Boys 2014

aking a look at the pre-season top ranked teams participating in the 20th Annual Motor City Roundball Classic.

Team breakdown: The Wolves graduated their top three scorers, notably all-area big man Keenan Simmons, yet return several experienced players with starting mileage to their names. The cut-to-the-chase question is: how quickly will they adapt to more prominent roles? "We were relying on two freshmen and a sophomore so much, it's almost like they're juniors and a senior now," assistant coach Andrew Eubank said. M.C.'s crazy deep with 14 legitimate varsity players. It will fully employ that depth as it intends to dial up the pace and defensive pressure even further than last year. "We'll be more balanced for sure," Eubank said. "We feel eight, nine guys could lead us in scoring on a given night."— Jim Peters

Star power : ShanQuan Hemphill, Jr., F. Hemphill has been around since he was a freshman and this looks like the 6-foot-3 leaper's opportunity to shine. "He's shown flashes," Eubank said. "We expect him to make a big jump. He's a pretty solid all-around player. He's very athletic. He's grown a little bit."

Newcomer to watch: Dante Combs, So., G/F; Zach Stewart, Sr., G: Combs is a long, athletic shooter whose game took off in the spring and summer. Stewart is a deadly standstill shooter who could bolster a Wolves' perimeter attack that was inconsistent last year. "He's a good system guy," Eubank said.  NWI Times

Taking a look at the pre-season top ranked teams participating in the 20th Annual Motor City Roundball Classic.

Team Page (Team info, Schedule, Results, Stats)

11. Ypsilanti Community (21-3, Class A): Talented 6-3 junior guard Corey Allen (15 points, seven rebounds, five steals) will be joined by 6-3 forward Kendrick Williams, 5-11 junior Avery Williams, 5-9 sophomore Marlan Talley, 6-2 junior Ray'jon Williams-Jackson and sophomore Darian Owens-White. Detroit News

The Grizzlies are looking for a third league, and district title. “Without Jaylen we are going to have to do everything by committee,” Brooks said. “I know one thing, this will probably be the first time I’ll be the tallest guy in the huddle (laughing).”

It helps that Ypsilanti is bring back its leading scorerCorey Allen. Allen, a three-year starter,is a 6-foot-1 guard drawing Division 1 interest. “He’s just continued to work really hard,” Brooks said. “He gives the whole team a boost with the way he works. He’s a quiet, unassuming leader. He’s never been the most vocal kid, but I think he can be the guy for us.” Mlive