I really like what I'm seeing from the Birmingham Brother Rice basketball squad so far this season.

The Warriors are 5-1 out of the gates.  TEAM SHAFFER has proven to be one of the most dangerous shooting clubs in the whole area.

They could wind up surprising a lot of people and contending for a Catholic League crown.

What's even more noteworthy is that Brother Rice's Orange&Black cage crew is doing all of this after losing the services of their top returning player, senior ALL-EVERYTHING megawatt BALLER Jason Alessi (all-state in f'ball, LAX & all-CHSL in bball), who opted to not come out for his final season of prep hoops.

Alessi is fresh off helping lead the school's football team to a 3peat state-title last month and committing to play on the gridiron in college in the Ivy League at historic Yale University.

Minus Alessi, Shaffer's Warriors haven't missed a beat.

After a minor bump in the road, taking a loss to Ferndale in their season-opener, Brother Rice has reeled off five straight 'W's', capped by a 60-59 victory over Madison Heights Bishop Foley in the Ventures' annual holiday tourney championship game.

Alright, let's roll call it and shout out these Warrior hoopster delights.

Patrick Sparks – Cash Money from downtown (drained game-winning 3 to beat Bishop Foley), a genuine leader and playmaker, lives up to his nickname "The Firecracker" with his explosive nature on the hardwood..Can u say HEAT CHECK?

Kevin Hayes – This 6-foot-5 forward has an upside that's through the roof, just sick potential that's beginning to blossom into stardom, long and athletic, sweet stroke and good court instinct...might be a Top 5 player in the Catholic League by the conclusion of the campaign in March....YEAH I SAID IT!!

Dominic Downs – Fast-rising junior shooting guard that's nails tough in the backcourt, gritty as humanly possible and a deadeye marksman out on the perimeter

Stephen Middlebrooks – Crafty, bulldog of a senior combo guard that finds his way into the lane and causes problems with his tightly-constructed mid-range game and ability to slip in between defenders and get to the rack

Nick Bielke – Took over point guard duties in the wake of the Alessi departure and has played like a savvy vet in his stead. The junior floor general can set tempo, create for his teammates on the break or the half-court set and score from beyond the arc.

Drew Gallagher – Another sniper for the Orange&Black Hoop Attack that can provide some instant 'O' off the bench

Delano Madison – Speedy defensive specialist that can be a terror in the open floor on transition

Jaqualin Hannah – Transfer from crosstown at Birmingham Detroit Country Day where he won a Class B state title last winter, this 6-foot-4 forward could be a real X Factor when he gets eligible next month after MLK Day

Sean Mattingly, Denny Flynn, Mitchell Shaffer, Davis Feldman, Ryan Jordan, Brendan Smith – A half-dozen "Glue Guys" that contribute to the effort if and when called upon