It's never too early to start talking hoops, so here are a few names of underclassmen that you should expect to make a name for themselves on the varsity hardwood this winter.

Khalil Malone (Waterford Mott) – a sophomore point guard set to take over floor general duties from departed all-conference stud John Schaefer in 2011. Malone is as hardnosed as they come for a 15-year old and is a superior "drive and dish" specialist and a master of sneaking his way into the lane for easy buckets. He will team with junior Chris Dewberry to form one of the better backcourt tandems in the county

Maury Diane (Birmingham DCD) – People are saying this 6-3 and growing wing player could be the best freshman to come through the doors at Country Day since current NBA'er Shane Battier, over fifteen years ago. Diane is a pure scorer with serious athleticism and possess a very high "on-court IQ" for such a young age.

Edmond Sumner (Birmingham DCD) – Another blue chip ninth-grader coming into the fold for the Yellowjackets this upcoming season. He will no doubt team with Diane to lead the illustrious Country Day hoop program into the new decade.

Deshawn "D.J." Stevens (AH Oakland Christian) – This kid no doubt has the genes for prep greatness and judging by the way he performed this summer on the AAU circuit, he could wind up eclipsing what his mother – two-time all-state guard Laurie Ales, who spearheaded the Lancers to a 1992 state title – did on the hardwood in her day. According to some experts, Stevens is just as good as Diane and Sumner, despite the fact that he is going to a less-prestigious high school hoop power

Some fresh-faced football players to watch for next fall

 

Freshman RB's who will be super sophs in 2011

Brian Walker (Brother Rice)

Lorenzo Collins (FH Harrison)