Gjonaj (18 points), Luke Pfromm (17) and Jordan Winowiecki (13) paced the Pilot offense.

But there wasn’t enough offense in the fourth quarter.

“We kind of picked up the pressure in the second half,” France said. “We scored some points off turnovers.

“We pride ourselves on being in good shape. When the fourth quarter comes, that’s when we take off.”

France welcomed the opportunity to start the season against the only other Macomb County coach who has won a state championship.

Esler led Lake Shore to the 1994 Class B crown, and France knew DLS would test the Rockets in important ways.

“One thing is, you can’t get down against a team like that because they take care of the ball so well,” France said.

“Against them, you’ve got to play smart and limit turnovers. And you can’t give them more than one shot.”

New Haven meets Grosse Pointe South on Tuesday and then plays Dakota in its home opener Friday.

Prior to the MAC crossover game, the Rockets will receive their state championship rings.

The Pilots return to action Tuesday. They play host to Rochester.

“De La Salle is going to have to get better on the defensive end,” Esler said.

 Jared Purcell

www.mlive.com

The high school boys basketball season is rolling as teams prepare for various invitationals and showcases that December is becoming known for. With that said, it is time for MLive to rank the top 25 overall teams in the state of Michigan
These rankings will take a break through the rest of the year and will resume in January. A lot can change in that time so make sure you stick with MLive throughout the season to see which teams are among the best in the state, regardless of class.

 25. Southfield ChristianRecord: 1-1
Class D
Bryce Washington returns for his senior season after his junior averages of 20 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals helped him get named Co-Player of the Year for Class D by the Associated Press. Also, junior guard Harlond Beverly (12.5 points) returns after an excellent season last year and can be considered the top junior in the state in Class D while fellow junior teammate Caleb Hunter -- the third son of former Pistons star Lindsay Hunter to play for Christian -- is right up there with him. Also, sophomore DaJion Humphrey is shaping up to be the next future star for the Eagles as well. It looks like the Eagles' dynasty is still alive and well.
The Eagles dominated Southfield A&T of Class A to open the season before taking a tough 81-74 overtime loss to Detroit Pershing.

 24. FrankenmuthRecord: 1-0
Class B
Frankenmuth was 21-3 last season and lost, winning a district title and sharing the Tri-Valley Conference East Division title with Bridgeport. The Eagles return four-year starter and one of the top players in Class B this season in 6-foot-4 guard Mario Whitley, who averaged 25 points and 14 rebounds last season. Frankenmuth picked up a 74-67 win to start the season.

23. Detroit PershingRecord: 1-0
Class C
Pershing returns four starters and nine players, including senior guard Ron Hill (17 points) and senior forward Jaylen Benning (11 points, 7 reb). Yet, a brutal schedule will test Pershing throughout the season . The Doughboys got a nice boost to start the season with an 81-74 win over Class D power Southfield Christian.


22. CantonRecord: 2-0
Class A
Not too many people were talking about the Chiefs on a grand scale to start the season but they are making sure people take notice with two great wins over Belleville and Detroit Country. The guard trio of junior B. Artis White, senior Eian Barker and junior Vinson Sigmon gives the Chiefs good ball handlers and scoring while 6-6 forward Chase Meredith will be a physical force near the boards.

21. Warren De La SalleRecord: 0-1
Class A
Warren De La Salle, which finished runner-up in the Catholic League A-B tournament a year ago, is back to end Detroit U-D Jesuit's streak of five-straight titles. Forward Luke Pfromm just led the Pilots football team to a state title as a quarterback. Expect his scoring ability and leadership to payoff big for De La Salle this winter. Also, Justin Fischer (6-5) returns as one of the longest guards in the league with great shooting range and should be crucial at both ends of the court. De La Salle suffered an 82-62 loss to Class B defending state champion New Haven in its season opener.

20. River RougeRecord: 2-0
Class B
Despite losing its top scorers due to graduation from a year ago, senior guard Jayvien Torrance-Jackson will run a roster with younger talent, including a trio of juniors made up of guard Micah Parrish and forwards Donavan Freeman and Dan Few. After making the semifinals a year ago, River Rouge will look to make a push for its first state title since 1999. River Rouge already has two solid wins over Detroit Osborn and Detroit Western International.


19. BellevilleRecord: 0-2
Class A
Led by the return of future Michigan State Spartan Gabe Brown (6-8), Belleville's entire starting lineup is back to try and win the Tigers' first state championship and first state title appearance since 1998. Brown (15.9 points) and guards Delvin Alverson and Davion Williams (Michigan State football commit) each averaged in double figures for scoring last winter. Belleville also added sharpshooter Kaevon Merriweather, who transferred in from arch rival Romulus. Yet, Belleville has started the season 0-2 with a 65-61 loss to Canton and a 65-45 loss to Detroit Edison. Belleville lost just three total games all last year.

18. TroyRecord: 1-0
Class A
Troy is going to be senior-led team, including a trio of guys returning that averaged double-figures scoring in Jason Dietz (16.7), Leon Ayers (12.8) and Danny Sully (11.5, 10.5 rebounds). Keep an eye on freshman guard Brody Parker as well. Troy opened the season with a 74-58 win over Auburn Hills Avondale.


17. Grand Rapids Catholic CentralRecord: 1-0
Class B
Record: 1-0
Class B
Catholic Central is led by 6-foot-10 Marcus Bingham, who has signed with Michigan State, and 6-8 Jacob Polakovich. Bingham averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds a game last year, while Polakovich averaged 15 points and 9 rebounds. Catholic Central went 19-6 and lost in the regional finals to Spring Lake. The Cougars opened with a 90-84 win over Detroit Country Day to start the season.

16. WilliamstonRecord: 2-0
Class B
Williamston has been knocking on the door of the state championship game for the last two seasons and it is hoping that it can finally break through this season. Senior guard Cole Kleiver (16 points, 4 assists) and junior forward Sean Cobb (13 points, 8 rebounds) are back to make that happen. Senior guard Frankie Toomey and sophomore guard Mitchell Cook.

15. Benton HarborRecord: 2-0
Class B
It has been a long time since Benton Harbor has won a state championship. Fifty-two years for those counting. However, Benton Harbor got close last year, making it all the way to Class B semifinals before losing to eventual champion New Haven. Sophomore forward Carlos "Scooby" Johnson averaged 16 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists last year. Elijah Baxter will be the floor general as a senior point guard. Benton Harbor already has two dominant wins over Dowagiac and Goodrich.

14. Wayne MemorialRecord: 0-1
Class A
Last year, the Zebras rose to prominence by winning the KLAA division, conference and association titles. Wayne saw its season end with an 18-4 record, falling against eventual semifinalist Romulus in one heck of an entertaining district final. Senior point guard Rashad Williams (Cleveland State) returns, who developed into one of the area's top scorers, especially from 3-point range. He has already been mentioned as a possible Mr. Basketball candidate. Senior Terrance Williams is another guard who averaged double figures scoring as well, giving Wayne plenty of depth at the position. Wayne Memorial lost to top-ranked Clarkston, 65-55, to open the season.

13. NoviRecord: 1-0
Class A
Traveon Maddox was a standout on the football field as a wide receiver for Novi in the fall but now the 6-foot-4 athlete is back on the hardwood where he is even more of a force as a guard. Committed to Oakland University, Maddox averaged 20.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3 assists last fall. Maddox will be joined by newly added senior center Tariq Woody (6-8) who transferred in after averaging a double-double (14 points, 10 rebounds) at Plymouth last year. Jiovanni Miles is a point guard coming off of a strong sophomore season (9.7 points, 6.3 rebounds). Novi’s first game was a 72-56 loss to Ann Arbor Skyline.

12. Flint Carman-AinsworthRecord: 2-1
Class A
The Cavaliers will look to be the top team out of the flint area this season and one of the top teams in the state thanks to plenty of talent. Junior forward/center Mike Fletcher (11.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.2 blocks) is an athletic powerhouse as he has offers for basketball and others for football as a defensive end. He will be complimented by senior wing Omari Duncan (15.1 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists) while Ja’Kavien Lewis (11.7 points, 3.6 assists, 3.3. rebounds, 3.1 steals) will be a reliable presence at guard. Although Ainsworth has lost to top-ranked Clarkston already, it bounced back with a win over Detroit Renaissance.

11. Detroit East English VillageRecord: 0-1
Class A
East English returns only two starters but one of them is a potential Mr. Basketball front-runner David DeJulius (Michigan). A clear favorite for Mr. PSL this winter, DeJulius returns after averaging 26 points last winter alongside star guard Greg Elliott, who is now at Marquette. Junior guard Tariq Shepherd is the other returning starter for the Bulldogs after having a very productive season last winter. After a great offseason, Shepherd should give East English an excellent duo in the backcourt once again.
East English has already suffered a tough loss to ranked Hazel Park, 86-72.

10. Detroit Martin Luther KingRecord: 1-0
Class A
After losing to Cass Tech in the PSL championship and the district finals, King will be looking to improve on its great season from a year ago. King picked up Marcus Gibbs, a player who blew up off of the bench for Cass Tech last winter. He will be a difference maker from the start, joining fellow talented senior Antonio Marshall and junior John Massey on a solid scoring roster. King has already picked up a 20-point win over Saginaw Arthur Hill.

9. Detroit Edison Public School AcademyRecord: 1-1
Class C
Joining the PSL for the first time last winter, DEPSA made it all the way to the Class C semifinals. Despite going 14-12 last season, the tough PSL payed off in the Class C run. Although key scorer Jamal Keesee and starter Amari Hudson graduated from last year's team, the cupboards are far from bare for the Pioneers. Point guard Pierre "PJ" Mitchell (Central Michigan) will return for his senior season, joining 6-foot-5 All-State guard Gary Solomon. A key paint presence returns as well as 6-foot-8 Deante “Spider” Johnson (Cleveland State) is back for his senior season.
Despite a tough overtime loss to Detroit U-D Jesuit to open the season, DEPSA bounced back with a dominant 65-48 win over Belleville.

8. Detroit U-D JesuitRecord: 2-0
Class A
After winning the last five Catholic High School League A-B tournament championships, Detroit U-D Jesuit finally has a rebuilding year ahead. After graduating two Division I forward/centers in Ikechukwu Eke and Greg Eboigbodin, its top guard, Julian Dozier, moved to Arizona over the summer. Although Zachary Winston returns -- younger brother of Michigan State point guard Cassius Winston -- as a top scorer while guard Elijah Collins (Michigan State football) and rising junior Daniel Friday return too. However, Jesuit will have some growing pains as a lot more players will be getting new minutes and workloads. Still, this is a team you don't want to get into a track meet with.
This team already showed its going to be a problem to handle with an overtime road win over Detroit Edison to open the season followed by a dominant 28-point win over Macomb Dakota.
Lamar Norman (MLive.com)

7. Wyoming Godwin HeightsRecord: 2-0
Class B
Godwin went 22-2 a year ago, and they return a pair of Division I seniors in 6-foot-4 combo guard Lamar Norman and 6-7 forward Markeese Hastings. Hastings has committed to Butler. Norman has signed with UTEP, however, he reopened his recruitment Wednesday night, explaining that the recent announcement that Tim Floyd has been released as coach was the reason behind it. The offense is already rolling with two wins, including a 90-73 win over Hudsonville.
-Steve Kaminski, The Grand Rapids Press

6. Hazel ParkRecord: 1-0
Class A
Hazel Park brings back a lot of depth and scoring this year as the Vikings move up from to the OAA Red and Class A in a bold move. Yet, Hazel Park has the talent to back it up as Carl Bow (20 points, 3 assists, 5 rebounds) and David Hearns (16 points, 5 assists, 4 steals) return as four-year starters. In fact, this is a senior-laden team can contend right away in the OAA Red and Class A. The Vikings already have an 86-72 win over Detroit East English Village where it had five players score in double figures.
New Haven celebrates a 45-36 victory over Ludington to claim the Class B state final at the Breslin Center at Michigan State University in East Lansing on Saturday, March 25, 2017. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

5. New Haven Record: 0-0
Class B
Led by highly-touted junior Romeo Weems (6-6), New Haven has a lot of talent to work with. Last year, Weems averaged 18.1 points, 11.4 rebounds, 3.9 steals, 3.6 assists and 2.8 blocked shots. Although the graduation of Eric Williams leaves a crucial hole to fill in the starting lineup, 6-7 shooting forward Ashton Sherrell (12.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2 blocks) will look to do more to fill the scoring gap.
Also, Tavares Oliver and Ronald Jeffery are two players with starting experience that return to the floor with good shooting skills. This team is going to be alright and built to defend a title.

4. Ann Arbor SkylineRecord: 2-0
Class A
They return 6 of their top 8 players from last season, including Ann Arbor News 2016-17 Player of the Year Brandon Wade. Wade, a Duquesne commit, averaged 21.4 points, 6.6 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game last season and will be entering his fourth year on varsity. His brother, Ryan Wade, has four D1 offers, and senior guard Jack Ammerman is one of the top three-point shooters in the state. Skyline already has solid wins over Novi and Livonia Stevenson.
-Ryan Zuke, Ann Arbor News

3. East LansingRecord: 2-0
Class A
East Lansing has lost two games in the last two seasons, both coming in the region championships. This year, the Trojans are hoping for a taste of bit more – much more actually. With 6-8 senior forward Brandon Johns leading the way, East Lansing plans to be a formidable team once again. A Mr. Basketball candidate, Johns averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks last season. Joining him is an up-and-coming freshman named Marcus Wourman, who will be playing point guard.
There is a lot of experience on the roster besides Johns, including senior guard Noah Schon, senior forward Justin McAbee, senior guard Malik Jones, senior forward Ben Zeka and junior guard Jack Morse. The Trojans already have two convincing wins over DeWitt and Jackson.
Cass Tech's bench celebrates another 3-pointer during the Class A Boys Regional 4- A game against U of D Jesuit at Fordson High School in Dearborn Wednesday evening, March 15, 2017. (Tanya Moutzalias | MLive Detroit)

2. Detroit Cass TechRecord: 1-0
Class A
Cass Tech is coming off of a season that saw it claim its first PSL title since 1998 last winter, bringing back some solid depth after graduating some key guys like Leonard Silas and Micheal Green. Yet, Cass Tech returns six players that had starting experience as three-year starters Randy Gilbert (6-6), Jalen Tobias (6-6) and Matt Richmond (6-2) are all back and each averaged between 10 and 11 points last year. Also, Chris Murray (6-2) returns for his senior year after adding 11 PPG last year as well.
Beyond that, there is a senior-heavy roster with senior guard Noah Schon, senior forward Justin McAbee, senior guard Malik Jones, and senior forward Ben Zeka. Cass Tech already has a dominant 84-53 win over Flint Beecher.
Clarkston's Christopher Robinson (3) contests the fast break layup of Grand Rapids Christian's Setric Millner, Jr. (24) during the Class A state final at the Breslin Center at Michigan State University in East Lansing on Saturday, March 25, 2017. Clarkston defeated Grand Rapids Christian 75-69 to claim the Class A state title. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

1. ClarkstonRecord: 2-0
Class A
Despite Thomas Kithier being ruled ineligible to play this season due to the MHSAA deeming his transfer from Macomb Dakota as athletically motivated, Clarkston is still the team to beat in the state this year. Senior guard Foster Loyer (Michigan State) returns as a top Hal Schram Mr. Basketball candidate and is the best guard in the state. Loyer was the MLive Detroit Player of the Year last winter when he averaged 25.1 points, 6.4 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 2.7 steals. Then, there is Taylor Currie, the 6-9 power forward who reclassified to the class of 2018, making him a potential Mr. Basketball candidate. He is committed to Wisconsin.
Plus, there's a whole group of returning depth. including CJ Robinson, Nicholas Wells and Tristen Mysen, just to name a few. Clarkston already is 2-0 with both wins coming over ranked opponents as the Wolves beat Wayne Memorial, 65-55, and Flint Carman-Ainsworth, 72-67.