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)
5. Bowman Academy (22-5): Everyone's gone from the Class 3A state runners-up. Either graduated or left for New York like Davon Dillard. Still, this team will be tough by the end of the year. A college-like schedule will make a young team much better by March. NWI Times
Last year: 22-5
Team breakdown: For the first time since the 2008-09 season the Eagles will not have a senior on the roster. Gone is Arthur Haggard (Wilberforce), Darrion Riddle (Lakeland), Anthony Cole (Oakton), DeShawn Franklin (Tiffin), Austin Daniels (Mott), Raynard Perry (South Suburban College) and Justin King (Kaskaskia), seniors who led Bowman to three straight state championship games. Plus, Indiana Junior All-Star Davon Dillard left for Our Savior New American School in New York. But coach Marvin Rea isn't too concerned. "We lost a lot," he said. "It happens. We'll need some guys to step up." Bowman's front line is huge, with 6-foot-8 Avery Edwards and 6-7 Robert Howard. Add Lew Wallace transfer Chris Porter and this team will be ready to play one of the toughest schedules in the state. — Steve Hanlon
Star power: Montrell Barfield, Jr., G/F: Rea has been grooming the "LeBron-like" power guard for two years. The role player is now "The Guy." Experience and strength around the bucket are big. "He's got two rings; you can't beat that," Rea said.
Newcomer to watch: Martin Schiele, Jr., G: The guard is lightning quick and can shoot the ball. He moves his mouth as he plays, making a great leader. "We've got some guys who can score," Rea said. "This is probably the most offensive team I've ever had." 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)
19. Saginaw 2013-14 record: 16-8.
Outlook: The Trojans are not as big as they would have been had 6-6 Algevon Eichelberger not left to play for a club team in California, but The High never has a down year. Point guard Ron’Quavious Southward had an amazing tournament run as a freshman last March. Javon Pratt will lead the team in steals because he has a knack for getting his hands into passing lanes. Thomas Stuckey-Essex, 6-7, is an excellent rebounder and shot-blocker. Sophomore Eddie Thigpen, 6-5, was a big-time scorer on an undefeated junior varsity team last season. Marcus Baker is a talented combo guard, and 6-8 Tarrence Crumpton will be a rebounder and shot-blocker in the post. Detroit Free Press
Saginaw Trojans
Coach:Julian Taylor (4thyear, 64-14)
2013-14:16-8 overall, 11-3 SVL North
Key players:Ronquavious Southward, so.;Javon Pratt, sr.;Thomas Stuckey, sr.; Eddie Thigpen Jr., so.; Terrance Crumptun, jr.; Day’Lontre Brooks, sr.; Jordan Caffey, jr.
2014-15 overview:The Trojans graduated a wealth of experience, but Southward is the future floor general and the future is now. He started the last half of 2013-14 as a freshman on Saginaw’s third straight district championship winning team. Pratt and Stuckey had complimentary roles last season, but now they get a chance to become primary options. Thigpen, 6-foot-5, averaged 20 points a game for the Trojans’ undefeated junior varsity as a freshman, and Crumptun was a double-double machine at 6-foot-8. “We’re going to be an up and down team,” Taylor said. “Getting up and down the court, pressure the ball and playing man-to-man defense is going to be our strength. We’re really scrappy.” Saginaw has another deep team this year with the ability to go 10-deep on the bench without suffering a drop off. Mlive