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Services for Detroit Consortium coach Al Anderson Thursday, Friday |
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Written by Stephen Bell
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Wednesday, 20 February 2013 17:33 |
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Viewings for Detroit Consortium coach Al Anderson will be held noon-9 pm Thursday, Feb. 21 at Swanson Funeral Service East Chapel, 806 East Grand Blvd. Detroit, MI 48207. Thew family hour/service is noon Friday, Feb. 22 at Grace Community Church, 21001 Moross Rd. Detroit, MI 48236. Repast following interment at Elmwood Cemetery at Consortium School, 4366 Military St., Detroit, MI 48210.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 20 February 2013 17:34 )
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Standout upperclassman wings from Bank Hoops All-State Camp |
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Written by Stephen Bell
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Friday, 26 October 2012 02:50 |
Michael Alexander 6-5 Sr Holly
He'll have small college options because he has nice size, is versatile, attentive on D, and doesn't need continuous touches to contribute. When he did have the ball, had a good feel and vision.
"Plays hard and showed very good hustle and energy in the drills and games," a coach said.
Zach Baker 6-5 Jr Grand Rapids NorthPointe Chrisitan
He got stuck on a team without real point guard play, and he's not necessarily a creator. But Baker does a lot of good things off the ball, plays physically, can finish and rebound.
Lawrence Bognar 6-0 Sr Perry
"Could play for me, anytime," a coach said. "If there was a big rebound to be had, he got it. Old man type game, but I loved it."
"Toughest kid in camp," one coach said. "Worked hard in stations. Was all over the court during games. Stepped in and drew a charge on (6-4, 270) Colin Jones of Holt. On another play, after a teammate fell to the ground, he ran over and helped him up. Lots of energy who actually poured everything he had into the defensive end. If I'm a small school, I'm taking another look at him. Or better yet, maybe he can play middle linebacker for a MAC school. Reminds me of Brian Urlacher."
"I didn't want to take him out of the game because of all the little things he does that no one else will do," another coach said. "Guy plays hard 100 percent of the time. Took one of the few charges of the day. A coach's dream -- listens and let's his play do the talking."
Carlos Fordham 6-5 Jr Goodrich
Goodrich has terrific perimeter size in its 2014 class with Fordham, and Grant Smith who was profiled with the junior guards.
"Long, long, long ...," said a coach. "He also has a nice high jump-shot that no one is blocking. A rangy kid that will need to add strength."
Evan Fosha 6-4 Jr Ann Arbor Richard
He got stuck on a team without much pure point guard play, so his stats suffered, but you could see the physical tools in drills
"Solid from for a 2-3, but needs to hit the weight room and get stronger," a coach said. "Puts the ball on the floor well in transition and can get to the rim, but doesn't show much consistency with his perimeter game."
Richard Gold 6-4 Jr Detroit Loyola
He's been coming to Bank Hoops camps for awhile, and this was his best showing.
"Back on the upswing and shot the ball extremely well," one coach said. "Maturing and playing like a more polished player, with a purpose."
"He's slimmed down and improved his ball-handling and decision-making off the dribble, which helps him in playing the 2 and 3," another coach said. "Can hit the open jumper from 10-25 feet with consistency. Showed some increased athleticism with a couple of transition dunks. Uses his body well to get post position, but with that big body would like to see him get into the paint more often off the dribble."
Kaylin Johnson 6-3 Jr Flint Northern
He was terrific for the Family 16U at the end of the July period, and picked up where he left off. His name isn't as well known as some, but legit top 20 guy in 2014 -- and rising. Aggressive, put-together, explosive power guard, who may have had the best dunk of the camp. While he was in attack mode, Johnson also played smart, knew when to go hard, and when to pull the ball out and look for other options.
"Shot it pretty well and turned all head when he dunked on a couple defenders on court 2," a coach said. "When he is focused, I'll take him against many of the top-ranked shooting guards in 2014, easily."
Zach Littleson 6-4 Sr Rochester Adams
Tough, physical kid. Kind of a tweener, but strength will help him at the MIAA or WHAC level. Just produces and can shoot it from 20 feet and in.
Jalon Plummer 6-4 Sr Romulus
Solidified his place as one of the state's top 10 uncommitted senior. Showed he's much more than just a shooter. Able to take a defensive rebound to the other end and make plays.
"Would be my camp MVP," a coach said. "Did it all from the drill stations to the games. A true competitor who is unbelievably athletic. Finishes above the rim and doesn't force things. Sees the floor very well and has a really good feel for the game. Seems like a magnet to the basketball, just one of those kids whose hands the ball always seem to end up in. And when it did, good things happened."
Skylar Ross 6-3 Sr Lansing Christian
Has a chance, because he's a natural scorer who can both shoot it long or go to the hole. But to get there, will have to get lighter on his feet, particularly to keep up on the defensive end.
Kyle Shomain 6-3 Sr Mt. Pleasant
Hustled, played hard and produced.
"Just gets it done offensively," a coach said. "Can score in a variety of ways because of his strength. Kid can play and win!"
Michael Siegel 6-6 Sr Fremont
He'll play somewhere because he's just a solid all-around player -- and 6-6. Unselfish, sees the floor, can feed the post and work a two-man game when the shot is falling.
Earl Swift 6-3 Sr Southfield
I liked his potential back at Grand Valley State's prospects camp in June. This time around, Swift seemed more dialed in and produced accordingly. Impressed because he was good offensively with or without the ball -- smart using screens, and a slashing scorer. Scored at the rim or with a soft pull-up shot. Good feel around the hoops, and can use the glass from mid-range.
"Nice big-bodied guard who plays very hard and gets the most out of his ability," a coach said. "Can shoot it if left open and finishes well in transition."
"Very strong and goes to work around the offensive glass," another coach said. "Very athletic."
Nick Troxell 6-4 Jr Lakeland
A bit nicked up from soccer, but love his potential. Few players got off two feet with his kind of explosion.
Josh Whitney 6-5 Sr Lansing Christian
Another camper who helps his cause with a 4.0 gpa and ACT score over 30, and he's a player whose off-court smarts translate to the game, which isn't always the case. Whitney has that basketball body that coaches love and can mold. Ran the floor well, and ran hard all day. Needs to keep working on his jumper, as he projects as a wing.
Christien Wright 6-4 Sr Birmingham Country Day
Terrific motor and didn't let up, putting together at least one huge scoring game.
"Undersized forward who goes to the hoop with a reckless abandon," a coach said. "Very aggressive rebounder on both ends of the floor who finishes around the rim with both hands. Can post up, very good seal with his back to the basket. Needs to work on his perimeter game to improve his chances of playing at the next level."
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Last Updated ( Friday, 26 October 2012 02:51 )
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Standout posts from Bank Hoops All-State Camp |
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Written by Stephen Bell
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Friday, 26 October 2012 02:47 |
Reynaldo Cheney 6-8 Jr Grand Rapids Creston
There are so many 6-8 prospects in the 2014 class, and when it comes to athleticism and potential, Cheney is right near the top.
"He looked to be in a different class, athletically, than the rest of the post players at the camp," one coach said. "I also like the fact that he can handle the ball a little bit. There were a number of times that he took a rebound and led the break himself. His mid-range shooting could improve, and that would help his game a lot. The No. 1 thing that I'd like to see from the kid though is playing hard all the time. He seemed to take a lot of plays off, and that holds him back from completely dominating a game at both ends. If he were more focused and willing to sell out, I would say, 'Scary good prospect!'"
Said another: "He's a kid getting Division 1 attention because of his potential and athleticism. He has tremendous upside, but again seems to be another Grand Rapids big with a "soft" label. Not much of a back-to-the-basket game, more of a pure dunker and 12-foot shot kind of big."
And another: "Very athletic kid with great hands and ball skills. Can finish with both hands around the hoop is is a tough check for other bigs away form the hoop due to his ability to put it on the deck. Finishes with dunks in the open court. Plays with a better motor than in the past, especially on the other end. A very good defender, but seemed to lack a little competitive toughness when it came to defending."
Deitrich Cole 6-9 Jr Southfield-Lathrup
Liked him at Toledo's camp, and again here at Aim High. A similar prospect to Jordan Moses (below), but a tad taller and played with more energy. Really active. Runs the floor and is able to turn ends. Executed the rebound-pivot-outlet-run sequence smoothly. Blocked a lot of shots, but would bite at times. Has a soft shooting touch when facing up. Needs to develop a post-up game.
Ian Cooper 6-8 Jr Greenville
He's been working on his game despite playing football. He has the body of a post banger and isn't afraid to take a hit. Set solid screens. The key is finishing shots -- with or without contact. Seems to have gotten the message, and at post-camp workouts he's been looking to finish plays with dunks.
Jeff Koch 6-8 Sr Troy Athens
A long-time camper is a finesse 4 man who has post moves and really runs the floor, just waiting for the upper body so he can bang. Koch was assertive all day long.
"His speed and quickness have improved noticeably since the last Bank Hoops Showcase," a coach said. "Playing with confidence and running the floor. Great sign that he is still improving."
"Athletic big who is very skilled offensively," said another coach. "He can hit the open jumper as well as play with his back to the basket. Needs to continue to get stronger so that he can battle better on the defensive end. He's a very good offensive rebounder, but very average defensive rebounder."
Clarke Lamb 6-6 So St. Clair
Well-coached, in terms of positioning and knowing how to play the post. It's just a matter of getting the physicality to be able to play that style as a varsity player.
Jordan Moses 6-8 Jr Detroit Loyola
"Tall, lanky and still growing," a coach said. "Moses has greatly improved since last season. Plays with a better motor in the past, but needs to play all game like that. Seems to play hard in stretches. An imposing force on defense. Blocked shots and rebounded well on both ends of the court. Needs to continue to get stronger in order to hold his spot in the post off his seal."
Michael Nicholson 6-7 Jr Clarkston
Blue-collar kid with and some upside; long arms and can run. Does the unglamorous things to contribute, defending the post, rebounding, getting tip-ins. Has two more seasons to improve offensively.
Aaron Overhiser 6-5 So Fennville
Good post presence. Liked to bang more than a lot of young guys. Didn't finish consistently in the game I saw.
Adam Rayner 7-0 Sr Muskegon Mona Shores
Almost immeasurably better than he was at his first camp in 2011. There were stretches when he embraced being and played like the biggest player on the court. Which is virtually every time he steps on the court, there's no larger center in Michigan. Rayner dunked in traffic and blocked shots. He got deep post position and his teammates got him the ball, but didn't convert many of them in the game I saw. Made a couple nice passes off the blocks to cutters. /He'll never be fast, but when Rayner is hitting those shots, it's worth waiting for him.
"Huge kid who has greatly improved from last year," a coach said. "Still needs to be in better condition so he can play the game harder for a longer time. Not very good offensively outside of 10 feet. Lacks athleticism, so needs to continue to work on using that big body to his advantage."
Max Recknagel 6-7 Jr Saline
He plays rugged and with some attitude, the kind of kid who seems to enjoy what being a post or 4 entails. Not afraid to deliver, or take, a hit. Max had good feel, timing, footwork on the blocks, working patiently but efficiently to find shots, while also showing a competent jumper to 17 feet. If he gets more explosive, with Recknagel's grades and game demeanor he'll have some nice options a year from now.
"Physical player, a true banger," a coach said. "Boxes out without thinking about it which puts him in position to dominate the defensive glass. Makes up for his lack of elevation with great use of his body. Doesn't seem to get his shot blocked. A Bill Laimbeer clone since he can rebound and knock down the open jumper."
Logan Spiker 6-8 Jr Holly
More firm and athletic than at past camps. Rebounded and ran hard consistently from rim to rim. Nice shooting touch to mid-range. Good hoops IQ, and with his improved body has really helped himself in the quest to separate from the deep group of 6-8 kids in the 2014 class.
John Rexroth 6-8 So Farmington Hills Harrison
The first thing you notice about Rexroth is he already has legit post size and just going into his sophomore season. Tuned in, coachable. Scored one-on-one in drills, and was patient and able to pass or score during the games. Could be a D1 prospect eventually if he gets explosion, over-the-rim finishes.
Cole Walker 6-6 So Elk Rapids
Moves well, pretty smooth and coordinated. What he does best is make shots from 15 feet. Walker played in underclassmen game so was always one of the biggest kids out there, but rarely took advantage and asserted himself physically. Still young and lacking the edge to his game to make it out of Northern Michigan at 6-6. Those that do, like Scott Friske, Cory Starkey and most of all Brian Snider, all learned to play mean.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 26 October 2012 02:48 )
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Standout junior guards from Bank Hoops All-State Camp |
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Written by Stephen Bell
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Friday, 26 October 2012 02:46 |
Nelson Cagle 6-1 Jr Novi
Anyone still parroting the cliche that you can't get better playing AAU, I give you Cagle. He was more consistent, mature and aggressive here than he was in the spring camp -- and he played a bunch of high-level travel ball between now and then. Perhaps his biggest improvement is how he's able to mentally get on to the next play. Operated well and traffic and typically made the right play.
"A solid guard who does a lot of things well, and plays with a little grit!," a coach said. "Not the greatest athlete in the world, but makes up for it with a high IQ and ability to knock down the open jumper off the catch or dribble. He does a much better job of finishing around the hoop and creating his own shot than he did a year ago. Clearly a kid who stays in the gym and puts in a lot of work."
Javon Cooney 5-8 Jr Lansing Sexton
He's in the midst of a strong football season, but by now Cooney has become skilled enough that he's able to step into an off-day like this and the basketball not feel foreign.
"Lightning quick guard who can get into the lane at will," a coach said. "He keeps teammates running the break because he makes great decisions in transition. A true pass-first point guard."
Donqual Jackson 5-8 Jr Holt
Just like he did on the AAU circuit, this local guard proved his one of the best true point guards in the state's 2014 class.
"Height will be an issue, obviously, in where he ends up at his high school career is over," a coach said. "He can do it all though, passes it, shoots it, handles and finishes well around the basket. Nicest floater I've seen since David Holston (Avondale/Chicago State."
TJ Johnson 6-4 Jr Mt. Pleasant
Long, active, the physical tools are there. Good in and up-and-down game, as he can handle it or run the wing to finish. At times looks like a point guard, skill-wise, but not always in his decision-making. While I like his defensive potential overall, depending on the matchup struggled staying in front of smaller guards.
Aaron Leasher 6-1 Jr Mt. Pleasant
Another of a strong Mt. P contingent at camp. Their best player, Buena Vista transfer Jaleel Hogan, was ill and couldn't play. As for Leasher, he doesn't have that one knockout skill, but is a tough all-around guard who will help you in different ways. Can shoot it, but also has good athleticism and body control to finish around the hoop.
Cameron Morse
6-1 Jr Flint Carman-Ainsworth
"Very athletic guard, with amazing bounce," a coach said. "Quick hands on defense. Needs to improve his jumper to improve his options at the next level."
Said another: "Underrated kid. Plays a big upright, but is tough attacking the rim. In one game, scored 15 straight in a blowout win."
Grant Smith 6-4 Jr Goodrich
Heads up, versatile player with terrific size for age/position. Reminds you of four-time camper Dustin Dibble (Petoskey/UMKC), but with a more effortless shot.
"A true 'glue guy'," a coach said. "Does all the little things that don't show up on paper. Scrappy and tough kid who will mix it up with anyone. Jumper looks like it's improving. Doesn't wow you with flash, but is very efficient."
Kyle Solloway 6-2 Jr Dowagiac
"Gave it all on offense and defense," a coach said. "He was one of the most complete guards I saw there period. Dontel will have a legitimate Robin to his Batman this year."
Nick Spitzley 6-2 Jr Pewamo-Westphalia
Not saying he's that good, but Spitzley has that David Kool thing going where he seems to take the ball wherever he wants, at his own speed, thanks to poise, vision, sense of space, timing. He's got to be atop most GLIAC recruiting lists for 2014.
"True point guard," said one coach. "Not overly vocal, but definitely leads by example. He displayed a solid all-around game. Made very good decisions in transition, both finishing and finding the open man. Might have been the best passer at the camp, but also had no problem scoring from 5-25 feet."
Drew Zuidema 6-2 Jr Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian
He's played so much AAU, been to so many Bank Hoops camps already, he steps onto a court unfazed, confident in what he's going to do. Doesn't miss from outside when left open, and uses the shot to set up drives. Nice first step and a knack for finding daylight, though would like to see Zuidema finish stronger and with both hands.
"A crafty guard who finds ways to finish in traffic," said one coach. "Plays with a lot of confidence and swagger. Knocked down the jumper off the catch. Seems to look to hit to hit the open man once he puts it on the deck."
"Drew is a kid I think we have all watched shoot and make NBA range 3s since he was about 10 years old," another coach said. "Now he's matured and proving that he's gonna mess around a make a college team much better in the future, might even be at the Division 1 level. Great attitude. Very strong with the left hand; should study Drew Neitzel."
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Last Updated ( Friday, 26 October 2012 02:47 )
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