Blogs > Burney's Bytes

Burney's Bytes will focus primarily on the local preps sports scene, but will also touch on some college and pro athletics, mostly in regards to athletes who hail and have played high school sports in Oakland County. My goal for the blog is to be conversational and anecdotal, a more relaxed and free formal take on high school athletics than you see in regular game day coverage.

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Foley Fever

 VENTURES KEEP RECORD UNBLEMISHED, ENTER THE NEW YEAR ON WIN STREAK
The Madison Heights Bishop Foley boys basketball team is in cruise-control mode entering 2012.
The defending Catholic League-champion Ventures got an emphatic 70-57 win over previously-undefeated Melvindale on Friday night in the championship game of their own holiday tournament, pushing their record to a perfect 4-0, while not having beat a team all season by less than double-digits.
"We're playing real good basketball right now," said Bishop Foley head coach Marc West of his squad's early-season performance. "Our offense is in a nice groove and our defense has been very opportunistic and aggressive. That's a tough combination to deal with."
Heading the charge for the Ventures once again on Friday was senior forward Corey Green, a powerful and spry wing, in the midst of a monster start to the year. Against a big and athletic Melvindale defensive scheme designed to stop him, Green turned the tables and torched the Cardinals for 33 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
"Corey's just playing great in every which way you can think of," West said. "Every game, he does things on the court that amaze and impress me as his coach."
Green put the game on ice for Bishop Foley down the stretch. After Melvindale's Javon Thomas (28 points) drilled a 3-pointer at the third-quarter buzzer to make it 49-45, he drained a long 3 of his own to open the fourth and then connected of 5-of-5 free throws in the closing three minutes to sew things up.
As a team, Bishop Foley sank 12-of-15 from the charity stripe in the fourth quarter.
Ventures senior guard Mike Oravetz put up 19 points, 17 of which came in the second half of play, to augment Green's dominant outing.
Last season as juniors, both Green and Oravetz were starters on the first-ever Bishop Foley boys hoops team to capture a Catholic League crown. One of the top young coaches in the area, West has guided the Ventures to four straight district championships.
Back on Wednesday, Bishop Foley throttled Stoney Creek 70-38 in one semifinal and Melvindale snuck past Birmingham Brother Rice in the other on a buzzer-beating lay-up off an out-of-bounds play.
West and the Ventures have a week off before they hit the court next for a showdown with neighboring-city rival Royal Oak Shrine at home on January 7.

Five For Fighting - Motor City Madness

Five For Fighting – Best Performances at the Motor City Roundball Classic
1 "Jon Jon" Williams (Southfield-Lathrup) – This kid is plain NASTY!!! Jon Jon busted up the opposing Bradford Bulldogs defense for 34 points to go along with his seven boards and seven dimes in a down-to-the-wire Chargers' W on Monday
2 Amber Deane (Birmingham DCD) – The cagey and sleek combo-guard pumped in 29 points in the 'Jackets defeat of Midland on Thursday……Her backcourt partner Aerial Powers gets more pub, but make no mistake about it my main hooping homegirl AD is a STRAIGHT ASSASSIN on the court!!!!
3 Jamerea Samples & Jarod Jones (Pontiac) – Each scored 15 points in the Phoenix's overtime win against Detroit Renaissance on Friday. Samples was 3 for 5 from 3-point distance and buried a pair of game-winning free throws, while Jones posted a double-double, hauling down 11 rebounds, dishing off five assists and swiping away five steals
4 Dre Smith (Royal Oak) – The Ravens smooth and steady point guard scored 24 points, including seven straight in the final 90 seconds to break open a tie game and send RO to an impressive victory over Detroit Kettering on Tuesday.
5 Southfield Bradford – The whole Bulldog boys hoops crew should be proud of itself for showing everyone that they can play with the big boys, hanging tough in a slim, last-second loss to Southfield-Lathrup and snaring a GRADE-A win against Inkster courtesy of a game-winner by Ellis Martin on Friday.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Men at Work

MAVERICKS COAST TO TOURNEY TITLE ON ANOTHER NO-NONSENSE PERFORMANCE
There's not a lot of flash or pizazz to the Milford boys basketball team this year.
They don't need it.
The 2011-2012 Mavericks' cage crew is all guts and grit.
Displaying its usual brand of workmanlike-toughness, Milford remained undefeated on the season and captured the Northville Holiday Tournament in resounding fashion, topping the host Mustangs 49-34 in the tourney championship game on Thursday night.
Doing most of the damage for the Mavs was the crafty and hot-shooting backcourt of senior point guard Brandon Wallace and junior off-guard Josh Corey. Wallace registered a game-high 15 points to go along with six assists, five rebounds and three steals, while Corey, a dangerous threat from the perimeter, put up 12 points and connected on 3-for-5 attempts from long range.
Senior center Steve Sloboda, the squad's primary presence in the post, came through with another rock steady outing for Milford and head coach Chip Lutz by scoring eight points and snatching eight boards. Chris Orr, one of the Mavericks' key emotional leaders, tallied seven points, four assists and four rebounds.  
The hard-nosed victory, a typical effort from the current Milford hoop contingent, raises the team's overall record to a perfect 5-0.
Last year, the Mavs went .500 on the season, finishing at 10-10.
The continuing stellar play by Wallace at the point guard slot this year has been an integral component to Milford's early-season success. As a junior last year, Wallace, also a star running back for the school on the football field, started at shooting guard, however has been forced to switch to being the team's floor general in lieu of starting point guard Alex Larson breaking his hand in the preseason.
Back in the fall, Wallace and Larson (quarterback) took the Mavs football squad into the playoffs, breaking a two-year draught for the program from postseason play.

In its semifinal hoop contest on Wednesday, Milford snuck past Farmington 53-46 in overtime to advance into Thursday's championship tilt.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Winner Takes All

ST. MARY'S CAGE CONTINGENT ROMPS ITS WAY TO TOURNEY CROWN
Sometimes a final score can be deceiving, and a game can be more of a blowout in real time than it actually looks on paper.
Wednesday's championship game of the 9th annual Crusaders Classic, the yearly Holiday tournament held at Mount Clemens L'Anse Creuse North High School, was one of those times.
Jumping out on top with ferocious intensity, the Orchard Lake St. Mary's boys basketball team crushed the host Crusaders, holding a 42-24 lead heading into the fourth quarter, before cruising to the finish line for a 57-48 victory and claiming another in a long line of trophies for the school's trophy case.
The star of the game for the Eaglets was senior guard Ethan Woelke, who scored a game-high 20 points. Fellow seniors Chewy Ukandu and Justin Barrows put up 11 points and nine rebounds apiece for St. Mary's.
Barrows was the standout Tuesday in the Eaglets 56-54 takedown of Warren Cousino in the tourney semifinals, tallying a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds and reeling off three straight hoops late in the fourth quarter to catapult St. Mary's into a lead they would never relinquish.
Showing off their balance in Wednesday's final, the Eaglets placed four players in double figures in the scorebook. Besides Woelke, Barrows and Ukandu, junior Sam McClendon notched 10 points for the winners, too.
Since losing its opener in disappointing fashion against Clarkston two weeks ago, St. Mary's has won four straight games and holds a 4-1 overall record heading into the start of the Catholic League schedule next week.
McClendon and Barrows started for the Eaglets last season when they won district and regional titles on their way to an appearance in the Class A Elite 8. Both Woelke and Ukandu came off the bench last year.
Starting to get looks from a number of colleges for his prowess on the hardwood, Barrows, a 6-foot-7 forward that can hurt opponents inside and out, came over to St. Mary's as a sophomore from Auburn Hills Oakland Christian. A dangerous shooter and playmaker, McClendon has been on the Eaglets varsity since he was freshman.
 

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Hanging Tough

If there was ever a loss on the basketball floor that a coach and a fan-base can be proud of it was North Farmington's bitterly contested 62-53 defeat at the hands of Madison Memorial out of Wisconsin, the No. 17 ranked boys high school hoops squad in the entire country, on Tuesday night in the 17th annual Motor City Roundball Classic.
Not considered one of the favorites in its league, North Farmington played neck and neck with the defending Division 1 Wisconsin state champions until the closing few minutes.
The game was tied 22-22 at the half and knotted at 42-42 apiece entering the fourth quarter, with the pesky Raiders challenging the powerful and athletically-gifted Memorial cage crew at every turn.
Memorial, winners of three of the past five WHSAA state crowns, went on top for keeps with 7:46 remaining courtesy of a beautifully-executed three-point play by all-state senior forward Junior Lomomba. Splitting two defenders, Lomomba forced contact in the air, finger-rolled in the lay-up and then sank the ensuing free throw.
Junior swingman Jester Wear's fastbreak basket with a little less than four minutes left to go made it 54-45 in Memorial's favor.
But North Farmington kept scratching and clawing and made things interesting until the very end.
A long 3-pointer from the left wing by junior point guard Caleb Hogans and a turnaround jumper in the lane by senior center Greg Joyce brought the Raiders to within only two possessions behind at a score of 57-51 in the game's final 50 seconds.
However, a basket by Wear and free throws by Lomomba and Nigel Songola wrapped things up for Memorial down the stretch in the closing moments. Jamar Moss (16 points, 10 rebounds) also converted some critical buckets in the fourth quarter for Memorial, which out-boarded its opponents by a 2-1 margin.
Hogans headed North Farmington's admirable effort by dropping in a game-high 20 points, to go along with six assists and three steals on the night. This is Hogans second year as the Raiders' starting floor general. His older brother Robert, now playing at Spring Arbor, was an all-league pick at the school as a senior in 2010, when he teamed with Kyle Vinales (Central Connecticut State) and Urbane Bingham (JUCCO/Houston Baptist) to take TEAM NOGO to a district title.
The senior frontcourt of Joyce and Dorrell Foster did all that they could in the post to keep their team in the mix. Joyce scored 10 points and hauled down eight rebounds. Foster, one of the area's early-season surprises, scored 11 points and had 10 boards.
After snaring the hard-fought victory, Memorial bumps its record up to perfect 8-0 on the season. On Monday night, Memorial snared a win over a very good Detroit King team.
Seeing its record fall to the .500 mark at 3-3, North Farmington entered Tuesday's game riding a two-game winning streak. The Raiders return to action in the Roundball Classic on Thursday afternoon when they are slated to square off with Detroit Renaissance.  
Lomomba and Wear sparked the Memorial offense by each posting a double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds. Next year, Lomomba will be playing in college at Cleveland State.
 

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Diaper Dandy Dozen

The Top Freshman Boys Hoopsters in Oakland County
Class of 2015 – The Diaper Dandy Dozen
1 Jalin Gardner (WL Western G) – Has an extremely complete game for such a youngster
2 Jarron Rogers (North Farmington F/C) – Colossal upside for this soft-shooting big fella
3 Bakari Evelyn (Southfield Christian G) – One of the purest point guards around as only a frosh
4 Deshawn Lewis (Birmingham DCD F) – Dealing w/ early-year injuries, will show his stuff soon
5 Glacier Wallington (Oxford G) – This three-sport star is just a GREAT overall athlete
6 Keyshawn Gilmore (Southfield F) – Active wing who can bang and run the floor
7 Isaiah Green (Southfield C) – Intriguing "big" with raw size, strength and athleticism  
8 Timmy Shayoka (Troy Athens G) – Flowering floor general in REDHAWKSNATION!!!
9 Isaac Cassilas (Holly G) – Superior shooter from downtown
10 Parker Rowse (Holly G/F) – Dynamic playmaker
11 Kier Maxwell (MH Madison F/C) – Jumping jack post stud that is long & aggressive by the rim
12 Morgan Baylis (Holly G) – Comes from rich hoop stock

Monday, December 26, 2011

Burney's Boys Hoops Rankings - Moving Ahead

OC Top 10
1 Clarkston – Balance, depth, leadership, playmaking……..typical TEAM FIFE!!!
2 Birmingham DCD – Much better than their 3-2 record indicates
3 Pontiac – Can't wait for my 'Yaktown boys to go head-to-head w/ my C-Town boys next month…..gonna be another epic!!!
4 (tie) Troy – I want to see more of Colts junior point guard, Zak Noor!!!
4 (tie) WL Western – The Warriors almost have as many wins in the first two weeks of this season then they had all of last year……Great job, TEAM MURRAY!!!
5 Southfield-Lathrup – Burney is having a difficult time figuring out if the Chargers Johnny Slater is a better basketball player or baseball player?
6 North Farmington – Senior Dorrell Foster has officially reached SWAGGER LEVEL THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND TRILLION!!!!
7 MH Bishop Foley – Feeling bad for the Ventures opponents in their upcoming holiday tourney
8 (tie) Novi Detroit CC – Chase Janer is a BAD MAN!!!!
8 (tie) OL St. Mary's – The Eaglets getting ready to take flight!!!
9 Troy Athens – Everything's Jolly in RedHawksNation with Jolly Grehwal getting busy on the court for the Athens cage crew!!
10 Southfield Christian – Small school, BIG hoop squad

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Sophomore Sensations

The Top Sophomore Boys Hoopsters in Oakland County
Class of 2014 – The Tantalizing 20
1 Maury Diane (Birmingham DCD G/F) – Has battled injuries early this season, but when healthy this fantastically talented wing will shine very, very bright!!!!
2 Edmond Sumner (Birmingham DCD G) – Unbelievably impressive in early-season action in the 'Jackets backcourt…..just a PURE GAMER in every way possible!!!!
3 Maceo Baston, Jr. (Troy G/F) – This wiry and smooth swingman has really upped his game so far this year.  WILL ONLY KEEP GETTING BETTER!!!
4 Armand Cartwright (BH Lahser G) – Heady and hardworking combo guard that can score, shoot, create and lead………Can you say BRIGHT FUTURE for TEAM BLACK&YELLOW?
5 Akemji Williams (RH Adams G) – Speedy and smart floor general that has the heart and drive of a CHAMPION!!!
6 Yante Maten (BH Lahser F/C) – Rugged, raw and athletic post presence with a tremendous upside!!!
7 John McCarty (Lake Orion (F/C) – The best boys hoopster to hits DRAGONLAND since three-time all-stater Drew Maynard (Oakland University/Valdosta State)
8 Khalil Gracey (BH Lahser (F) – Fast-improving wing with a silky-soft touch from the outside and an ultra-quick first step to the rack………….WICKED COMBO!!!!
9 Lindsey Hunter IV (Southfield Christian G) – Very versatile and exhibits a high hoop IQ for a kid his age
10 Jason Alessi (Birmingham Brother Rice G) – Deadeye shooter with BIG-TIME PLAYMAKER written all over him
11 Vezzie Carthane (Pontiac G) – Has had big shoes to fill as the Phoenix's new starting point guard, replacing three-year all-league floor general Ant Adams, and has been doing one fine job keeping the standard of 'Yaktown backcourt play at a high level
12 Nick Owens (Clarkston G) – Simply put a flat-out AWESOME shooter!!!
13 Marquan Johnson (Clawson F) – Rangy and athletically-gifted wing that could wind up being quite the cage phenom in TROJANSLAND!!
14 Jermaine King (Ferndale F) – Possesses both grace and power around the rim, will really make a significant impact once eligible next month
15 Press Kampe (RH Adams G) – Rock solid point guard with rock solid bloodline
16 Jason Lee (Rochester G) – Can run an offense just as well as his counterpart, Falcons senior starting floor general Paris Pereira.
17 Rob Diez (Ferndale G/F) – Shoots it so well from downtown, Burney thinks he needs to be checked for bullets and lead running through his system
18 D.J. Stevens (AH Oakland Christian G/F) – This bulldog-style wing that has a nice 'J' and a nails-tough move to the hoop plays great in the shadow of a headline-grabbing senior class…..when the team officially becomes "his" next year and the year after…WATCH OUT
19 David Lett (North Farmington G/F) – Pleasant surprise early on bringing his tenacious and inspiring play off the bench for TEAM LITTLE NOGO!!!
20 Maurice Ways (Birmingham DCD G/F) – Part of a super sophomore class for the 'Jackets !
 

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Holiday Hoop Extavaganza

Here is a list of prep basketball games Burney is most excited to see next week in the 17th annual Motor City Roundball Classic played at Birmingham Detroit Country Day;
Pontiac v. Detroit Midtown (Monday 12:45)
The Phoenix looking for revenge from being upset by Midtown two years ago……Burney thinks they're going to get it!!!
Rochester v. Detroit Cody (Monday 4:00)
HUGE test for TEAM PLEASANT….will be good measuring stick if Falcons can hang
Troy Athens v. Detroit City (Monday 3:15)
Red Hawks need big rebound-win after getting run by Clarkston on Thursday. City, a perennial Class D power won't be an easy opponent, but I think Athens walks away with the victory
Southfield-Lathrup v. Southfield Bradford (Monday 6:45)
Lots of boasting coming out of the Bradford camp early in the season, how they fare against OAA Red contender Lathrup will be the ultimate barometer…….Expect Class C Bradford to be one of the better small school squads in the area this winter.
Royal Oak v. Detroit Kettering (Tuesday 2:20)
RO hoops stud Martell Porter is a MONSTER!! Ravens really turning things around lately!!!
North Farmington v. Madison (WI) Memorial (Tuesday 9:00 @ Marian)
Man, do the Raiders play a grueling non-conference schedule or what? The Raiders will be the definition of battle-tested when the hunt for the OAA Red gets into high gear after the New Year
Southfield-Lathrup v. Dearborn Divine Child (Thursday 11:00)
You cannot stop Chargers junior Jon Jon Williams, you can only hope to contain him!!!
North Farmington v. Detroit Renaissance (Thursday 12:40)
If Raiders star senior forward Dorrell Foster keeps playing like he has been recently (24.5 pts, 10 rebounds per game through 5 contests), he'll earn himself a D1 scholarship!!!  
Novi Detroit CC v. Chicago Orr (Thursday 5:45)
Burney can't wait to watch Shamrocks senior point guard Richie Katkic, one of the most undervalued floor generals in the OC, show his stuff
Southfield Bradford v. Inkster (Friday 11:00)
Bradford's Erik Murphy and Chris Boatman are a brutally effective inside-outside tandem
Pontiac NDP v. Ecorse (Friday 2:20)
NDP and "Mr. Do-Everything" Kellen McCormick on the big stage going up against dowriver power E-Town…..Burney is psyched to watch him do his THANG…note; look for Ecorse big fella Quaran Jones, formerly of OL St. Mary's, showing his progress in the paint for head coach and one-time UofM hoops standout Michael Talley
Pontiac v. Detroit Renaissance (Friday 4:00)
Junior 'Yaktown swingman Jarod Jones is flourishing into the star Burney knew he would be
Birmingham DCD v. Chicago Orr (Friday 9:00)
CLASH OF THE INTER-STATE TITANS………'Nuff said!!!!!
 

Friday, December 23, 2011

Five For Fighting - X-Mas Season Surprises

Five For Fighting – Most Surprising Early-Season Efforts In The OC
1 Dorrell Foster (North Farmington) – Practically out of nowhere, this sly, powerful and exciting 6-5 wing has been playing at an unbelievably high clip right out of the gate, averaging close to 25 pts-10 rebs per game. He will be one of the top 3 individual players in the OAA Red this winter, arguably the best Class A league in the state.
2 Jordan Dasuqi (Clarkston) – Has really coming into his own this year, playing a brand of hoops that is that rare combination of flashy and fundamentally-sound at the same time. Only a junior, look for my man JD to be putting up 25+ a night next year when the C-Town 'Big 3' aka the Wolfpack terrorizing trifecta of Nick Tatu, Mitch Baenizger and Matt Dellinger, graduates.
3 Gavin Toma (Southfield Christian) – A member of the Eagles varsity since he was a freshman, this multi-faceted swingman hadn't seen the court much the last three years due to injury. Surrounded by higher-profile teammates for a SCS squad that is one of the best in the state in Class D, he's been making up for lost time in a major way; he's arguably been the Eagles best player so far, averaging an impressive 20 points, six assists and seven rebounds per game.
4 (tie) Marcarius Coakley (Troy Athens) – Judging by his outstanding early-season performance, he will challenge for MVP honors in the OAA Blue
4 (tie) Gage Throgmorton (WL Northern) – Establishing himself as a bonafide college prospect by shooting the lights out for TEAM THOMPSON in the NorthSiders first three games of the campaign. Like Dasuqi, Throgmorton is only a junior and before it's all said and done on his prep career as a Knight, he might end up the best hoopster in school history.
5 Zak Noor-Joe Leonard (Troy) – The Colts reserve backcourt has been forced to step up in lieu of all-league senior point guard Evan Mahone being on the shelf as a result of internal issues and boy, have they been up to the task. Without Mahone in the lineup, Troy is 2-1, in large part because of the play of this excellent back-up duo. Noor (8 points, 6 asst per outing) is a lethally quick and heady pure point guard. Leonard (13.5 pts, 4 asst per outing) is a combo-guard that has acted as a human sparkplug for TEAM FRALICK, scoring the ball in bunches and playing lockdown defense.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Senior Specimens

Best Senior Boys Hoopsters in Oakland County
Class of 2012 – The Hot 25
1 Corey Green (MH Bishop Foley F)
 Exploded up the charts since start of the year…DOMINATING!
2 Kellen McCormick (Pontiac NDP F)
Just keeps improving!!
3 Jodan Price (Birmingham DCD F)
Becoming a more complete player
4 Taylor Perry (Rochester G/F)
Keeps showing his worth on the perimeter
5 Dorrell Foster (North Farmington F)
The surprise of the early season
6 Kyle Cooper (Novi Detroit CC F)
With the football wear-and-tear subsiding, this CC hoops monster is just getting started
7 Damon Bozeman (MH Madison G/F)
Doesn't get enough respect!! This kid is a WARRIOR!!! Will be a steal at next level!!
8 Robert Puleikis (Birmingham DCD C)
Can't wait to see this electrifying EURO DYNAMO play in the 'Jackets frontcourt
9 The Clarkston 3 (Tatu-Baenziger-Dellinger G)
The consummate prep athletes!!! Burney sees Final Four in the future!!
10 Chris Dewberry-Lindsay Hunter III (Southfield Christian G)
Dynamic scoring tandem that will give the Eagles legit shot at a state title
11 (tie) Justin Barrows (OL St. Mary's F) – Upside by the boatload at the next level!!
11 (tie) Matt Doneth (Novi Detroit CC F) – Competes in "BEAST MODE" every second!!
12 Mike Oravetz-Max Aleshire (MH Bishop Foley G) – Most underrated backcourt in area?
13 Marcarius Coakley (Troy Athens G/F) – HUGE opening two weeks……THE REAL DEAL!!!
14 Aaron Prim (WL Western F) – A human double-double!
15 Jamarea Samples (Pontiac G) – Most pure jumper in the OC!
16 Nate Stepney (Ferndale G/F) – Can hurt opponents in multiple ways
17 Caleb McIntosh (Troy Athens G) – Could be most underappreciated PG in the OC
18 (tie) Evan Mahone (Troy G) - Once out of the doghouse, WATCH OUT!!

18 (tie) Mark Hazelwood (Oxford G)
– Great scorer!
19 Sterling Morrow (BH Cranbrook G) – Prepschool Powerhouse!!!
20 Jared Sheena (WL Northern G) – Leader of the Knights cage reclamation project
21 Darren Byrd (West Bloomfield G) – Will show the OAA Red his stuff this year!!
22 Gavin Toma (Southfield Christian G/F) – Burney's early season MIP
23 Paris Pereira (Rochester G) – FLAT OUT FABULOUS floor general!!
24 James Berger (RH Adams G) – JB has a 'J' like PB&J…SMOOTH and SWEET!!
25 Chris Hare (Farmington G) – Diamond in the rough in FALCONLAND!
 

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Northern Comfort

RIDING BALANCED EFFORT, WOLFPACK HOOPSTERS HEAD NORTH & SNAG VICTORY
The Clarkston boys basketball team went on the road on Tuesday and got some vengeance for a defeat last year at the hands of Flint Northern while at the same time staying perfect on the current campaign by beating the host Vikings 75-69.
Running their record to 4-0, Clarkston showed off its versatility and balance, battering Northern from all angles.
Wolfpack senior guard Nick Tatu led Clarkston's scoring charge with a game-high 25 points. Matt Dellinger and Jordan Dasuqi put up 17 apiece and Mitch Baenziger posted 16.
Dellinger and Baenziger, both seniors, and Dasuqi, a standout junior, registered five assists each as well.
TEAM FIFE will have precious little time to savor and celebrate its win over Northern, since the Wolfpack are slated for a tough game on Thursday night with upstart Troy Athens, a squad which ran its record to 4-0 as well on Tuesday by blowing out Oxford.
Thursday showdown in the Wolfden provides Clarkston another opportunity to avenge a loss from last winter when the Red Hawks took down C-Town for the first time in school history.
As freshman, Dellinger and Tatu were members of Clarkston's 2009 final four team. Dan Fife-coached teams have captured an eyebrow-raising 18 consecutive district titles.
Next year, Dellinger, the Wolves' starting point guard, will be playing football in college at Kent State, where he's expected to join the Golden Flashes as an outside linebacker.
Back in the fall, with Dellinger and C-Town starting center Zach Collins, holding down the school's defense on the gridiron, Baenziger captained the offense, starting at quarterback on the Wolves' state-power football squad.
 

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Junior Juggernauts

Burney's Top Junior Boys Hoopsters
Class of 2013 - The Oakland County Hot 25
1 James Young (Troy G/F) – "The Chosen One" aka one of the best players in the NATION!
2 Miroslav Jakisic (WL Western C) – Definition of the word "Upside"
3 Austin Price (Birmingham DCD G) – Just a GREAT lead guard that can create,shoot & score
4 Jon Jon Williams (Southfield-Lathrup G) – Keeps improving and that's SCARY!!!
5 Caleb Hogans (North Farmington G) – The perfect OAA RED floor general
6 Chris Boatman (Southfield Bradford G) – Under the radar super stud at the point guard spot
7 Jordan Dasuqui (Clarkston G) – Next in the line of outstanding C-Town backcourt specimens
8 Jarod Jones (Pontiac G/F) – Typical 'Yaktown gem, tough and smooth at the same time
9 Sam McClendon (OL St. Mary's G) – His nickname is "McClutch" for a reason
10 Gage Throgmorton (WL Northern F) – Lanky swingman blossoming into a star this year
11 Jeff Koch (Troy Athens F/C) – Love this kid in the post, superior footwork and touch
12 Zach Littleson (RH Adams G/F) – Simply solid in a slew of different ways
13 Earl Swift-Brandon Bean (Southfield F) – this pair of Bluejays ballers are building for 2013
14 Garrett Ross (Waterford Lakes F) – His mom is a Robak….'Nuff Said!!!!
15 Chuck Sanders (Lakeland F) – RAW & REALLY GOOD!!
16 Kyle Irvin (Birmingham Groves F) – RAW & REALLY GOOD!!
17 Paris Bass (Birmingham Seaholm G/F) – The next Maples hoop stud!!
18 Khalil Malone (Waterford Mott G) – Excellent point guard
19 Martez Jones (BH Lahser G/F) – Part of the Knights' current cage resurgence
20 Quinton Cook (Ortonville Brandon G/F) – One of the better players in the Flint Metro
21 Poet Thomas (Birmingham DCD C) – Football star that can hoop it up at a high level
22 Deandre Jackson (MH Bishop Foley G) – Steady floor general that runs the ship for Foley
23 Garrett House (Birmingham Roeper F) – SUPER Raw talent on the wing, great athleticism
24 Ben Temrowski (Stoney Creek G) – Might be the best outside shooter in the area
25 Josh Corey (Milford G) – One of the better long range assassins in the KLAA